Increased Risk of Meconium-Related Ileus in Extremely Premature Infants Exposed to Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate.

INTRODUCTION: We experienced an increased incidence of meconium-related ileus (MRI) in extremely premature infants (EPIs) while adopting the antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) protocol for fetal neuroprotection in our neonatal intensive care unit. This study aimed to test whether antenatal MgSO4 use was associated with increased risk of MRI in EPIs. METHODS: The incidences of complicated MRI requiring aggressive enema or surgical intervention and other intestinal complications were compared among period 1 (January 2012-December 2013, n = 79), before adoption of the antenatal MgSO4 protocol for fetal neuroprotection; period 2 (January 2014-March 2016, n = 72), when the protocol was adopted; and period 3 (April 2016-September 2018, n = 75), when the protocol was temporarily withdrawn due to concern regarding intestinal complications in EPIs. RESULTS: Despite similar baseline clinical characteristics among infants across the study periods, the MRI and MRI with surgical treatment incidences were higher in period 2 than those in periods 1 and 3 (13% vs. 8% and 6%, p = 0.391, and 11% vs. 0% and 1%, p = 0.001, respectively). In multivariable analysis, exposure to antenatal MgSO4 independently increased the risk of MRI (adjusted odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4, 10.6). CONCLUSION: Antenatal MgSO4 may increase the risk of MRI, frequently requiring surgical intervention, in EPIs with a gestational age of 25 weeks or less.

Influence of preoperative enema application on the return of gastrointestinal function in elective Cesarean sections: a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: There is an extensive literature on the mechanical bowel preparation by an enema in colorectal, abdominal, and gynecologic surgeries that provide evidence against the use of enema. There are, however, few studies investigating the effect of enema prior to elective Cesarean sections. The aim of this study is to investigate whether preoperative enema facilitates the return of gastrointestinal activity in pregnant women undergoing elective Cesarean section. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surgeon-blinded prospective randomized controlled study included 225 elective Cesarean patients between the ages of 18 and 44. The patients were randomized into two groups: those who had enema preoperatively (n = 114) and those who did not (n = 111). The outcome measures were first bowel sound time and first flatus time, the length of hospital stay, the rate of mid ileus symptoms, and additional analgesic and antiemetic need. RESULTS: In the non-enema group, the time of the first bowel sound, flatus time, length of hospital stay, the rates of additional analgesic need, additional antiemetic need, and mild ileus symptoms were respectively 10.5 ± 5.8 hours, 16.0 ± 7.6 hours, 1.9 ± 0.3 days, 8.1%, 7.2%, and 2.7%. For the enema group, the same parameters were respectively 11.6 ± 4.7 hours, 17.5 ± 6.5 hours, 1.8 ± 0.3 days, 7%, 6.1% ,and 1.8%. For all parameters, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p values were respectively .09, .12, .8, .79, .68, and .26). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that preoperative enema in elective cesarean sections does not prevent postoperative gastrointestinal complications and does not shorten the recovery of bowel movements or length of hospital stay.

Readmission and complications after robotic surgery: experience of 10,000 operations at a comprehensive cancer center.

Evaluation of safety is of paramount importance with adoption of novel surgical technology. Although robotic surgery has become widely used in oncologic surgery, analysis of safety is lacking in comparison to traditional techniques. Standardized assessment of robotic surgical outcomes and adverse events following oncologic surgery is necessary for quality improvement with innovative technology. Between 2003 and 2016, 10,013 unique robotic operations were performed in 9,858 patients. Our prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed for hospital readmissions and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 2 complications within 30 days. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of surgical complications and hospital readmissions. Cases were stratified by discipline: genitourinary (n = 8240), gynecologic (n = 857), thoracic (n = 457), gastrointestinal (n = 322), hepatobiliary (n = 60), ear/nose/throat (n = 44) and general (n = 33). Intraoperative complications occurred in 42 surgeries (0.4%). Postoperative complications occurred in 946 patients [9.4%, highest grade 2 (n = 574), 3 (n = 288), 4 (n = 72), 5 (n = 10)]. Most frequent complications were ileus (154, 16.3%), anemia (91, 9.6%), cardiac arrhythmia (62, 6.6%), deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus (47, 5.0%), wound infection (45, 4.8%) and urinary leak (43, 4.5%). 405 patients (4.0%) required readmission. Most common causes for hospital readmission were ileus (44, 10.9%), urinary leak (23, 5.7%), urinary tract infection (23, 5.7%), intra-abdominal abscess/fluid collection (23, 5.7%), and small bowel obstruction (19, 4.7%). On multivariable analysis, longer operative time and older age predicted complications and readmissions (p ≤ 0.02). Robotic-assisted surgery appears a safe for oncologic surgery with acceptable hospital readmission and complication rates. Older age and longer operative time were associated with complications and readmission.

Coffee consumption for recovery of intestinal function after laparoscopic gynecological surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKROUND: To investigate the effect of postoperative coffee consumption on bowel motility after laparoscopic gynecological surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, patients were allocated postoperatively to 3 cups of either coffee or warm water at 6, 12, or 18 h after the operation. Total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy were performed on all patients. In addition, a salpingo-oophorectomy and systematic pelvic with/without para-aortic lymphadenectomy were performed according to clinical indications. The primary endpoint was time to the first passage of flatus after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients were enrolled; 49 patients were assigned to the coffee group, and 47 were enrolled in the control group (warm water). The median time to flatus (19 [13-35] vs. 25 [15-42] h; hazard ratio [HR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.9; P = 0.0009), median time to defecation (30 [22-54] vs. 38 [26-65] h, HR 2.4, 95% CI, 1.5-3.8; P < 0.0001), and mean time to tolerate food (2 [2-5] vs. 3 [2-8] days, HR 1.5, 95% CI, 1.02-2.3; P = 0.002) were decreased significantly in patients who consumed coffee compared with the control subjects. Postoperative ileus was observed in seven patients (14.9%) in the control group and one patient (2.0%) in the coffee group (P = 0.02). No adverse events were attributed to coffee consumption. CONCLUSION: Postoperative coffee intake after laparoscopic gynecological surgery hastened the recovery of gastrointestinal function by reducing the time to the first passage of flatus, time to the first defecation, and time to tolerate a solid diet. This simple, cheap, and well-tolerated treatment merits routine use alongside other existing enhanced recovery pathways in the postoperative setting.

Does Coffee Intake Reduce Postoperative Ileus After Laparoscopic Elective Colorectal Surgery? A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study: The Coffee Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery is a frequent problem that significantly prolongs hospital stay and increases perioperative costs. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the effect of standardized coffee intake on postoperative bowel movement after elective laparoscopic colorectal resection. DESIGN: This is a prospective randomized controlled trial that was conducted between September 2014 and December 2016. SETTINGS: This study was performed in a public cantonal hospital in Switzerland with accreditation for colon and rectum cancer surgery. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery were included. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned either to the intervention group receiving coffee or the control group receiving tea. A total of 150 mL of the respective beverage was drunk 3 times per day every postoperative day until discharge. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was time to first bowel movement. Secondary end points included the use of laxative, insertion of a nasogastric tube, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were randomly assigned: 56 were allocated to the coffee group and 59 to the tea group. After coffee intake, the first bowel movement occurred after a median of 65.2 hours versus 74.1 hours in the control group (intention-to-treat analysis; p = 0.008). The HR for earlier first bowel movement after coffee intake was 1.67 (p = 0.009). In the per-protocol analysis, hospital stay was shorter in the coffee group (6 d in the coffee group vs 7 d in the tea group; p = 0.043). LIMITATIONS: The rate of protocol violation, mostly coffee consumption in the tea arm, was relatively high, even if patients were clearly instructed not to consume coffee if they were in the tea arm. CONCLUSIONS: Coffee intake after elective laparoscopic colorectal resection leads to faster recovery of bowel function. Therefore, coffee intake represents a simple and effective strategy to prevent postoperative ileus. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A955. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02469441.

Perioperative Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation to Reduce Postoperative Ileus After Colorectal Resection: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus involves an inflammatory pathway characterized by an increase of inflammation mediators in the colon wall; this could probably be prevented by sacral nerve neuromodulation. The posterior tibial nerve can be stimulated electrically to mimic neuromodulation. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in reducing the delay in GI motility recovery, to assess the safety of posterior tibial nerve stimulation in a perioperative setting, and to assess the efficacy of posterior tibial nerve stimulation in reducing the occurrence of postoperative ileus. DESIGN: This was a preliminary randomized controlled study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in 1 academic hospital in France. PATIENTS: Forty patients undergoing an elective colectomy were included and randomly assigned into 2 groups, posterior tibial nerve stimulation or placebo, according to the side of colectomy and the surgical access size. INTERVENTION: Perioperative posterior tibial nerve stimulation or placebo was performed 3 times per day according to the randomly assigned group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Delay in GI motility recovery (passage of stool and tolerance of solid food) was measured. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients included, 34 were included in the final analysis, in which 2 patients in the placebo group were allocated the incorrect device. The 6 other patients were secondarily excluded because of protocol deviation. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean delay in GI motility recovery was 3.6 and 3.11 days (in the placebo and tibial nerve stimulation groups; p = 0.60). Occurrence of postoperative ileus was not significantly higher in the placebo group (35.3% vs 17.6%; p = 0.42). In the per-protocol analysis, we observed the same trends except for the occurrence of postoperative ileus, which was significantly higher in the placebo group (p = 0.045). Tolerance to posterior tibial nerve stimulation was good, and all of the patients completed the protocol. LIMITATIONS: The amplitude of stimulation is set according to patient sensation, so some patients could have been aware of their group. In addition there were some inherent limitations because of the preliminary nature of the study and several deviations from the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior tibial nerve stimulation was safe in a perioperative setting and had a potential effect on GI motility recovery. The results of this study will be useful for sample size calculations in a larger prospective randomized trial. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A708.

Effect of gum chewing on reducing postoperative ileus and recovery after colorectal surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the effect of gum chewing on the reduction of postoperative ileus and recovery after surgery. METHODS: This study was conducted a randomized controlled trial in 60 patients who underwent colorectal surgery between November 2011 and December 2012. Patients in the experimental group chewed gum three times a day. The time of flatus and defecation, the time to start feeding, pain levels and time of discharge were monitored. RESULTS: Post-surgery results for gum-chewing were first flatus and defecation times and the time to start feeding was shorter; pain levels were lower on the 3rd - 5th days; patients were discharged in a shorter time post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Chewing gum is a simple intervention for reducing postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. Further studies that examine the effectiveness of gum chewing on other surgical interventions in which the development risk of postoperative ileus should be performed.

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Efficacy of Simo Decoction and Acupuncture or Chewing Gum Alone on Postoperative Ileus in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Hepatectomy.

To compare the efficacy of simo decoction (SMD) combined with acupuncture at the tsusanli acupoint or chewing gum alone for treating postoperative ileus in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy.In postoperative ileus, a frequent complication following hepatectomy, bowel function recovery is delayed, which increases length of hospital stay. Studies suggest that chewing gum may reduce postoperative ileus; SMD and acupuncture at the tsusanli acupoint have long been used in China to promote bowel movement.Patients with primary HCC undergoing hepatectomy between January 2015 and August 2015 were randomized to receive SMD and acupuncture (n = 55) or chewing gum (n = 53) or no intervention (n = 54) starting on postoperative day 1 and continuing for 6 consecutive days or until flatus. Primary endpoints were occurrence of postoperative ileus and length of hospital stay; secondary endpoints were surgical complications.Groups treated with SMD and acupuncture or with chewing gum experienced significantly shorter time to first peristalsis, flatus, and defecation than the no-intervention group (all P < 0.05). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the combined SMD and acupuncture group (mean 14.0 d, SD 4.9) than in the no-intervention group (mean 16.5 d, SD 6.8; P = 0.014), while length of stay was similar between the chewing gum group (mean 14.7, SD 6.2) and the no-intervention group (P = 0.147). Incidence of grades I and II complications was slightly lower in both intervention groups than in the no-intervention group.The combination of SMD and acupuncture may reduce incidence of postoperative ileus and shorten hospital stay in HCC patients after hepatectomy. Chewing gum may also reduce incidence of ileus but does not appear to affect hospital stay. (Clinicaltrials.gov registration number: NCT02438436.).

