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At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in the postoperative period of tetralogy of Fallot.

OBJECTIVE: To assess right ventricular diastolic function in the intermediate postoperative period of repair of tetralogy of Fallot. METHODS: We carried out a case-control study with 60 patients divided into 2 groups as follows: 1) group I - 30 patients who had undergone repair of tetralogy of Fallot and 2) group II - 30 healthy children. The 2 groups were paired for age, sex, and body surface. The flows in the pulmonary and tricuspid valves were analyzed with Doppler echocardiography. The presence of anterograde flow at the end of diastole in the pulmonary artery defined restrictive right ventricular physiology. Surgical, radiological, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic variables were analized in the group I. RESULTS: The velocity of the A wave and the E/A ratio for the tricuspid valve showed significant differences between the groups. Cases with E/A < 1.30 predominated in inspiration (group I - 19/30, and group II - 5/30). The duration of the QRS complex on the electrocardiogram was significantly increased in patients with E/A <1.30. Nineteen (63.3%) patients had restrictive right ventricular physiology, which had a longer postoperative period, longer duration of the QRS complex, and a lower E/A ratio in inspiration. The surgical and radiological variables showed no statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Restrictive right ventricular physiology was detected on the intermediate follow-up of most patients undergoing repair of tetralogy of Fallot. The postoperative period and QRS duration were increased in patients with impairment in diastolic function.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1986

[Membrane digestion in the early postoperative period during enteral tube feeding].

The investigation of the membrane digestion has established that in the early postoperative period pronounced alterations of the hydrolytic system in the small intestine take place in all its links (synthesis, translocation and adsorption of enzymes). The main compensatory mechanism responsible for the hydrolytic processes in the early postoperative period is the membrane digestion, so the level of the amylolytic activity of the small intestine in the early postoperative period allows the enteral tube nutrition to be performed not only with mono- and oligosaccharides but also with polysaccharides.

Amylases↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Changes in the blood glucose of revascularized patients in the immediate postoperative period].

Variability in glycaemia in revascularized patients in the immediate postoperative period was studied in order to determine the presence of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemia coma, ketogenic and non-ketogenic, and the relation with hemodynamic changes. It was found that 15 patients (9.2%) from the Arteriology Service and two patients (7.1%) from the Diabetes Angiopathy Service had a non-ketogenic hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar coma and there was no ketogenic hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar coma. There were 32 patients (16.8%) with hemodynamic changes who had mild and moderate hyperglycaemia in the immediate postoperative period.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Central hemodynamics in the early postoperative period following lobectomy and pneumonectomy].

Comparative study of the peculiarities of central hemodynamics before operation and in the early postoperative periods was conducted in 48 patients with lung carcinoma managed by lobe- and pneumonectomy. Lung carcinoma of central localization is characterized by increased contractility of the right-ventricular myocardium. In the postoperative period after pneumonectomy the right ventricle experiences an increased load requiring considerable mobilization of the cardiovascular system. Lobectomy is attended by more marked and less stable changes in the function of the cardiovascular system in the early postoperative period.

Hemodynamics↗

PubMed2002

[Early postoperative period in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in the comparison of classic and modified Norwood procedures].

