At the outset vomiting often occurs and makes the administration of food difficult. It is, however, best to abstain from all foods, until pain and tenderness have gone, even if necessary for several days because nothing helps more to bring about improvement than such abstinence from food. Water usually can be permitted in small quantities. Abstinence from food is most important as it helps many cases to recovery and puts others in the best condition possible for an operation. When food is given, it must be liquid and of such character as to be absorbed from the stomach as completely as possible. Much residue of food in the intestine will irritate it and provoke peristalsis that may be both painful and dangerous. Peristalsis may prevent adhesions and spread inflammation of the peritoneum. Broths, beaten eggs, peptonized milk, whey, and thin strained gruels are the best.

After an operation food ought to be withheld for from twenty-four to thirty-six hours. Sterilized water may be given before and after operation. During recovery the amount of food should gradually be increased and changed in character, but for some time those articles that leave in the intestine considerable residue should be avoided. Especially coarse breads, coarse cereals, tough, fibrous meats, skins of vegetables and of fruits belong to this class.