Impact of STIMUlant and osmotic LAXatives (STIMULAX trial) on gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal surgery: randomized clinical trial

Acupuncture for postoperative ileus: Advancement and underlying mechanisms

Postoperative ileus (POI) remains a prevalent and significant challenge following abdominal surgeries, precipitating patient distress, prolonged hospital stays, and escalated medical expenditures. Conventionally addressed via pharmacological interventions, POI is increasingly being explored through adjunctive therapeutic strategies, with acupuncture gaining recognition as a promising option. Acupuncture has demonstrated encouraging potential in promoting gastrointestinal motility in patients with POI. Moreover, recent research has shed light on the therapeutic mechanisms underlying its efficacy. This article aims to present a comprehensive overview of acupuncture as a treatment for POI, highlighting advancements in clinical research and recent elucidations of its mechanistic underpinnings. It aspires to contribute a pivotal reference point for scholars and enthusiasts keen on garnering a deeper understanding of acupuncture’s role in managing POI.

Recovery of gastrointestinal functional after surgery for abdominal tumors: A narrative review

Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction, including temporary nonmechanical suppression of gastrointestinal motility (known as postoperative ileus), occurs in about 10% surgeries of abdominal tumors. Since these complications can prolong hospitalization and affect eating, it is important to understand their risk factors and identify effective interventions to manage or prevent them. The present review comprehensively examined the relevant literature to describe risk factors for postoperative ileus and effective interventions. Risk factors include old age, open surgery, difficulty of surgery, surgery lasting longer than 3 hours, preoperative bowel treatment, infection, and blood transfusion. Factors that protect against postoperative ileus include early enteral nutrition, minimally invasive surgery, and multimodal pain treatment. Interventions that can shorten or prevent such ileus include minimally invasive surgery, early enteral nutrition as well as use of chewing gum, laxatives, and alvimopan. Most of these interventions have been integrated into current guidelines for enhanced recovery of gastrointestinal function after surgery. Future high-quality research is needed in order to clarify our understanding of efficacy and safety.

Pharmacologic prevention and therapy of postoperative paralytic ileus after gastrointestinal cancer surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative paralytic ileus (POI) is a significant concern following gastrointestinal tumor surgery. Effective preventive and therapeutic strategies are crucial but remain elusive. Current evidence from randomized-controlled trials on pharmacological interventions for prevention or treatment of POI are systematically reviewed to guide clinical practice and future research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature was systematically searched for prospective randomized-controlled trials testing pharmacological interventions for prevention or treatment of POI after gastrointestinal tumor surgery. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to determine risk ratios and mean differences with 95% CI. Risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed.

RESULTS

Results from 55 studies, involving 5078 patients who received experimental interventions, indicate that approaches of opioid-sparing analgesia, peripheral opioid antagonism, reduction of sympathetic hyperreactivity, and early use of laxatives effectively prevent POI. Perioperative oral Alvimopan or intravenous administration of Lidocaine or Dexmedetomidine, while safe regarding cardio-pulmonary complications, demonstrated effectiveness concerning various aspects of postoperative bowel recovery [Lidocaine: -5.97 (-7.20 to -4.74)h, P <0.0001; Dexmedetomidine: -13.00 (-24.87 to -1.14)h, P =0.03 for time to first defecation; Alvimopan: -15.33 (-21.22 to -9.44)h, P <0.0001 for time to GI-2 ] and length of hospitalization [Lidocaine: -0.67 (-1.24 to -0.09)d, P =0.02; Dexmedetomidine: -1.28 (-1.96 to -0.60)d, P =0.0002; Alvimopan: -0.58 (-0.84 to -0.32)d, P <0.0001] across wide ranges of evidence quality. Perioperative nonopioid analgesic use showed efficacy concerning bowel recovery as well as length of hospitalization [-1.29 (-1.95 to -0.62)d, P =0.0001]. Laxatives showed efficacy regarding bowel movements, but not food tolerance and hospitalization. Evidence supporting pharmacological treatment for clinically evident POI is limited. Results from one single study suggest that Neostigmine reduces time to flatus and accelerates bowel movements [-37.06 (-40.26 to -33.87)h, P <0.0001 and -42.97 (-47.60 to -38.35)h, P <0.0001, respectively] with low evidence quality.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence concerning pharmacological prevention and treatment of POI following gastrointestinal tumor surgery is limited. Opioid-sparing concepts, reduction of sympathetic hyperreactivity, and laxatives should be implemented into multimodal perioperative approaches.