INTRODUCTION: The Norwood operation in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome is associated with very high mortality. AIM: To compare early postoperative period in children who underwent classic operation to that in patients who underwent a new modification of the Norwood procedure. METHODS: Evaluation of the early postoperative period (72 h after the operation) in patients who underwent classic operation: Group 1 (31 children) and patients in whom modified Norwood procedure was performed: Group 2 (18 children). The surgical technique of the modified Norwood procedure was presented (right ventricle- to = pulmonary artery shunt and neo-aorta reconstruction by direct anastomosis between aortic arch and main pulmonary artery). RESULTS: In Group 1 in 15 (48.4%) children circulatory collapse occurred, requiring resuscitation, which was unsuccessful in 9 (60%) cases. In Group 2 one child died and early postoperative period of the other was uneventful. The mean circulatory arrest time in deep hypothermia was significantly (p = 0.002) shorter in Group 2 (mean: 33.7 +/- 8.7 min, range 25-53 min) than in Group 2 (mean: 54.1 +/- 6.6 min, range 41-76 min) and cardiopulmonary bypass time was not significantly prolonged (Group 1: mean 70.5 +/- 24.2 min, range 48-167 min; Group 2: mean 62.5 +/- 9.6 min, 39-84 min) (p = 0.765). In Group 2 there was significantly higher diastolic pressure 4, 8, 12, 24 and 36 h after the operation (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, p = 0.037, p = 0.017, p = 0.022, respectively). CONCLUSION: The new modification of the Norwood procedure ensures stable conditions in early postoperative period. We believe that short circulatory arrest time without prolongation of cardiopulmonary bypass time and higher diastolic pressure (the location of the proximal shunt end beneath the valve of the systemic circulation) improves the function of the heart.

Heart Bypass, Left↗

PubMed2003

Risk factors for acute myocardial infarction during the postoperative period of myocardial revascularization.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for acute myocardial infarction during the postoperative period after myocardial revascularization. METHODS: This was a case-control study paired for sex, age, number, type of graft used, coronary endarterectomy, type of myocardial protection, and use of extracorporeal circulation. We assessed 178 patients (89 patients in each group) undergoing myocardial revascularization, and the following variables were considered: dyslipidemia, systemic hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial revascularization surgery, previous coronary angioplasty, and acute myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Baseline clinical characteristics did not differ in the groups, except for previous myocardial revascularization surgery, prevalent in the case group (34 patients vs. 12 patients; p = 0.0002). This was the only independent predictor of risk for acute myocardial infarction in the postoperative period, based on a multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = 0.0001). Mortality and the time of hospital stay of the case group were significantly higher (19.1% vs. 1.1%; p < 0.001 and 15.7 days vs. 10.6 days; p < 0.05 respectively) than those of the control. CONCLUSION: Only previous myocardial revascularization was an independent predictor of acute myocardial infarction in the postoperative period, based on multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Brazil↗

PubMed2001

Assessment of splanchnic perfusion with gastric tonometry in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery in children.

OBJECTIVE - A prospective, nonrandomized clinical study to assess splanchnic perfusion based on intramucosal pH in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery and to check the evolution of patients during hospitalization. METHODS - We studied 10 children, during the immediate postoperative period after elective cardiac surgery. Sequential intramucosal pH measurements were taken, without dobutamine (T0) and with 5mcg/kg/min (T1) and 10 (T2) mcg/kg/min. In the pediatric intensive care unit, intramucosal pH measurements were made on admission and 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours thereafter. RESULTS - The patients had an increase in intramucosal pH values with dobutamine 10mcg/kg/min [7.19+/- 0.09 (T0), 7.16+/-0.13(T1), and 7.32+/-0.16(T2)], (p=0.103). During the hospitalization period, the intramucosal pH values were the following: 7.20+/-0.13 (upon admission), 7.27+/-0.16 (after 4 hours), 7.26+/-0.07 (after 8 hours), 7.32+/-0.12 (after 12 hours), and 7.38+/-0.08 (after 24 hours), (p=0.045). No deaths occurred, and none of the patients developed multiple organ and systems dysfunction. CONCLUSION - An increase in and normalization of intramucosal pH was observed after dobutamine use. Measurement of intramucosal pH is a type of monitoring that is easy to perform and free of complications in children during the postoperative period of cardiac surgery.

