Abstract
Objective: Evaluate the benefits of early feeding in the postoperative period of digestive surgery. Methods: It is an integrative literature review whose theme was researched in the Scielo and Pubmed database through the descriptors "alimentação no pós-operatório" and "postoperative feeding", respectively, including articles with patients over 18 years old and without restriction the date of publication. Results: The review of the selected articles showed that the traditional management of postoperative feeding is outdated and the formulation of new protocols such as Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and Aceleração da Recuperação Total Pós-Operatória (ACERTO) allows for a beneficial change in this conduct. Early feeding in the postoperative period is responsible for accelerating recovery in the postoperative period as well as reducing hospital costs during the patient's hospitalization. These benefits are seen in both open and video surgeries. Another important aspect is the anatomical region of the procedure, with colorectal surgeries being the most studied and with the most consistent positive results. Final Considerations: Early feeding in the postoperative period of colorectal surgery and upper digestive surgery is safe, reducing morbidity, mortality and hospital stay.