Cancer patients recover faster from gastrointestinal surgery if given liquid food directly into the intestine, a study suggests.
The research, on 121 patients, was carried out by Cardiff University.
Its authors said widespread adoption of the practice could potentially save the NHS millions of pounds.
Oesophageal, stomach and pancreatic cancer patients usually fast, or are nil by mouth, for up to 10 days after gastrointestinal surgery.
It had been thought nutrition hampered patients' recovery.
But the latest trial suggests that theory is wrong.
It found that patients given nutrition directly into the intestine through a feeding tube recovered around three days faster than those who were fasted and only given basic hydration.
Patients also developed fewer major complications following their surgery.
The researchers believe that if liquid food is given after all major abdominal and thoracic surgery it could save the NHS millions of pounds.
Lead researcher Dr Rachael Barlow said: "In our trial we turned the traditional thinking to starve patients after major gastrointestinal surgery on its head and have found huge benefits.
"The striking find that nutrients straight after surgery meant patients recovered quicker and tended to have fewer complications has major implications for the NHS. Read more...
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