Cardiotonic Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Inverse relationship between age and pulmonary function decline in the postoperative period of laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

BACKGROUND: Abnormal lung mechanics with diminution of pulmonary volumes and airflows is an adverse effect occurring during the immediate postoperative period of the upper-abdomen surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of age on the lung function decline occurring during the immediate postoperative period of laparascopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Patients planned to be submitted to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were recruited from July to November 2000. A first basal spirometric study was performed the day before surgery and a second one between 21 and 27 h after surgery. RESULTS: Twenty three patients (3 men) aged 22 to 81 years old were studied. Patients had a significant drop of pulmonary function in the immediate postoperative period. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between age and the degree of postoperative decline of the forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1, r = -0.54, p < 0.01), the midexpiratory flow (FEF25-75, r = -0.48, p < 0.05), and the peak expiratory flow (PEF, r = - 0.49, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that age is inversely related to the pulmonary function decline observed one day after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which might be explained by the increment of the pain threshold or the decrease of postoperative inhibitory reflexes occurring with aging.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Retrospective analysis of patients who developed pulmonary hypertension during the early postoperative period after liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) (mean pulmonary arterial pressure [mPAP] > 25 mm Hg) is frequently observed during the postoperative period after liver transplantation (LT). OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare respiratory function, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and 30-day survival rates among patients evolving with PH with those who do versus do not develop it during the postoperative period after LT. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients undergoing LT from January 1999 to December 2000 were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (G1; n = 26), without PH; and Group 2 (G2; n = 31), with moderate PH. Preoperative parameters were Child-Pugh's classification, pulmonary function tests, mPAP, and P(A-a)O(2). During the intraoperative period, warm and cold ischemic times and the amount of blood transfusion were evaluated, whereas mPAP, PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio, weaning time, ICU LOS, and 30-day survival rates were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: mPAP in early postoperative period was 21 +/- 13 mm Hg and 32 +/- 4 mm Hg in G1 and G2, respectively (P <.0001). PaO(2)/FiO(2) was 310 +/- 82 mm Hg in G1 and 272 +/- 84 mm Hg in G2 (P =.48). In G1 and G2, 77% and 74% of patients, respectively, were successfully weaned in the first 24 hours postoperative (P =.10). ICU LOS was 111 hours (range, 45-1098 hours) in G1 and 102 hours (range, 59-284 hours) in G2 (P =.36). The 30-day survival rate was 20 of 26 (77%) in G1 and 26 of 31 (84%) in G2 (P =.44). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that moderate PH during the early postoperative phases of LT cannot be considered an additional risk factor for pulmonary dysfunction, and for an increased ICU LOS or 30-day mortality rate.

Blood Pressure↗

PubMed2002

Attenuation of pain in a randomized trial by suppression of peripheral nociceptive activity in the immediate postoperative period.

UNLABELLED: Peripheral neuronal barrage from tissue injury produces central nervous system changes that contribute to the maintenance of postoperative pain. The therapeutic approaches to blocking these central changes remain controversial, because previous studies have not differentiated presurgical interventions from those administered after tissue injury, yet before pain onset. In this study, we evaluated the relative contributions of blockade of nociceptive input during surgery or during the immediate postoperative period on pain suppression. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of four groups: preoperative 2% lidocaine, postoperative 0.5% bupivacaine, both, or placebo injections. General anesthesia was induced and third molars extracted. Pain was assessed over 4 h and at 24 and 48 h. The beta-endorphin in blood samples increased twofold during surgery, which is indicative of activation of the peripheral nociceptive barrage in response to painful stimuli. Pain was decreased in the immediate postoperative period in the bupivacaine groups, whereas it increased in the lidocaine group over time. Pain intensity was less 48 h after surgery in the groups whose postoperative pain was blocked by the administration of bupivacaine, but no effect was demonstrated for the preoperative administration of lidocaine alone. These results in the oral surgery pain model suggest that minimizing the peripheral nociceptive barrage during the immediate postoperative period decreases pain at later time periods. In contrast, blocking the intraoperative nociceptive barrage does not appear to contribute significantly to the subsequent reduction in pain. IMPLICATIONS: Suppression of postoperative pain immediately after surgery attenuates the pain experienced 1 to 2 days after surgery. These findings suggest that pain after minor surgery can be prevented by blocking the development of pain processes that amplify pain for days after surgery.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed1990

[Study on changes in extravascular lung water during early postoperative periods in thoracic esophageal cancer--with special emphasis on their relation to postoperative renal function].

Twenty-seven patients with esophageal cancer received an intrathoracic esophagectomy, lymphadenectomy and esophageal reconstruction performed in one stage. They were analyzed for respiratory and hemodynamic function parameters and also observed for the time course of extravascular lung water (EVLW), water balance, renal function as well as colloid osmotic pressure (COP) of plasma. And they were clarified the pathogenetic mechanism of post-operative pulmonary complications mainly from the aspects of pathophysiology of pulmonary edema and functional interrelationship of organs. Two groups of patients, i.e. those undergoing extended lymphadenectomy (particularly for lymph nodes of both sides of neck and upper mediastinum) and those of old age (70 years or above), were investigated for eventual characteristic features of postoperative changes in the parameters mentioned above. In the group of patients with postoperative pulmonary complications, a significant negative correlation was noted to exist between the plasma colloid osmotic pressure-pulmonary artery wedge pressure (COP-PAW) gradient and EVLW and between the former parameter and postoperative renal function (p less than 0.01). A postoperative lowering of renal function observed in the group with postoperative pulmonary complications was due mainly to depressed left ventricular function immediately following operation and assumed to play a significant role in the production of pulmonary edema as a hydrostatic factor subject to the Starling's low. In the group undergoing extended lymphadenectomy, extensive lymph node dissection reduced plasma colloid osmotic pressure. This reduction was thought to bring about a diminution of COP-PAW gradient, produce a transient depression of left ventricular function and augmentation of pulmonary edema, and to stimulate the formation of intrapulmonary shunting. In the old age group, their and renal function depressed immediately after operation because of advanced age. And for the maintenance of cardiac function massive water intake was required. They led to retention of water and thereby played a direct role in the causation of increase in EVLW and in intrapulmonary shunt. All these observations point to the necessity of initiating carefully planned management early in the postoperative period that takes these pathophysiologic features well into account.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Effects of postoperative periods on glucose absorption and electrolyte secretion in the intestinal loop of sheep.

This study was designed to determine the effect of postoperative periods on intestinal absorptive and secretory functions in the jejunal Thiry-Vella loop of sheep. The lumen was perfused with isotonic saline solution for 120 min at 1 ml/min. The secretory function was assessed by measuring the secretory response of water and electrolytes to PGE2 which was applied intraluminally at 100 microM during the second 30 min period. To measure glucose absorption, 10 mM isotonic glucose solution with its osmolality adjusted by adding NaCl was perfused. Measurements were taken at 1 week intervals for 3 months after surgery. Under basal conditions, water, sodium and chloride were absorbed, while potassium and bicarbonate were secreted. These net basal movements did not change throughout the 3 month period. PGE2 reversed the net absorptions of water, sodium and chloride to the net secretions, and significantly augmented bicarbonate secretion. Potassium secretion was not changed significantly by PGE2. These responses to PGE2 were not affected by the postoperative periods. Glucose absorption decreased gradually for 8 weeks after construction of the jejunal loop with a significant negative correlation to the postoperative period, and subsequently remained at a steady state of nearly 65% of the first week. This decrease in glucose absorption was prevented by regular perfusion of glucose. The results show that the Thiry-Vella loop of the ovine jejunum can be used to measure secretory function for 3 months or more after its construction, but it is essential to regularly perfuse the loop with glucose solution when this loop is used for absorptive experiments of glucose for a long time.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Study of analgesic efficacy of propacetamol in the postoperative period using a double blind placebo controlled method].

The efficiency and safety of postoperative use of propacetamol was estimated in 30 patients by means of double blind placebo controlled method. The first group consisted of 15 patients to whom propacetamol was introduced intravenously in single dose of 2 g along with patient controlled anesthesia with promedol. Placebo in combination with patient control anesthesia were used in 15 patients from the 2nd group. Intravenous introducing of propacetamol in dose of 2 g in 15 minutes provides relief of pain intensity in postoperative period. So it permits to consider propacetamol as basic non-opioid analgesic. In early postoperative period combination of propacetamol and opioid analgesic (promedol) reduces demands in the latter by 44%.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed1998

Left ventricular performance following the arterial switch operation: use of noninvasive wall stress analysis in the postoperative period.

