Tolerance Of Solid Food Research Articles

Alvimopan for Enhanced Gastrointestinal Recovery after Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Surgical management of peritoneal metastases with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is associated with prolonged length of stay and time to return of bowel function. Alvimopan is a peripherally acting opioid antagonist that reduces postoperative ileus. We sought to determine the efficacy of alvimopan on return of bowel function in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-institution, IRB-approved trial was conducted in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC from March 2018 to April 2020. Patients received alvimopan or placebo preoperatively and twice daily postoperatively for 7 days. The primary endpoint (GI-2) was the time of tolerance of solid food and first bowel movement (BM). Secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients with prolonged ileus, time to first flatus, first BM, tolerance of solid food, discharge, and adverse events (AEs). Sixty-two patients met eligibility criteria and received placebo (n = 32) or alvimopan (n = 30), and were included in the analysis. The median time to GI-2 was 152 hours (95% CI 134, 204) in the placebo arm versus 117 hours (95% CI 102, 158) in the alvimopan arm (p = 0.04). The time to BM was 89 hours (95% CI 71, 114) in the placebo arm vs 67 hours (95% CI 62, 89) in the alvimopan arm (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in AE rates, proportion of patients with prolonged ileus, or other secondary endpoints. Perioperative alvimopan was well tolerated and accelerated bowel function recovery in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC.

A Role for Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Postoperative Delayed Gastrointestinal Functioning.

Delayed bowel function (DBF) and postoperative ileus (POI) are common gastrointestinal complications after surgery. There is no reliable imaging study to help diagnose these complications, forcing clinicians to rely solely on patient history and physical exam. Gastric point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a simple bedside imaging technique to evaluate gastric contents but has not been evaluated in postoperative patients. Twenty colorectal patients were enrolled in this pilot study. Patients were categorized as either full or empty stomach based upon their postoperative day one gastric POCUS exams and previously published definitions. The primary outcome was GI-3 recovery, a dual end point defined as tolerance of solid food and either flatus or bowel movement. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, emesis, time to first flatus, time to first bowel movement, nasogastric tube placement, aspiration events, and mortality. Nine of 20 patients had a full stomach postoperatively. Patients with full stomachs were younger and received greater perioperative opioid doses (74.0±28.2 v 42.6±32.9 morphine equivalents, P=0.0363) compared to empty stomach patients. GI-3 recovery occurred significantly later for patients with postoperative day 1 full stomachs (2.1±0.4 versus 1±0days, P=0.00091). Based upon this pilot study, gastric POCUS may hold promise as a noninvasive and simple bedside modality to potentially help identify colorectal patients at risk for postoperative DBF and POI and should be evaluated in a larger study.

Coffee is more than just caffeine – a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled superiority trial (CaCo trial)

Abstract Objective Avoidance of prolonged postoperative bowel paralysis after colorectal surgery is of major importance due to its significant clinical implications. Postoperative caffeine consumption appears to be a promising strategy. The aim of this study was to assess whether postoperative oral caffeine intake shortens bowel hypomotility after elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods This was a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled superiority trial conducted from October 1st, 2015 to August 10th, 2020. Patients aged >=18 years with malignant or benign disease undergoing elective laparoscopic colectomy were included and assigned randomly before surgery to receive 3x daily either 100 mg caffeine or 200 mg caffeine or 250 mg corn starch (placebo) after the procedure. Substances were served in indistinguishable capsules three times daily before the meals. The primary endpoint was time to first bowel movement, measured from the time of wound closure to the patient's first defecation. Secondary endpoints included colonic transit time, time to tolerance of solid food, length of hospital stay and perioperative morbidity. Results A total of 60 patients were randomized, 20 to each group. Twenty-seven patients followed the protocol and were included in the per-protocol (PP) analysis. Baseline characteristics were similarly distributed among the groups. In intention-to-treat analysis, the time to first bowel movement in the caffeine 200 mg group was 67.9 h (standard deviation [SD] 19.2), in the caffeine 100 mg group 68.2 h (SD 32.2) and in the placebo group 67.3 h (SD 22.7) (p=0.887). PP analysis and measurement of colonic transit time (41.8 h [SD 21.7] in the caffeine 200 mg group, 34.2 h [SD 22.9] in the caffeine 100 mg group and 46.3 h [SD 20.6] in the placebo group, p=0.317) confirmed non-significant differences. The time to tolerance of solid food, length of hospital stay and postoperative morbidity were comparable among the three groups and no deaths or related serious adverse events were observed during the study. Conclusion Although caffeine intake after laparoscopic colorectal surgery is safe, its administration was not associated with a shortened time to first bowel movement in contrast to previous studies. Thus, other ingredients of coffee might be responsible for the intestinal stimulatory effect previously described.

