Strain gauge transducer technique for investigation of the pathophysiologyof postoperative colonic ileus in awake rats

Postoperative inhibition of colonic motility is a major contributor to post operative ileus, but only limited information is available on its pathophys iology. We developed a model to record perioperative gastrointestinal motil ity in awake rats and investigated the effect of nitric oxide (NO) synthesi s blockade on postoperative colonic ileus in rats. Rats were equipped with an i. v. catheter. Two strain gauge transducers were sutured to the colon, and the effects of NO synthesis blockade on postoperative colonic motility were investigated. NO synthesis blockade slightly increased baseline colonic motility. abdomin al surgery profoundly inhibited colonic motility. Blockade of NO synthesis did not prohibit intraoperative inhibition of colonic motility, but signifi cantly hastened recovery of postoperative colonic ileus compared to vehicle . We established a model to record gastric, small intestinal and colonic moti lity in awake rats postoperatively. Laparotomy and short manipulation of th e cecum produced a Methods prolonged inhibition of colonic motility. Inhibi tion of NO synthesis improved recovery of postoperative colonic motility, i ndicating that NO partly mediates postoperative colo-Animals nic ileus in r ats.