The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has announced that patients who have undergone abdominoplastys (tummy tucks) may not need to have their food withheld meaning that there is the potential for patients to be released more quickly from hospital after surgery.

According to ASAPS, abdominoplasty was the fourth most popular form of cosmetic surgery in 2006 with 172,457 procedures performed – an increase on over 400% from 1997.

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most horrible experiences associated with having cosmetic surgery. PONV can causes dehydration and retchin and this in turn can lead to poor wound healing. in the past, patients have had their food withheld after surgery until they show signs of bowel activity and this was thought to help prevent PONV. The patient would be placed on an intravenous drip to avoid dehydration. However, no studies were made to find if the withholding of food after surgery did in fact lower PONV instances.

If the patients are able to eat sooner after surgery, it may prevent the need for intravenous drips meaning that patients will be able to go home sooner. This has the double bonus of making the patient morec omfortable as well as saving on health care costs.

The study observed 22 patients who had been split into two groups. In one group, the patients followed the traditional route of not having any food/drink directly after surgery. In the second group, patients were allowed to follow a regular diet directly after surgery. All other aspects of care stayed the same. The results showed that there was no statistical difference with regards to PONV between the two groups.

Surgeons are cautiously optimistic about the findings however are keen to point out that post-surgical care must not fall short and that the results do not diminish some of the benefits of post-operative hospital care.