Are we using best practice to guide laxative use in post-partum patients with obstetric anal sphincter injuries - A retrospective review

OBJECTIVE

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is the leading cause of anal incontinence (AI) in young women. Laxatives are recommended to enhance recovery, however there are no consistent guidelines to guide best practice on the type, frequency, and dose of laxative should be used. This study aimed to evaluate the current use of laxatives following repair of OASIs, and to determine any association with AI. Study design A retrospective cohort study of 356 women who sustained OASIs between January 2016 and June 2020, at a single tertiary centre in Adelaide. Data regarding the type, dose and frequency of laxatives prescribed was extracted from each patient. The degree of OASIs was determined by clinical examination and endoanal ultrasound, and AI was measured by the St Marks incontinence score.

RESULTS

Multiple combinations and classes of laxatives were prescribed including bulking agent (Metamucil and Fybogel), emollients (Coloxyl), and osmotic laxatives (lactulose and Movicol). Bulking agents were prescribed for 245 women (68.8%), which is contrary to the current recommendations based on two previous randomised controlled trials. AI reported by 51 (14.3%) women. There were no statistical differences between AI and laxative type, dose, or frequency.

CONCLUSION

Considerable variation existed in laxatives prescription. Bulking agents was not associated with higher rates of AI. Further research is required to improve post-partum care in women following repair of OASIs.

Global cost of postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Following abdominal surgery, postoperative ileus is a common complication significantly increasing patient morbidity and cost of hospital admission. This is the first systematic review aimed at determining the average global hospital cost per patient associated with postoperative ileus.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases was performed from January 2000 to March 2023. Studies included compared patients undergoing abdominal surgery who developed postoperative ileus to those who did not, focusing on costing data. The primary outcome was the total cost of inpatient stay. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa assessment tool. Summary meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 2071 studies identified, 88 papers were assessed for full eligibility. The systematic review included nine studies (2005-2022), investigating 1 860 889 patients undergoing general, colorectal, gynaecological and urological surgery. These studies showed significant variations in the definition of postoperative ileus. Six studies were eligible for meta-analysis showing an increase of €8233 (95 per cent c.i. (5176 to 11 290), P < 0.0001, I2 = 95.5 per cent) per patient with postoperative ileus resulting in a 66.3 per cent increase in total hospital costs (95 per cent c.i. (34.8 to 97.9), P < 0.0001, I2 = 98.4 per cent). However, there was significant bias between studies. Five colorectal-surgery-specific studies showed an increase of €7242 (95 per cent c.i. (4502 to 9983), P < 0.0001, I2 = 86.0 per cent) per patient with postoperative ileus resulting in a 57.3 per cent increase in total hospital costs (95 per cent c.i. (36.3 to 78.3), P < 0.0001, I2 = 85.7 per cent).

CONCLUSION

The global financial burden of postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery is significant. While further multicentre data using a uniform postoperative ileus definition would be useful, reducing the incidence and impact of postoperative ileus are a priority to mitigate healthcare-related costs, and improve patient outcomes.

Cost of postoperative ileus following colorectal surgery: A cost analysis in the Australian public hospital setting

AIM

Postoperative ileus (POI) following surgery results in significant morbidity, drastically increasing hospital costs. As there are no specific Australian data, this study aimed to measure the cost of POI after colorectal surgery in an Australian public hospital.

METHODS

A cost analysis was performed, for major elective colorectal surgical cases between 2018 and 2021 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. POI was defined as not achieving GI-2, the validated composite measure, by postoperative day 4. Demographics, length of stay and 30-day complications were recorded retrospectively. Costings in Australian dollars were collected from comprehensive hospital billing data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 415 patients included, 34.9% (n = 145) developed POI. POI was more prevalent in males, smokers, previous intra-abdominal surgery, and converted laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.05). POI was associated with increased length of stay (8 vs. 5 days, p < 0.001) and with higher rates of complications such as pneumonia (15.2% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.027). Total cost of inpatient care was 26.4% higher after POI (AU$37,690 vs. AU$29,822, p < 0.001). POI was associated with increased staffing costs, as well as diagnostics, pharmacy, and hospital services. On multivariate analysis POI, elderly patients, stoma formation, large bowel surgery, prolonged theatre time, complications and length of stay were predictive of increased costs (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In Australia, POI is significantly associated with increased complications and higher costs due to prolonged hospital stay and increased healthcare resource utilisation. Efforts to reduce POI rates could diminish its morbidity and associated expenses, decreasing the burden on the healthcare system.

