الفهرس 
Subjects and MethodsOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 133 |  |  |
| | | from | 133 | | |
Abstract
Teoh, et al., (2007) pointed out that practices vary among individual practitioners and different institutions worldwide regarding the post-partum dietary management and “safe” timing for the re-introduction of solids. Historically, patients fasted after abdominal surgery until the return of bowel sounds or passage of flatus. According to Mangesi and Hofmeyr, (2007), the majority of women who undergo caesarean delivery are relatively young, healthy and well-nourished individuals who tolerate surgery well. The nature of caesarean section surgery, which includes minimal bowel manipulation, a low rate of pre-operative peritonitis and a relatively short duration of surgery, allows a more rapid postoperative return of bowel function and quite more rapid patients recovery compared with other major abdominal surgeries, or the ill/moribund patients.
Izbizky et al., (2008) also reported that this practice of withholding oral feeds has not been scientifically tested until recently and were not evidence based. In fact, there is some evidence in the basic science and general surgery literature that disputes this surgical dogma and supports early oral feeding after surgery. Recent literature has shown that early oral feeding is associated with reduced protein store depletion, improved wound healing and faster recovery with earlier hospital discharge and reduced costs.
In addition, Bar et al., (2008), stated that EOI and its associated early recovery of normal bowel function have been shown to be an important determinant for improving postoperative outcome and facilitating early hospital discharge. Good nutritional and fluid balance status contributes to postoperative wound healing and recovery. Maintaining the bowel function postoperatively also aids in the healing process.
Furthermore, Beier-Holgersen et al., (2003) viewed that clinical observations have suggested that the actual return of bowel function precedes clinically detectable signs of function by at least 24 hours with the return of small bowel function as early as six hours after surgery in many cases.
The current study aimed at assessing the effect of early versus delayed (traditional) initiation of oral intake of food and fluids on maternal satisfaction and postoperative bowel function in women who have undergone caesarean section.
The current study was conducted at two settings in Menoufia governorate, namely; the University hospital and Shebin El-kom teaching hospital. Quazi- experimental research design (comparative study) was used in carrying out the study and research hypotheses were formulated.
The target population of this study was post cesarean section women under regional anaesthesia. A convenient sample was recruited (N=200) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The accessible populations of interest were volunteers and willing to participate in this study.
The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) elective primary caesarean sections (2) regional anesthesia (3) no previous laparotomy (4) no history of bowel obstruction (5) free of any chronic medical diseases.
Throughout the course of the study, data were collected using four instruments which were developed by the researcher and reviewed by a jury of qualified experts, then tested for validity and reliability.