Facilitating return of bowel function after colorectal surgery: alvimopan and gum chewing

Deborah Keller; Sharon L Stein

doi:10.1055/s-0033-1351137

Facilitating return of bowel function after colorectal surgery: alvimopan and gum chewing

Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2013 Sep;26(3):186-90. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1351137.

Authors

Deborah Keller¹, Sharon L Stein¹

Affiliation

¹ Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.

Abstract

Postoperative ileus is common after colorectal surgery, and has a huge impact on hospital LOS. With the impeding cost crisis in the United States, safely reducing length of stay is essential. Chewing gum and pharmacological treatment with alvimopan are safe, simple tools to reduce postoperative ileus and its associated costs. Future research will determine if integrating these tools with laparoscopic procedures and enhanced recovery pathways is a best practice in colorectal surgery.

Keywords: alvimopan; chewing gum; enhanced recovery pathways; health care utilization; postoperative ileus.

Publication types

Review