Alvimopan is associated with decreased length of stay for both open and laparoscopic segmental colectomy

Abstract

Background: Alvimopan has been shown to reduce length of stay after bowel resection. Use remains variable among institutions due to cost and efficacy concerns in laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, alvimopan's effects have not been isolated from other medications within enhanced recovery protocols. The aim of this study was to distinguish the relationship between alvimopan use, length of stay, and cost in both open and laparoscopic segmental colectomies.

Methods: The Vizient dataset was queried to identify patients undergoing open and laparoscopic colectomies from 2015 to 2017. Patient demographics and treatment details were collected. Primary outcomes of interest included duration of stay and total direct costs.

Results: In the study, 12,727 patients met inclusion criteria and 3,358 (26.4%) received alvimopan. For both open and laparoscopic groups, alvimopan was associated with decreased length of stay in unadjusted (4.0 vs 6.0 days, P < .01 and 3.0 vs 4.0 days, P < .01, respectively) and adjusted analysis (effect ratio 0.79, P < .01 and 0.85, P < .01, respectively). Alvimopan was associated with a 7% decrease in direct cost after adjustment (effect ratio 0.93, P = .04), with no cost difference in laparoscopic procedures (effect ratio 0.99, P = .71).

Conclusion: Alvimopan use is associated with decreased length of stay for both open and laparoscopic colon resections, decreased cost in open procedures, and no cost difference for laparoscopic procedures.