Why Is Intravenous Feeding Necessary After An Aortic Aneurysm Surgery?

Posted on Sat, 8 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 8 Oct 2016 Answered on

Tue, 8 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Yes, thank you. My 79 year old brother in law had an aortic aneurysm surgery repair 22 days ago. He is still in the hospital and has not responded well. He is not able to have anything on his stomach and they are having to feed him intraveniously (sic). My question is, does the stomach temporarily die after being removed from the surgery and therefore has to start functioning again on its own before he can tolerate or digest any food?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The stomach does not die but is allowed to rest to enhance healing

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
Thanks for writing in to us.

It is not like the stomach has to die temporarily. The doctors are giving rest to the stomach and abdominal organs to cause healing after the surgery for aortic aneurysm.

The stomach is as good as before but the doctors are observing a wait and watch approach and will permit oral feeds once they are sure that the healing is taking place after surgery.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar