Ta. Brown et al., A prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled trial of cisapride after colorectal surgery, AM J SURG, 177(5), 1999, pp. 399-401
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.