AIM: This study aimed to explore the effect of early enteral nutrition on the postoperative recovery of elderly patients undergoing surgery for intestinal obstruction.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of elderly patients (n = 100) who underwent surgery for intestinal obstruction between January 2021 and January 2024. Based on the nutritional support, patients were categorized into the enteral nutrition group (n = 43) and the control group (n = 57). The two groups were compared in terms of baseline characteristics, pain scores, nutritional status, recovery parameters, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS: Visual analogue score (VAS) pain scores were significantly lower at all postoperative time points in the enteral nutrition group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). By postoperative day 8, levels of total protein, albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin had remarkably increased in both groups (p < 0.001), with more pronounced improvements observed in the enteral nutrition group (p < 0.001). The time to first flatus, time of first defecation, time of gastrointestinal function recovery and length of hospital stay were all significantly shorter in the enteral nutrition group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the overall incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Early enteral nutrition support is associated with enhanced postoperative nutritional status, reduced pain, and accelerated recovery in elderly patients following surgery for intestinal obstruction without increasing the risk of complications.