Effect of Wuda granule on gastrointestinal function recovery after laparoscopic intestinal resection: a randomized-controlled trial.

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that the Wuda granule (WDG) could promote the recovery of gastrointestinal (GI) function after gynecologic abdominal surgery. This trial aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of WDG in the rapid recovery of GI function in patients after laparoscopic intestinal resection in the setting of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)-based perioperative care.MethodsWe performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Thirty patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the WDG group or the placebo group in a 1:1 ratio. The patients received WDG or placebo twice a day in addition to ERAS-based perioperative care, starting on post-operative Day 1 until Day 3. The primary outcomes were time to first bowel movement and time to first tolerance of solid food. The secondary outcomes were time to first flatus, length of hospital stay (LOS), and post-operative ileus-related morbidity. Adverse events were also recorded.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The median time to first bowel movement was significantly decreased in the WDG group compared with the control group (27.6 vs 50.1 h; P < 0.001), but the median times to first flatus (22.9 vs 25.1 h; P > 0.05) and LOS (5.0 vs 5.0 days; P > 0.05) were not statistically different. The occurrence rates of post-operative nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain were similar in the two groups. No adverse events occurred in any patients.ConclusionsThe addition of WDG to ERAS post-operative care after laparoscopic intestinal resection can safely promote the rapid recovery of GI function.

The effect of coffee/caffeine on postoperative ileus following elective colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PurposePostoperative ileus (POI) is the most common complication of elective colon resection. Coffee or caffeine has been reported to be useful in improving gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of coffee/caffeine on POI in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.MethodsWe searched Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed, and ClinicalTrials.gov (until July 2021) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of coffee or caffeine on bowel movements and POI in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes were calculated and are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A random effects model was used in all meta-analyses.ResultsA total of four RCTs including 312 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Postoperative coffee or caffeine consumption decreased the time to first bowel movement (MD, − 10.36 h; 95% CI, − 14.61 to − 6.11), shortened the length of hospital stay (MD, − 0.95 days; 95% CI, − 1.57 to − 0.34), and was associated with a decreased risk of the use of any laxatives after the procedure (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.92). The time to first flatus, time to tolerance of solid food, risk of any postoperative complication, postoperative reinsertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube, and anastomotic leakage showed no statistical differences between groups.ConclusionPostoperative coffee or caffeine consumption improved bowel movement and decreased the duration of hospital stay in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. This method is safe and can prevent or treat POI.

Intraoperative Methadone Reduces Postoperative Opioid Requirements in Nuss Procedure for Pectus Excavatum.

Surgical correction of pectus excavatum by Nuss procedure, commonly referred to as minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE), often results in significant postoperative pain. This study investigated whether adding intraoperative methadone would reduce the postoperative opioid requirement during admission for patients undergoing MIRPE. A retrospective cohort chart review was conducted for 40 MIRPE patients between 2018 and 2020. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: those who received multimodal anesthesia (MM, n = 20) and those who received multimodal anesthesia with the addition of intraoperative methadone (MM + M, n = 20). Data collected included total opioid consumption during hospital stay (morphine milligram equivalents [MMEs]), hospital length of stay (LOS), pain scores, time to ambulation, and time to tolerating solid food. Addition of intraoperative methadone for patients undergoing MIRPE significantly reduced postoperative opioid requirements (MME/kg) during admission (P = .007). On average, patients in the MM group received 1.61 ± .55MME/kg while patients in the MM + M group received 1.16 ± .44MME/kg. Hospital opioid (non-methadone) total was also significantly reduced between the MM (1.87 ± .54) and MM + M group (1.37 ± .46), P = .003. There was no significant difference in hospital opioid total MME/kg administered between the groups. There were no significant differences observed in hospital LOS, pain scores, time to ambulation, or time to toleration of solid food. Incorporating intraoperative methadone for patients undergoing MIRPE reduced postoperative opioid requirements and hospital opioid (non-methadone) totals without a significant change in pain scores. Patients undergoing the Nuss procedure may benefit from the administration of intraoperative methadone.

Impact of drinking Chinese green tea on postoperative short outcomes for gastric cancer: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEarly intake after surgery can decrease postoperative ileus. Several studies show coffee can stimulate bowel activity and be safe in patients after elective colectomy, mainly due to caffeine. It was postulated that drinking Chinese green tea as rich caffeine beverage after subtotal distal gastrectomy accelerates postoperative recovery in patients.MethodThis was a single-centre parallel open-label randomized trial. Patients with gastric cancer undergoing robotic or laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy were randomly allocated to receive drinking Chinese green tea (GT group) or potable water (PW group) after surgery. The primary endpoint was the time to gastrointestinal function recovery and tolerance of solid food, and the secondary endpoints included the incidence of postoperative complications, symptoms of postoperative adverse reaction, length of stay, pain as assessed by analgesic consumption and a visual analogue scale, and fatigue as assessed by a fatigue score model.ResultsA total of 80 patients were recruited, 40 to each group. Patient characteristics were similar in both groups. The GT group showed significantly shorter time to gastrointestinal function recovery compared with PW group to first flatus (47.23 ± 13.46 vs. 76.96 ± 20.35, P < 0.001), first bowel motion (78.70 ± 25.77 vs. 125.76 ± 36.25, P < 0.001) and tolerance of solid food (62.20 ± 16.15 vs. 98.66 ± 20.15, P < 0.001).ConclusionDrinking Chinese green tea after robotic or laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy is safe and promotes postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function, also was an add method with strengthening analgesia and anti-inflammatory effect in the presence of the Enhance Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. Registration number: ChiCTR1800018294 (http://www.chictr.org.cn).

Can coffee consumption be used to accelerate the recovery of bowel function after cesarean section? Randomized prospective trial.

To evaluate whether coffee consumption accelerates the recovery of bowel function after cesarean section or not. This study was designed as randomized controlled study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Ultimately, Group 1 (n = 51) was the study group and drank three cups of coffee after cesarean, whereas group 2 (n = 52) was not given any treatment. The primary outcome measure was the time to first defecation after surgery, the secondary outcomes were time to first bowel movement, passage of flatus, time to toleration of a solid diet, additional antiemetic and analgesic requirement. There were no significant differences in demographic variables between the groups. The mean time to passage of first flatus was significantly shorter in the study group than the control group (8.6 ± 3.3 h vs 11.3 ± 7.5 h, respectively; p = 0.022). First defecation was 20.7 ± 11.5 h for the study group and at 29.1 ± 14.3 h for the control group (p = 0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference in mean time to toleration of solid food between the study and control groups (8.78 ± 2.33 h vs 12.88 ± 4.2.60 h, respectively; p < 0.001). Coffee can be used in patients to enhance the recovery of gastrointestinal function after elective cesarean section.

Effects of Cassia alata Linn on bowel function recovery following surgery for gynecological cancer: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative ileus is a common complication following abdominal surgery. This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness and safety of Cassia alata Linn in stimulating gastrointestinal function recovery among women with gynecologic cancer who had undergone laparotomy for surgical staging or cytoreductive surgery. MethodsA total of 90 participants were randomly allocated to postoperative consumption of either Cassia alata Linn tea (n = 45) or warm water (N = 45). Outcomes of interest included time to first passage of flatus, time to first defecation, time to toleration of solid food, and ileus symptoms. Differences between the groups were measured as mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). ResultsWomen allocated to the Cassia alata Linn group had shorter times to first passage of flatus (MD −8.53; 95% CI −3.69, −13.38 h) and first defecation (MD −19.83; 95% CI −11.18, −28.48 h) compared with controls. There were no differences in terms of time to toleration of solid food (MD 0.26; 95% CI −2.13, 1.61 h) or ileus symptoms (OR 0.10; 95% CI 0.01, 1.94) between the two groups. ConclusionPostoperative consumption of Cassia alata Linn hastens gastrointestinal function recovery after laparotomy in women with gynecologic cancer.

