When Can we Feed after a Gastrointestinal Bleed?

AbstractPurpose of ReviewGastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can carry minimal or significant risk for recurrent hemorrhage. Timing of feeding after GI bleeding remains an area of debate, and here we review the evidence supporting recommendations.Recent FindingsImproved understanding of the pathophysiology of GI bleeding and the evolution of treatment strategies has significantly altered the management of GI bleeding and the associated propensity for rebleeding. Early feeding following peptic ulcer bleeding remains ill-advised for high risk lesions while early initiation of liquid diets following cessation of esophageal variceal bleeding is appropriate and shortens hospital stays.SummaryTime to feeding following GI bleeding is inherently based on the disease etiology, severity, and risk of recurrent hemorrhage. With evolving standards of care, rates of rebleeding following endoscopic hemostasis are decreasing. Some evidence exists for early feeding however, larger multi-center trials are needed to help optimize timing of feeding in higher risk lesions.

Source: Current Gastroenterology Reports - February 11, 2022 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research