Early versus standard oral feeding after uncomplicated open appendectomy in children
Official title: Early vs Conventional Enteral Nutrition After Uncomplicated Paediatric Open appendectomy-a Randomised Control Trial
Run by Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore · NCT07016919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether giving children oral food within 6 hours after an uncomplicated open appendectomy, instead of waiting 24 hours, shortens hospital stay and changes common side effects like nausea or vomiting.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2025 |
| Study ends | October 2025 |
| Registry record updated | June 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07016919 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children 6–14 years old with uncomplicated acute appendicitis who had an open appendectomy, are ASA class I, and whose guardian consents to participate and follow-up.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with complicated appendicitis, significant comorbidities, prior gut surgery, severe malnutrition or obesity, prolonged anesthesia, postoperative shock, ongoing infection, or GI dysfunction are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Children aged 6–14 who have uncomplicated acute appendicitis and undergo open appendectomy are enrolled and randomly assigned to start oral nutrition either within 6 hours after anesthesia recovery or at the conventional 24-hour mark. Both groups receive the same perioperative care including preoperative antibiotics and non-opioid analgesia. Investigators record length of hospital stay, time to first flatus and stool, and postoperative symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and diarrhea, with follow-up through one week after discharge. Data are collected on a questionnaire and analyzed statistically to compare clinical outcomes and complications between the two feeding approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, earlier feeding could shorten hospital stays and speed recovery after uncomplicated appendectomy in children.
How similar studies have gone: Similar early-feeding approaches after uncomplicated abdominal surgery, including some pediatric and adult appendectomy reports, have generally shown safety and shorter hospital stays, so the approach is not entirely novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 6-14years * Both male\& female * Uncomplicated appendicitis(no perforation/gangrene) * patients who underwent open appendectomy * ASA grade 1 only * willing to participate and follow up Exclusion Criteria: * Any underlying comorbidities or organ dysfunction for example renal,GI, respiratory, congenital heart disease * severe protein caloric malnourishment or obesity BMI\>25 * any past surgical history related to gut * any associated malignancy * prolonged surgery(anesthesia time\>3hours) * complicated appendicitis (gangrene, perforation,intra-abdominal abscess) * post-op shock * ongoing infection * GI dysfunction such as gastroesophageal reflux disease/obstruction.
Where it's running
-
Shaikh Zayed federal postgraduate medical institute Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr Noor Ulain
- Email: noorulainch2@gmail.com
- Phone: +92 3064687704
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.