Coffee to go? The effect of coffee on resolution of ileus following abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Ileus following abdominal surgery is a common postoperative complication. It is a source of considerable morbidity to patients and prolongs hospital stay. There is limited evidence to support the use of coffee to promote resolution of post-operative ileus. We performed a systematic review, a risk of bias assessment, and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that compared the effect of coffee consumption with control intervention on gastrointestinal motility after abdominal surgery. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL, WHO ICTRP, and Google Scholar, from inception to 24th February 2018. Data from seven studies were extracted (606 patients). 31% were men. 69% were women. 342 underwent colorectal resection, 114 gynaecological resection and 150 elective caesarean section. Estimates from meta-analysis revealed that coffee consumption reduced time to defecation by 14.8h (95% CI:-11.9,-17.7) after colorectal resection and 17.8h (95% CI:-13.6,-22.0) after gynaecological resection, but had no significant effect after caesarean section. Coffee also reduced time to first bowel sound, and time to tolerance of solid food, but not time to first reported flatus. No measures of ileus were increased by coffee consumption. Complications and length of hospital stay were similar for coffee and control groups. Coffee was well-tolerated with no adverse effects. Cost was low. Risk of bias was moderate or high across studies. Assessed with GRADE criteria, there is low to moderate quality evidence that coffee accelerates postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function after colorectal and gynaecological surgery. CRD42018087962.

Effect of postoperative coffee consumption on gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Coffee is believed to prevent postoperative ileus. This systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of coffee consumption in stimulating gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery. A number of databases for randomized controlled trials comparing coffee consumption following abdominal surgery versus water drinking or no intervention were searched. Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool was used to assess risk of bias in included studies. Six trials involving 601 participants were included. All studies had high risk of performance bias. Three studies had an unclear risk of selection bias. Postoperative coffee consumption reduced time to first defecation (mean difference (MD), −9.98 hours; 95% CI, −16.97 to −2.99), time to first flatus (MD, −7.14 hours; 95% CI, −10.96 to −3.33), time to first bowel sound (MD, −4.17 hours; 95% CI, −7.88 to −0.47), time to tolerance of solid food (MD, −15.55 hours; 95% CI, −22.83 to −8.27), and length of hospital stay (MD, −0.74 days; 95% CI, −1.14 to −0.33). Benefits increased with increasing complexity of the procedure. None of the included studies reported adverse events associated with coffee consumption. Postoperative coffee consumption is effective and safe for enhancing the recovery of gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery.

Effectiveness of coffee for postoperative ileus in patients following abdominal surgery: a systematic review protocol.

The purpose of this systematic review is to critically appraise, synthesize and present the best available evidence concerning the effects of coffee on postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery. The review will consider the effect of coffee and decaffeinated coffee on recovering gastrointestinal function, time to first bowel movement, time to first flatus, time to tolerance of solid food, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay.

Effects of perioperative goal-directed fluid therapy combined with the application of alpha-1 adrenergic agonists on postoperative outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPast studies have demonstrated that goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) may be more marginal than previously believed. However, beneficial effects of alpha-1 adrenergic agonists combined with appropriate fluid administration is getting more and more attention. This study aimed to systematically review the effects of goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) combined with the application of alpha-1 adrenergic agonists on postoperative outcomes following noncardiac surgery.MethodsThis meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on GDFT combined with the application of alpha-1 adrenergic agonists in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. The primary outcomes included the postoperative mortality rate and length of hospital stay (LOS). The secondary outcome indexes were the incidence of postoperative complications and recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) function. The traditional pairwise meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effect of fluid therapy. The quality of included RCTs was evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk-of-bias tool. Also, the publication bias was detected using funnel plots, Egger’s regression test, and Begg’s adjusted rank correlation test. The meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan 5.3 and Stata 14.0 software.ResultsThirty-two eligible RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Perioperative GDFT combined with the application of alpha-1 adrenergic agonists was associated with a significant reduction in LOS (P = 0.002; I2 = 69%), and overall complication rates (P = 0.04; I2 = 41%). It facilitated gastrointestinal function recovery, as demonstrated by shortening the time to first flatus by 6.30 h (P < 0.00001; I2 = 91%) and the time to toleration of solid food by 1.69 days (P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). Additionally, there was no significant reduction in short-term mortality in the GDFT combined with alpha-1 adrenergic agonists group (P = 0.05; I2 = 0%).ConclusionThis systematic review of available evidence suggested that the use of perioperative GDFT combined with alpha-1 adrenergic agonists might facilitate recovery in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Monitoring gastric myoelectric after pancreaticoduodenectomy for diet "readiness"

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a frustrating complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Limited clinical indicators immediately after PD allow for prediction of DGE. This study is to assess whether monitoring of postoperative gastric motor activity after PD can identify patients at risk for DGE. Methods: Sixty-five patients were studied since April 2016. After PD, battery-operated wireless patches (GutCheck, G-Tech Medical) that acquire gastric myoelectrical signals are placed on the anterior abdomen and transmit data by Bluetooth. Patients were divided into EARLY and LATE groups, by regular diet tolerance as of 7 days (cut off based on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) goal). A subgroup analysis was done of the first 10 patients included after initiation of the ERAS protocol in May 2017. Results: The EARLY and LATE groups had 41 and 24 patients, respectively, with length of stay 7 and 11 days (p < 0.05). Nasogastric insertion was required in 50% of the LATE group. Tolerance of solid food was noted by 6 days vs 9 days in the EARLY vs LATE group (p < 0.05). Gastric activity was notably higher in the EARLY vs LATE group (Figure); this stomach signal continued to be predictive in the ERAS cohort despite earlier initiation of oral intake. Gastric myoelectrical activity within the first 48 h of surgery was inversely correlated with time to tolerance of regular diet (r = −0.50, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Measurement of gastric activity after PD can distinguish between patients with shorter or longer times to regular diet. Patients in the LATE group had more clinically relevant DGE and weaker stomach signal as early as 2 days postop. Patients who did not meet target ERAS goals also had weaker stomach signals. This technology provides objective data that identifies patients at risk for DGE and may guide timing of oral intake by gastric "readiness."

Nicotine chewing gum for the prevention of postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery: a multicenter, double-blind, randomised, controlled pilot study

PurposeWhen postoperative ileus is not resolved after 5 days or recurs after resolution, prolonged POI (PPOI) is diagnosed. PPOI increases discomfort, morbidity and hospitalisation length, and is mainly caused by an inflammatory response following intestinal manipulation. This response can be weakened by targeting the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, with nicotine as essential regulator. Chewing gum, already known to stimulate gastrointestinal motility itself, combined with nicotine is hypothesised to improve gastrointestinal recovery and prevent PPOI. This pilot study is the first to assess efficacy and safety of nicotine gum in colorectal surgery.MethodsPatients undergoing elective oncological colorectal surgery were enrolled in this double-blind, parallel-group, controlled trial and randomly assigned to a treatment protocol with normal or nicotine gum (2 mg). Patient reported outcomes (PROMS), clinical characteristics and blood samples were collected. Primary endpoint was defined as time to first passage of faeces and toleration of solid food for at least 24 h.ResultsIn total, 40 patients were enrolled (20 vs. 20). In both groups, six patients developed PPOI. Time to primary endpoint (4.50 [3.00–7.25] vs. 3.50 days [3.00–4.25], p = 0.398) and length of stay (5.50 [4.00–8.50] vs. 4.50 days [4.00–6.00], p = 0.738) did not differ significantly between normal and nicotine gum. There were no differences in PROMS, inflammatory parameters and postoperative complications.ConclusionsWe proved nicotine gum to be safe but ineffective in improving gastrointestinal recovery and prevention of PPOI after colorectal surgery. Other dosages and administration routes of nicotine should be tested in future research.

Alvimopan for recovery of bowel function after radical cystectomy.