OBJECTIVE: To determine postoperative left ventricular mechanics following the arterial switch operation (ASO). DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. SETTING: Pediatric cardiac recovery room. PATIENTS: Nine neonates with transposition of the great arteries undergoing the ASO within the first week of life. INTERVENTIONS: Noninvasive ejection phase indices: shortening fraction (% SF), corrected mean velocity of circumferential shortening (VCFc), and wall stress analysis were used to calculate indices of specific left ventricular systolic mechanics. The % SF and VCFc were respectively adjusted for left ventricular afterload (end-systolic wall stress) to derive an index for left ventricular performance (stress-shortening relation) and contractility (stress-velocity relation). Left ventricular preload was assessed as the variance between the performance and contractility indices. All indexed data are reported as mean Zscore (i.e., number of standard deviations from the mean of a normal age- and body surface area-adjusted population). A mean Zscore of < -2 or > 2 was regarded as a significant variance from normal. Transmitral Doppler flow patterns were recorded at each postoperative interval and analyzed for isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) as an index of left ventricular compliance. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All nine patients did well clinically and completed the study. Noninvasive parameters were measured at mean intervals of 3 (early), 23 (intermediate), and 48 hrs (late postoperative) relative to the time of arrival in the cardiac recovery room. Postoperative left ventricular performance was decreased throughout the early (-4.0 +/- 1.5 SD), intermediate (-4.1 +/- 2.8), and late (-3.5 +/- 1.3) phases of recovery. In contrast, the overall left ventricular contractility remained normal throughout the three postoperative intervals (0.2 +/- 1.8, -1.2 +/- 1.9, and -1.0 +/- 1.6, respectively), although three of the nine patients had a diminished stress-velocity index during the study period. Left ventricular afterload was within normal range in the early (0.1 +/- 1.7) and intermediate (1.5 +/- 1.9) phases of recovery, but increased in the late postoperative period (2.5 +/- 2.9). Left ventricular preload was decreased significantly throughout the early (-4.2 +/- 1.3), intermediate (-2.8 +/- 2.0), and late (-2.5 +/- 1.0) postoperative phases. All nine patients demonstrated decreased preload during the recovery period. IVRT was decreased in the post-ASO patients at each phase of recovery compared with normal data (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular performance is impaired in infants during the period immediately following the ASO. A persistent preload deficit closely matches the pattern of impaired ventricular performance. Decreased IVRT points to impaired ventricular compliance as the etiology of the altered preload. In contrast, left ventricular contractility remains normal in the majority of post-ASO patients. Decreased contractility may account for impaired ventricular performance in selected cases.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

