Diseases of the colon and rectum
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Our intent was to show that immediate postoperative feeding of a regular diet after elective colorectal surgery was safe, tolerable, and feasible. ⋯ Early postoperative feeding is safe and is tolerated by the majority of patients. Early feeding, if tolerated, decreases length of hospital stay and may decrease health care costs. Longer operative time and increased blood loss intraoperatively may indicate a more difficult procedure and identify those patients who will not tolerate early feeding.