The Effect of Dexpanthenol in Postoperative Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of dexpanthenol in postoperative patients. Dexpanthenol, the alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid, is believed to be a precursor of acetylcholine through its incorporation into coenzyme-A. METHODS: From June 2005 to December 2005, 130 curative abdominal surgery, which were divided into a dexpanthenol group with 65 patients and a control group with 65 patients, were prospectively and randomly studied for recovery of bowel motility. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two groups as to incidence of postoperative ileus (16.9% vs. 15.4%, P=0.081), the time to flatus (77.2+/-38.4 vs. 77.9+/-31.9 hours, P=0.90), the time to defecation (5.3+/-2.7 vs. 5.1+/-2.6 days, P=0.77), the time to resumption of meals (7.9+/-4.0 vs. 8.9+/-4.2 days, P=0.17), and the duration of hospital stay (16.4+/-7.8 vs. 17.9+/-11.5 days, P=0.39). CONSLUSIONS: Since no differences in the postoperative bowel motility were observed between the two groups, dexpanthenol is not recommended for general surgical use.