title: The effect of neostigmine on postoperative ileus and the healing of colon anastomoses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the effects of neostigmine on the postoperative ileus and the healing of colon anastomoses.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Anastomotic leaks and postoperative ileus are among the most important complications in colorectal surgery. Nutritional status of the patient is one of the most important factors of the anastomoses healing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty Wistar-albino rats were randomly assigned to (1) colon anastomoses + protein-enriched diet + 1 microg neostigmine, (2) colon anastomoses + protein-enriched diet, (3) colon anastomoses + 30 % dextrose + 1 microg neostigmine, (4) colon anastomoses + 30% dextrose. Body weights, quantities of the consumed products and feces weight change were measured at the first and second 48 hours postoperatively. All rats were sacrificed on the 5th postoperative day. Then, the healing of anastomosis was evaluated by measuring of body weights, burst pressure and hydroxyproline level.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were significant differences between the groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.001), and the groups 3 and 4 regarding the preoperative and postoperative mean weight (p < 0.001). The group 2 did not show any weight loss, whereas the group 1 demonstrated a significant weight gain (p < 0.001). The group 4 showed a significant weight reduction compared to the preoperative period, while the group 3 exhibited a significantly lower weight loss compared to the group 4 (p < 0.001). There were significant differences regarding the burst pressure and hydroxyproline level values of groups with and without neostigmine administration (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Starting the early intake of nutrition with neostigmine in the postoperative period reduced the postoperative ileus and increased the healing of colon anastomoses (Tab. 4, Fig. 5, Ref. 27).
authors.affiliation: Yeditepe University Hospital, Department of General Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Emirleroglu
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ekci
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Durgun
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006909:Hydroxyproline / Q000378:metabolism; D045823:Ileus / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009388:Neostigmine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D009388:Neostigmine; D005947:Glucose; D006909:Hydroxyproline