Framework, component, and implementation of enhanced recovery pathways

The introduction of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) has led to a considerable paradigm shift towards evidence-based, multidisciplinary perioperative care. Such pathways are now widely implemented in a variety of surgical specialties, with largely positive results. In this narrative review, we summarize the principles, components and implementation of ERPs, focusing on recent developments in the field. We also discuss ‘special cases’ in ERPs, including: surgery in frail patients; emergency procedures; and patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19).

A snapshot of intraoperative conditions to predict prolonged postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

The cause of prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) is multifactorial. The influence of preoperative factors on PPOI has been well documented, but little is known about the impact of intraoperative conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of intraoperative factors on PPOI in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

METHODS

The LekCheck study database of the Colorectal Unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital was analysed. Per patient, over 60 data points were prospectively collected between March 2018 and July 2020. Intraoperative data were collected in theatre during a one-off snapshot measure. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Data of 336 patients were included. The median age was 66 years and 58.3% were male. Ninety-three patients (27.7%) developed PPOI. Univariate analysis identified the following intraoperative variables as risk-factors of PPOI: greater volumes of intraoperative IV fluid administration (464 versus 415 mL/h for those without PPOI; p = 0.04), side-to-side anastomosis orientation (53.8 versus 41.2%; p = 0.04) and increased perioperative opioid use (6.73 versus 4.11 mg/kg morphine equivalents for patients with and without PPOI, respectively; p = 0.02). Upon multivariable analysis, increased perioperative opioid use remained significant (p = 0.05), as well as the preoperative factors anticoagulation use (p = 0.04) and higher levels of serum total protein (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that intraoperative factors may also contribute to the development of PPOI, but this could not be confirmed in the multivariate analysis. Further studies including larger patient numbers will be required to determine the impact of intraoperative conditions on the development of PPOI.

The impact of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors on ileus and gut motility following abdominal surgery: a clinical review

Postoperative ileus is a common complication in the days following colorectal surgery occurring in up to 50% of patients. When prolonged, this complication results in significant morbidity and mortality, doubling the total costs of hospital stay. Postoperative ileus (POI) results from the prolonged inflammatory phase that is mediated in part by the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as neostigmine and pyridostigmine, delay the degradation of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft. This increase in acetylcholine has been shown to increase gut motility. They have been effective in the treatment of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, but there is limited evidence for the use of these medications for reducing the incidence of POI. This review was conducted to summarise the evidence of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors' effect on gut motility and discuss their potential use as part of an enhanced recovery protocols to prevent or treat POI.

PyRICo-Pilot: pyridostigmine to reduce the duration of postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery - a phase II study

AIM

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a major problem after colorectal surgery. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as pyridostigmine increase gastrointestinal (GI) motility through a cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The purpose of this phase II pilot study is to determine the safety of oral pyridostigmine after elective colorectal surgery.

METHOD

This is a Stage 2b safety study (IDEAL framework). All adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection or formation or reversal of stoma at the Royal Adelaide Hospital between September 2020 and January 2021 were eligible. The primary outcomes were 30-day postoperative complications, reported adverse events and GI-2 - a validated composite outcome measure of recovery of GI function after surgery, defined as the interval from surgery until first passage of stool and tolerance of a solid intake for 24 h (in whole days) in the absence of vomiting.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included in the study. The median age was 58 (range 50-82) years and seven (47%) were men. Most participants had an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade ≥2 (53%) and the median body mass index was 27 (24-35) kg/m² . There were 13 postoperative complications [seven were Clavien-Dindo (CD) 1, five CD 2 and one CD 3]. None appeared directly related to pyridostigmine administration, and none of the patients had any overt symptoms of excessive parasympathetic activity. Median GI-2 was 2 (1-4) days.

CONCLUSION

Oral pyridostigmine appears to be safe to use after elective colorectal surgery in a select group of patients. However, considering this is a pilot study with a small sample size, larger controlled studies are needed to confirm this finding and establish efficacy for prevention of POI.