Efficacy of metoclopramide in postoperative ileus after exploratory laparotomy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of metoclopramide for treatment of postoperative ileus in patients who underwent exploratory laparatomy.


METHODS
Prospective observational study


METHODS
Surgical intensive care unit (SICU).


METHODS
Thirty-two patients who underwent exploratory laparatomy


METHODS
Sixteen patients received metoclopramide, and 16 did not. The primary outcome was time to first postoperative bowel movement. Secondary end points were length of stay (LOS) in the SICU and total hospital LOS.


RESULTS
The mean number of days to first bowel movement was nearly identical for both the treatment group and control group (4.8 vs 4.7 days, respectively, p=0.93). Length of stay in the SICU was 8.3 days for the treatment group and 8.6 days for the control group (p=0.89), and total LOS was 18.0 and 20.1 days, respectively (p=0.63).


CONCLUSIONS
The time to first bowel movement was not significantly different between the treatment and control groups. Also, metoclopramide did not decrease LOS. Metoclopramide does not have a role in the treatment of postoperative ileus.
Seta
M L
ML
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Kale-Pradhan
P B
PB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003949:Diagnostic Techniques, Surgical; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D008787:Metoclopramide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000932:Antiemetics; D008787:Metoclopramide