The Food Network Effect

Postoperative ileus and delayed return of gastrointestinal function remain common complications following abdominal surgery and contribute to patient discomfort, prolonged hospitalization, and increased healthcare utilization. Despite advances in perioperative management and implementation of enhanced recovery protocols, impaired bowel function after surgery continues to affect recovery. Early enteral stimulation has been associated with improved gastrointestinal recovery; however, many patients experience appetite suppression or difficulty tolerating oral intake during the immediate postoperative period.

Digestive activity is influenced by the cephalic phase response, a physiologic process in which sensory cues associated with food can activate neural pathways involved in digestion prior to food consumption. Visual food cues have been shown to affect appetite and physiologic responses related to feeding behavior, suggesting a potential mechanism through which noninvasive sensory stimulation could influence postoperative gastrointestinal recovery.

This study evaluates a structured behavioral intervention using food-related television programming during peri-meal periods as an adjunct to routine postoperative care. Participants will be prospectively randomized to receive either scheduled exposure to food-related visual stimuli or standard postoperative care. The intervention is designed to provide a simple, low-cost, non-pharmacologic strategy that can be implemented using existing hospital resources without altering routine clinical management.

The findings from this study may provide insight into whether sensory stimulation through visual food exposure can enhance postoperative recovery and serve as a scalable adjunct to current perioperative care practices

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients aged ≥18 years
• Undergoing abdominal surgery (including general, colorectal, trauma, or surgical oncology procedures) requiring inpatient post operative admission
• Able to participate in the intervention, including engaging with television based stimuli
• Able to follow simple instructions in the postoperative period

Exclusion criteria

• Critical illness requiring ICU-level care beyond the immediate postoperative period
• Mechanical ventilation (intubated patients)
• Requirement for high-level non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP for respiratory failure)
• Hemodynamic instability requiring vasopressor support
• Life support measures, including continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) or ECMO
• Altered mental status impairing participation (delirium requiring restraints)
• Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 13 or inability to follow commands