Alvimopan is used in abdominal surgery to reduce postoperative ileus in patients undergoing small bowel resections with primary anastomosis. The role and efficacy of alvimopan in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is not well understood. To assess the effects of alvimopan in the context of enhanced recovery pathways compared to enhanced recovery pathways alone for perioperative bowel dysfunction in patients undergoing radical cystectomy. The terms alvimopan and cystectomy were used to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and Embase. We also reviewed abstracts from the past four years (2013 to 2016) of the American Urologic Association, Society of Urologic Oncology, and American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers. We searched for randomized controlled trials that compared alvimopan to placebo. This study was based on a published protocol. We performed a comprehensive search of multiple databases including CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus and Biosis, which we last updated on 6 February 2017. We also searched abstract proceedings for major relevant meetings (2013 to 2016), databases of the grey literature, trial registries, citations of relevant reviews and contacted clinical experts and the drug manufacturer.Two independent reviewers screened the literature in two stages (title and abstract, full-text) using Covidence software. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias on a 'per outcome' basis using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias; tool and rated the quality of evidence according to GRADE. Results of the single eligible trial were reported in a 'Summary of findings' table based on an intention-to-treat analysis. Based on a single trial and moderate-quality evidence, alvimopan reduced the time to reach a composite endpoint of tolerance of solid food and documented bowel movements (hazard ratio (HR) 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41 to 2.23). This represents 165 more patients (109 more to 207 more) per 1000 meeting this endpoint within 10 days of surgery. Based on moderate-quality evidence, alvimopan reduced the time to hospital discharge (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.01). This represents 138 more patients (82 more to 198 more) per 1000 being discharged within 10 days of surgery. Also based on moderate-quality evidence, alvimopan was associated with a reduced risk of major adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 0.28, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.44) representing 355 fewer patients (404 fewer to 276 fewer) with major adverse events per 1000. We downgraded this outcome for indirectness as it included adverse events that we did not consider major.In terms of secondary outcomes, alvimopan did not appear to alter the rate of readmission (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.33), change the rate of any cardiovascular event (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.05) or alter the mean narcotic pain medication use (mean difference 0, 95% CI 14.08 fewer to 14.08 more morphine equivalents). The quality of evidence was moderate for all three outcomes. Based on high-quality evidence, alvimopan reduced the rate of nasogastric tube replacement (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.59). We did not find evidence for the drug's impact on rates of parenteral nutrition. All outcomes were short term and limited to a 30-day time horizon.Based on the existence of only one trial, we were unable to perform any subgroup or sensitivity analyses. In patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion, the use of alvimopan administered as part of an enhanced recovery pathway for a limited duration (up to 15 doses for up to seven days) probably reduces the time to tolerance of solid food, time to hospital discharge and rates of major adverse events. Readmission rates, rates of cardiovascular events and narcotic pain requirements are probably similar. The need for reinsertion of nasogastric tubes is reduced. We found no evidence for the impact on rates of parenteral nutrition within 30 postoperative days.

Increased incidence of prolonged ileus after colectomy for inflammatory bowel diseases under ERAS protocol: a cohort analysis

BackgroundPostoperative ileus is a common problem after colorectal surgery. The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for prolonged postoperative ileus (POI) after colectomy for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent colorectal resection for IBD versus colorectal cancer (CRC) patients under enhanced recovery after surgery protocol were retrospectively analyzed. Primary assessment end point is the incidence of prolonged POI (>4 days); secondary end points were GI-2 recovery (time to first toleration of solid food and first bowel movement), nasogastric tube reinsertion, and postoperative length of stay. Risk factors for prolonged POI in IBD patients were assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis with P score matching. ResultsThe incidence of prolonged POI was higher in IBD versus CRC group (28.8% versus 14.8%, P < 0.001). Patients with IBD had a longer time to GI-2 recovery (4.8 ± 2.1 versus 3.7 ± 1.4 d, P < 0.001), postoperative length of stay (10.7 ± 6.2 versus 7.9 ± 5.3 d, P < 0.001), higher incidence of nasogastric tube reinsertion (9.8% versus 4.0%, P = 0.02). After propensity-score matching analysis, the differences were still significant. Preoperative steroid use >20 mg/d (odds ratio, [OR] = 2.19, P = 0.048), hypoalbuminemia (<35 g/L; OR 2.72, P = 0.03), systemic inflammatory response syndrome status (OR 4.91, P = 0.03), and postoperative intraabdominal sepsis (OR 9.31, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for prolonged POI in IBD patients. ConclusionsIn the setting of enhanced recovery after surgery, colectomy for IBD is associated with delayed gastrointestinal function recovery and higher incidence of prolonged POI compared to CRC patients. Normalizing preoperative albumin level, weaning off steroids, reducing preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and early management of postoperative intraabdominal sepsis may reduce POI in IBD population.

Does enhanced recovery reduce postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery?

While enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been proven to improve results in colorectal operations with regard to morbidity and duration of hospital stay, its impact on recovery of bowel motility is poorly documented. The aims of this study were to assess the impact of ERAS on bowel motility recovery, and to assess the consequences of the definition of postoperative ileus on its reported incidence in the literature. This is a single-center prospective observational study of consecutive patients who underwent colorectal resection with anastomosis over a period of 17months. Global resumption of intestinal transit (GROT) was defined as passage of stool combined with alimentary tolerance of solid food. One hundred and thirty-one patients were included. A median of 14items (range: 13-16) was complied out of 19 observable items in the protocol. Median time to passage of flatus (MTPF) was 2days and the GROT was 3days. The time interval to MTPF as well as to GROT decreased as adherence to the ERAS protocol increased (respectively P<0.001, r2=0.11 and P=0.04, r2=0.06). The incidence of postoperative "ileus" varied from 1.5% to 61.8% depending on the interval chosen to define ileus (cut-off from 1 to 7days). Adherence to≥85% of the items in the ERAS protocol protected patients from "prolonged ileus", i.e., lasting≥4days (OR=0.35; 95% CI=0.15 to 0.83). The implementation of and compliance with an ERAS protocol allowed a reduction in the time to GROT. There is a need for a consensual definition of postoperative ileus.