Effect of Daikenchuto, a Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine, after Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II Trial.

BACKGROUND: Daikenchuto (DKT) has widely been used to improve abdominal symptoms by being expected to accelerate bowel motility. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy and safety of DKT for prevention of ileus and associated gastrointestinal symptoms after total gastrectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred and forty-five gastric cancer patients who underwent total gastrectomy were enrolled. Patients received either DKT (15.0 g/d) or matching placebo from postoperative days 1 to 12. Primary end points were time to first flatus, time to first bowel movement (BM), and frequency of BM. Secondary end points included quality of life, C-reactive protein level, symptoms indicative of a severe gastrointestinal disorder, and incidence of postoperative ileus. RESULTS: A total of 195 patients (DKT, n = 96; placebo, n = 99) were included in the per-protocol set analysis. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of patient background characteristics. Median time to first BM was shorter in the DKT group than in the placebo group (94.7 hours vs 113.9 hours; p = 0.051). In patients with high medication adherence, median time to first BM was significantly shorter in the DKT group than in the placebo group (93.8 hours vs 115.1 hours; p = 0.014). Significantly fewer patients in the DKT group had ≥2 symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction than those in the placebo group on postoperative day 12 (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of DKT during the immediate postoperative period after total gastrectomy appears to promote early recovery of postoperative bowel function.

Zusanli (ST36) acupoint injection for preventing postoperative ileus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preventive effect of Zusanli (ST36) acupoint injections with various agents, for postoperative ileus (POI). METHODS: We searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials from inception to 1st February 2015 evaluating ST36 acupoint injection for preventing POI. Revman 5.2.0 was used for data analysis with effect estimates presented as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical heterogeneity was tested using I(2) (defined as significant if I(2)>75%). We used a random effects model (REM) for pooling data with significant heterogeneity. RESULTS: Thirty trials involving 2967 participants were included. All trials were assessed as high risk of bias (poor methodological quality). For time to first flatus, meta-analysis favored ST36 acupoint injection of neostigmine (MD -20.70h, 95% CI -25.53 to -15.87, 15 trials, I(2)=98%, REM), vitamin B1 (MD -11.22h, 95% CI -17.01 to -5.43, 5 trials, I(2)=98%, REM), and metoclopramide (MD -15.65h, 95% CI -24.77 to -6.53, 3 trials, I(2)=94%, REM) compared to usual care alone. Meta-analysis of vitamin B1 favored ST36 acupoint injection compared to intra-muscular injection (MD -17.21h, 95% CI -21.05 to -13.36, 4 trials, I(2)=89%, REM). Similarly, for time to bowel sounds recovery and first defecation, ST36 acupoint injection also showed positive effects. CONCLUSIONS: ST36 acupoint injections with various agents may have a preventive effect for POI. Safety is inconclusive as few of included trials reported adverse events. Due to the poor methodological quality and likely publication bias further robust clinical trials are required to arrive at a definitive conclusion.

The Clinical Effects of Dai-kenchu-to on Postoperative Intestinal Movement and Inflammatory Reaction in Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We analyzed the effects of the Kampo medicine "Dai-kenchu-to" (DKT) on clinical aspects in colorectal surgery. METHODOLOGY: Total 122 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery were divided into a DKT group (n = 53) and a non-DKT group (n = 69). The differences of postoperative course and anti-inflammatory responses between those two groups were analyzed. RESULTS: The 53 out of 59 patients could completely take DKT. In the postoperative course, significant difference was observed in the first flatus day. In the anti-inflammatory effects, differences were observed in the heart rate (HR) of the 3rd POD. In the change between 1st POD and 3rd POD, HR in the DKT group was well controlled compared to the non-DKT group. In the patients who had over 37.5°C of body temperature in 1st POD (n = 53), inflammatory response of the DKT group was reduced compared to the non-DKT group. CONCLUSIONS: The DKT might have the favorable influences on postoperative bowel movement and systemic inflammatory reaction, and induce the better postoperative course.

Effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on incidence of postoperative ileus and hospital length of stay in general surgical patients.

CONTEXT: Postoperative ileus is a known complication after abdominal operations, and the clinical efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in postoperative surgical patients has seldom been the subject of research. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a relationship between postoperative use of OMT and postoperative outcomes in gastrointestinal surgical patients, including time to flatus, clear liquid diet, and bowel movement and postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A 350-bed urban community hospital with an osteopathic residency program in general surgery. PATIENTS: Fifty-five patients who underwent a major gastrointestinal operation, who did not die, and who had complete perioperative medical records. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We evaluated demographic data; American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class; preoperative comorbid conditions; postoperative complications; postoperative time to flatus, clear liquid diet, and bowel movement; postoperative hospital LOS; electrolyte abnormalities; and types of narcotics used. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients who met the study criteria, 17 had received postoperative OMT and 38 had not. The mean age was 60.3 years in the OMT group and 62.1 years in the non-OMT group (P=.70). The 2 groups were similar in terms of American Society of Anesthesiologists class, number of comorbid conditions and of postoperative complications, presence of electrolyte abnormalities, and narcotic use. The time to bowel movement and to clear liquid diet did not differ significantly between the groups. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) time to flatus was 4.7 (0.4) days in the non-OMT group and 3.1 (0.6) days in the OMT group (P=.035). The mean (SD) postoperative hospital LOS was also reduced significantly with OMT, from 11.5 (1.0) days in the non-OMT group to 6.1 (1.7) days in the OMT group (P=.006). CONCLUSION: Osteopathic manipulative treatment applied after a major gastrointestinal operation is associated with decreased time to flatus and decreased postoperative hospital LOS.

Meconium obstruction in absence of cystic fibrosis in low birth weight infants: an emerging challenge from increasing survival.

BACKGROUND: Meconium abnormalities are characterized by a wide spectrum of severity, from the meconium plug syndrome to the complicated meconium ileus associated with cystic fibrosis. Meconium Related Ileus in absence of Cystic Fibrosis includes a combination of highly viscid meconium and poor intestinal motility, low grade obstruction, benign systemic and abdominal examination, distended loops without air fluid levels. Associated risk factors are severe prematurity and low birth weight, Caesarean delivery, Maternal MgSO4 therapy, maternal diabetes. In the last 20 yrs a new specific type of these meconium related obstructions has been described in premature neonates with low birth weight. Its incidence has shown to increase while its management continues to be challenging and controversial for the risk of complicated obstruction and perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 55 newborns admitted between 1992-2008 with Meconium Related Ileus as final diagnosis, data about Low Birth Weight infants (LBW < 1500 g) were extracted and compared to those of patients ≥ 1500 g. Hischsprung's Diseases and Cystic Fibrosis were excluded by rectal biopsy and genetic probe before discharge. A softening enema with Gastrografin was the first option whenever overt perforation was not present. Temporary stoma or trans appendiceal bowel irrigation were elected after unsuccessful enema while prompt surgical exploration was performed in perforated cases. NEC was excluded in all operated cases. Data collected were perinatal history and neonatal clinical data, radiological signs, clinical course and complications, management and outcome. RESULTS: 30 cases with BW ≥ 1500 g had an M/F ratio 16/14, Mean B.W. 3052 g, Mean G.A. 37 w Caesarean section rate 40%. There were 10 meconium plug syndrome, 4 small left colon syndromes, and 16 meconium ileus without Cystic Fibrosis. Five cases were born at our institution (inborn) versus 25 referred after a mean of 2, 4 Days (1-7) after birth in another Hospital (outborn). They were managed, after a Gastrografin enema with 90% success rate, by 1 temporary Ileostomy and 2 trans appendiceal irrigation. 25 cases with BW< 1500 g (LBW) had M/F ratio 11/14, Mean B.W. 818 g, Mean G.A. 27 w, Caesarean section rate 70%, assisted ventilation 16/25. There were 8 inborn and 17 outborn. Gastrografin enema was successful in 6 out 8 inborn infants only, all referred within one week from birth. There were 12 perforations mainly among late referred LBW outborn. CONCLUSIONS: Meconium Related Ileus without Cystic Fibrosis responds to conservative management and softening enema in most of mature infants. In LBW clinical course is initially benign but as any long standing bowel obstruction management may present particular challenges. Clinical and plain radiographic criteria are reliable for making diagnosis and testing for Cystic Fibrosis may not be indicated. Enema may be resolutive when performed in a proper environment. Perforated cases may be confused with NEC which is excluded by clinical history, no signs of sepsis, lab signs missing, abdominal signs missing, typical radiological signs missing. The higher complication rate is recorded among cases delivered and initially managed in Neonatal Units without co-located Surgical Facilities. Early diagnosis and aggressive medical therapy may lead to higher success rate and help avoiding surgical interventions. Surgical therapy in uncomplicated cases, unresponsive to medical management, should be minimally aggressive.

