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The tradition of withholding postoperative enteral feeds until the spontaneous resolution of ileus, demonstrated by the return of flatus or bowel movement is not supported by the literature. There is an abundance of evidence from the basic science and general surgery literature that supports early feeding after surgery. This is a review of the available literature on postoperative feeding, including data from gastrointestinal physiology. We conclude that early feeding is safe and well tolerated after most obstetric and gynecologic procedures and will lead to decreased cost, shorter hospitalization, and improved patient satisfaction.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including the one by Alice B. Morgan in the July/August 2011 issue and a reader's letter in the March/April 2011 issue.

Presents the poem "Wake-Up Call," by Mary Catherine Johnson.