Randomized controlled trial of bisacodyl suppository versus placebo for postoperative ileus after elective colectomy for colon cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the use of bisacodyl suppository with placebo in resolving postoperative ileus after elective colectomy in a randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Twenty elective colectomy patients were randomized to receive either bisacodyl or placebo suppository on the third postoperative day. Outcomes included time to first defaecation, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Participants and the primary investigator were unaware of the treatment assignment.


RESULTS
All 10 participants in the bisacodyl group defaecated on the third postoperative day, while participants in the placebo group defaecated on days 3 (2/10), 4 (5/10) and 5 (3/10) (p < 0.001). The average lengths of hospital stay for the bisacodyl and placebo groups were 8.5 +/- 2.7 days and 10.4 +/- 5.3 days, respectively (p = 0.325). No significant complications occurred in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
Bisacodyl suppository seems to be effective and safe in resolving postoperative ileus after elective colectomy in colon cancer patients.
Wiriyakosol
Sukanya
S
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital and Medical School, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Kongdan
Youwanuch
Y
Euanorasetr
Chakrapan
C
Wacharachaisurapol
Noppadol
N
Lertsithichai
Panuwat
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001726:Bisacodyl / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D045823:Ileus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013488:Suppositories; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002400:Cathartics; D013488:Suppositories; D001726:Bisacodyl