A prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled trial of cisapride after colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND: The predominant factor prolonging hospitalization and delaying oral intake after colorectal surgery continues to be return of large bowel function. We investigated the effect of the cisapride on postoperative bowe l motility, METHODS: Patients were started on cisapride versus a placebo on postoperati ve day 1 after colorectal surgery. Endpoints included the time to patients' first bowel movement, time of advancement to regular diet, time of hospita lization, and cost analysis. Results were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney tes t. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were entered in the study, consisting of 17 i n the cisapride group and 18 in the placebo group. The median time to first bowel movement, advancement of diet, and hospital discharge was 1 day less in the cisapride group compared with the placebo group (P <0.05). There wa s a substantial cost savings in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Cisapride use results in statistically significant improvement in postoperative bowel motility, Cisapride should be added as adjunct trea tment in postoperative care after colorectal surgery. Am J Surg. 1999;177:3 99-401. (C) 1999 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.