Early enteral feeding after intestinal anastomosis in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review demonstrates that early enteral nutrition (within 48 hours) after pediatric bowel anastomosis surgery reduces surgical site infections, septic complications, and hospital length of stay compared to delayed feeding, without increasing anastomotic leak risk. The evidence supports changing traditional practice of prolonged postoperative fasting in children undergoing intestinal surgery.