An Evaluation of Alvimopan Use as Part of Perioperative Management of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Small and Large Bowel Resections

Abstract

Objective Delayed gastrointestinal (GI) recovery (postoperative ileus) is a risk for patients undergoing bowel resection (BR) and presents clinical challenges including prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) and increased postoperative morbidity. Alvimopan, an oral, peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist, is the first therapy approved to accelerate GI recovery after BR. Published data have described alvimopan use in open BR. In contrast, this study focused on laparoscopic BR. Methods Historic data were retrospectively collected and alvimopan data were prospectively collected from 1 surgeon at our facility. Adults undergoing laparoscopic partial small or large BR with primary anastamosis scheduled to receive intravenous, opioid-based, patient-controlled analgesia were eligible. Pregnancy, opioid analgesic on the home medication reconciliation form, complete bowel obstruction, colostomy or ileostomy creation, and unplanned surgery were exclusion criteria. All patients were uniformly managed with a standardized accelerated postoperative care pathway to facilitate GI recovery. LOS, time to first bowel movement (BM), 30-day readmission rate, and the cost were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Pearson chi-square and independent samples t tests. Results Thirty-nine alvimopan and 56 historic cohort patients were included. Time to first BM was reduced by 1.2 days and LOS was reduced by 1.1 days (both P < .001) in the alvimopan cohort compared with control. Overall variable cost data were reduced by $1,368 in the alvimopan cohort. Readmission rates were low and comparable. Conclusions Laparoscopic surgery can decrease LOS compared with open BR; however, alvimopan use at our facility reduced LOS and time to BM while remaining cost-effective in this patient population.