Current significance of meconium plug syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The significance of meconium plug syndrome is dependent on the underlying diagnosis. The incidence of pathologic finding, particularly Hirschsprung's disease, contributing to the presence of these plugs, has been debated. However, there are little recent data in the literature. Therefore, we reviewed our experience with meconium plugs as a cause of abdominal distension to evaluate the associated conditions and incidence of Hirschsprung's disease. METHODS: We reviewed the records of newborns with meconium plugs found in the distal colon on contrast enema from 1994 to 2007. Demographics, radiologic findings, histologic findings, operative findings, and clinical courses were reviewed. RESULTS: During the study period, 77 patients were identified. Mean gestational age was 37.4 weeks and birth weight, 2977 g. Hirschsprung's disease was found in 10 patients (13%). One had ultrashort segment disease and another had total colonic aganglionosis. Maternal diabetes was identified in 6 patients. No patients were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, meconium ileus, malrotation, or intestinal atresia. CONCLUSION: Meconium plugs found on contrast enema are associated with a 13% incidence of Hirschsprung's disease in our experience. Although all patients with plugs and persistent abnormal stooling patterns should prompt a rectal biopsy and genetic probe, the incidence of Hirschsprung's and cystic fibrosis may not be as high as previously reported.

[Rehabilitation after abdominal surgery]. / Réhabilitation après chirurgie viscérale.

A combined strategy of anesthetic and surgical care defines postoperative rehabilitation, which aims to accelerate recovery from surgery, shorten convalescence, and reduce postoperative morbidity. Preoperative and early postoperative oral feeding, a relatively "dry" fluid regimen, and the avoidance of or early removal of drains, gastric tubes and bladder catheters all contribute to decreasing postoperative morbidity after abdominal surgery. Postoperative pain control, prevention of nausea and vomiting, shortening the duration of postoperative ileus, and early ambulation can also help to decrease postoperative morbidity. The use of multimodal fast-track clinical rehabilitation programs should improve outcomes and quality of life, reduce hospital stays, and save money.

Is phototherapy a risk factor for ileus in high-risk neonates?

BACKGROUND: Abdominal distension and bile stained aspirates are common in high-risk neonates under phototherapy (PT). OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of ileus and related risk factors in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates who did/did not receive PT. DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective detailed analysis of data on 52 consecutive ELBW neonatal admissions (1997-1999) including demographic characteristics, outcomes to discharge and common risk factors for ileus such as intrauterine growth retardation, PDA, indomethacin therapy, sepsis and enteral feeds. Ileus was defined as presence of abdominal distension and bile stained aspirate/s with/without dilated bowel loops on X-rays. RESULTS: A significantly (p = 0.001) higher proportion (63.4%, 26/41) of neonates under PT developed ileus than those (1/11) who did not receive PT. The outcomes and risk factors for ileus were comparable between the two groups. Mean (+/-SD) gestational age and birth weight of those who did and did not receive PT [26 (+/-2.2) weeks and 803 (+/-133) grams vs. 27 (+/-3.2) weeks and 664 (+/-114.2) grams], and those who did and did not develop ileus [26.5 (+/-2.3) weeks and 797 (+/-102) grams vs. 28.0 (+/-1.2) weeks and 750 (+/-105) grams] were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Phototherapy may be an independent risk factor for ileus in ELBW neonates.