Alvimopan combined with enhanced recovery strategy for managing postoperative ileus after open abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTo assess the efficacy and safety of alvimopan in conjunction with enhanced recovery strategy, compared with this strategy alone, in management of postoperative ileus in patients undergoing open abdominal surgery. MethodsElectronic databases were comprehensively searched for relevant randomized controlled trials. We were interested in doses of 6 and 12 mg. The efficacy end points included the time to recovery of full gastrointestinal (GI) function (a composite end point measured by the time to first toleration of solid food [SF] and the time to first passage of stool, GI-2), the recovery of upper (SF) or the lower (the time to first bowel movement, BM) GI function, and the length of hospital stay (the time to discharge order written). Safety end points included GI-related, non-GI–related, and serious adverse events. These parameters were all analyzed by RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsNine randomized controlled trials involving 4075 patients were enrolled in this study. The pooled results showed that alvimopan significantly decreased the time to GI-2 recovery (6 mg, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.45, P < 0.00001; 12 mg, HR = 1.59, P < 0.00001), BM (6 mg, HR = 1.54, P < 0.00001; 12 mg, HR = 1.74, P = 0.0002), and the time to discharge order written (6 mg, HR = 1.37, P < 0.00001; 12 mg, HR = 1.34, P < 0.00001) compared with the placebo group. However, SF was significantly reduced in 6 mg group (HR = 1.23, P = 0.008) rather than 12 mg group (HR = 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.00, 1.30, P = 0.04). The incidence of some GI-related and serious adverse events were significantly lower in the alvimopan group than the placebo group, and the dose of 12 mg was superior to 6 mg in this regard. ConclusionsAlvimopan can accelerate recovery of GI function (especially for the lower GI tract), shorten the length of hospital stay, and reduce postoperative ileus-related morbidity without compromising opioid analgesia in an enhanced recovery setting.

Effect of Coffee on the Length of Postoperative Ileus After Elective Laparoscopic Left-Sided Colectomy: A Randomized, Prospective Single-Center Study.

Postoperative ileus is common problem after colorectal surgery. A positive effect of coffee to bowel movement has been described. It is still unclear whether coffee decreases the risk of postoperative ileus. The purpose of this study was to determine whether consuming a 100-mL cup of coffee is effective in preventing or reducing postoperative ileus. This was a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled study. The study was conducted at a university teaching hospital. All of the patients who were scheduled for elective laparoscopic left-sided colectomy at our hospital after the detection of malignant disease in a preoperative biopsy between January 2013 and December 2014 entered the study. The patients were assigned randomly before surgery to receive coffee with caffeine (first group), coffee without caffeine (second group), or water (third group) after the procedure (100 mL 3 times daily). The primary end point was time to first bowel movement; secondary end points were time to first flatus and time to tolerance of solid food. A total of 105 patients were randomly assigned, 35 to each group. Fifteen patients were excluded. Patient demographic characteristics were similar in the groups. The time until the first bowel movement (measured in days) was significantly (p < 0.05) shorter in the decaffeinated coffee group (3.00 ± 1.50) versus the coffee with caffeine (3.75 ± 1.53) and water groups (4.14 ± 1.14). The time until tolerance of solid food was significantly shorter in decaffeinated group versus coffee with caffeine and water groups (1.85 versus 2.60 and 2.80; p < 0.05). Time until the first flatus (1.47 versus 1.57 and 1.77 for decaffeinated coffee versus coffee with caffeine and water; p > 0.05) did not show statistical significance. Postoperative hospital stay was similar in all 3 of the groups. This is a single-center study with a relatively small sample size. Coffee consumption after colectomy was safe and in the decaffeinated group associated with a reduced time to first bowel action. Caffeine is not a main ingredient affecting the length of postoperative ileus.