A standardized feeding regimen for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis decreases length of hospitalization and hospital costs

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Before the institution of a standardized feeding regimen (SFR) for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) at the authors' institution, the postoperative feeding regimen and, thus, the length of hospitalization for HPS patients was variable. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a SFR would affect the length of hospitalization or hospital costs for HPS patients. METHODS: A 5-year retrospective analysis was performed on 242 patients who underwent pyloromyotomy via a standard right upper quadrant incision. The length of hospitalization and hospital costs were compared in these patients before and after the institution of a standardized postoperative feeding regimen. RESULTS: The SFR decreased total length of hospitalization by 19.4% (3.1 days v2.5 days, P = .002), postoperative length of stay by 21% (1.9 days v 1.5 days, P< .001), total costs by 11.9% (P= .05), direct costs by 7.7% (P= .22), and indirect costs by 18.6% (P= .003). This occurred despite a small increase in costs per day. The SFR did not change the complication rate (5.3% before SFR v6.1% after SFR, P = 1.0). CONCLUSION: A postoperative standardized feeding regimen for patients with HPS decreased length of hospitalization and hospital costs without adverse effects.