ObjectiveTo study the proper time of first postoperative eating in patients after orthopedic surgery with spinal anesthesia. MethodsA total of 160 patients who underwent orthopedic surgery from April 2012 to November 2014 were divided into trial group and control group.The symptoms of hunger, thirst, throat discomfort, vomiting and bloating were evaluated at hour 4 and 8 after surgery.The first oral feeding time and the incidence of constipation were analyzed and compared between the two groups. ResultsThe incidence of hunger and thirst in the trial group was significantly lower than that in the control group at hour 4 after surgery (P < 0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of throat discomfort, vomiting and bloating between the trial group and the control group at hour 4 and 8 after surgery (P > 0.05).Compared with the control group, the first time of oral feeding was significantly earlier (P < 0.05) and the incidence of constipation was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the trial group. ConclusionWithout adverse reactions, early postoperative eating can alleviate the hunger and thirst sensation of patients after orthopedic surgery with spinal anesthesia, and reduce the incidence of constipation.