PubMed1998

Infection and associated risk factors in the immediate postoperative period of pediatric liver transplantation: a study of 176 transplants.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of infections occurring in the immediate postoperative period of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in children in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the associated risk factors. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Multidisciplinary 16-bed pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and thirty-three pediatric patients (range 6M to 22 yr) who underwent 176 liver transplantations and were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for at least 48 h. RESULTS: A total of 180 infectious episodes (IE) occurred in 78 (59%) patients who underwent 96 (54.5%) liver transplantations (1.35 IE/patient; 1.02 IE/transplantation). The mean stay was 15.4 +/- 1.1 d (mean +/- SD) and 22 patients died in the pediatric intensive care unit. One hundred and thirty-one IE (72.8%) were bacterial, 31 (17.2%) fungal, and 14 (7.8%) mixed bacterial and fungal. 39% of the IE appeared in the first postoperative week and 27% in the second postoperative week. The most common sites of infection were abdomen (48.3%) and blood stream (26.1%). Bacteria, alone or with fungi, were present in 145 IE (1.1 IE/patient). Gram-positive aerobic bacteria (63%) predominated over gram-negative bacteria (54%) and fungi. Fungi were present in 45 IE; 53.4% of the infections occurred in lung (73% yeasts). The risk factors for infection that were identified were related with younger age, lower body weight, longer cold ischemia time, partial graft, and the volume of packed red blood cell transfusions. Infected patients had more postoperative complications and longer stay in the PICU (21 +/- 16 vs. 8 +/- 6 d), but no increase in mortality. The risk of infection increased 2.38 times with partial grafts and 1.1 times with each intraoperative transfusion of 20 ml/kg of packed red blood cells (RBC). CONCLUSIONS: Infection in the immediate postoperative period of pediatric OLT was related with a high morbidity but was not related significantly with increased mortality. The main risk factors for infection in the postoperative period of OLT were related essentially with small recipient size and the inherent complexity of the operation. Routine oropharyngeal decontamination is recommended, as well as early administration of oral nystatin in preoperative intestinal decontamination. The risk of infection increased 2.38 times with partial grafts and 1.1 times with the transfusion of every 20 ml of packed RBC.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

Technical and operative factors in infrarenal aortic reconstruction and their effect on the glomerular filtration rate in the immediate postoperative period and 6 months later.

Renal failure is an important cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality in infrarenal aortic reconstruction. Several mechanisms for this postoperative renal dysfunction have been suggested. However, biochemical testing of renal function is insensitive since it shows only gross renal changes. This study examined prospectively the effects of the technical and operative factors on renal function using radionuclide tests. The authors measured the total Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) using 51Cr-EDTA clearance in 59 patients undergoing elective infrarenal aortic reconstruction. We also examined the individual kidneys using 99mTc-DTPA renography and 99mTc-DMSA renal scanning. Renal scanning gives the percentage of function of each kidney, while renography gives a graphic assessment of individual renal perfusion and clearance. All tests were carried out preoperatively, 2 weeks postoperatively and 6 months later. Twelve technical factors including aortic cross clamping time, type of aortic anastomosis, forced diuresis, division of left renal vein and various others were recorded to study their effect on the GFR and the individual kidney function. The effect on renal function of these operative factors has not previously been described. GFR showed no change in the immediate postoperative period. Six months later GFR decreased, the mean decrease was 9 ml/min. (P = 0.007 Wilcoxon rank). Some of our patients showed an increased GFR, a phenomenon that was recognised recently. None of the factors studied, except division of the left renal vein, had any effect on the changes in the GFR in the immediate postoperative period or 6 months later.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

PubMed1993

Interpretation of duplex Doppler ultrasound in renal transplants in the early postoperative period.

A prospective study of duplex Doppler ultrasound in 29 renal transplants was undertaken to determine how to interpret Doppler findings in the immediate postoperative period. The study included intraoperative pulsed Doppler recordings from grafts immediately following release of vessel clamps. Subsequent follow-up studies were performed in the immediate postoperative period. Intraoperative Doppler appearances in the group as a whole were normal; there was a significant deterioration in Doppler appearances in the first 24-48 h of the postoperative period. In the absence of rejection subsequent Doppler appearances returned to normal. An abnormal Doppler appearance immediately following transplantation should be an expected result. If the Doppler fails to improve, or deteriorates having started to improve, rejection should be strongly suspected.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Effects of prostaglandin F2alpha and cisapride on small intestinal activity during the early postoperative period in humans.

The relationship between intestinal motor activity and the influence of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) and cisapride were investigated during the early postoperative period in 26 patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Records of intestinal motility were made using an infusion catheter. PGF, 0.4 microg/kg per minute, given intravenously over 60 min, and cisapride, 5 mg, given intraintestinally, were administered to 13 patients each, first immediately after the operation, and then after the migrating motor complexes (MMCs) had reappeared following a period of intestinal quiescence. The MMCs were reestablished within the first postoperative day. Both PGF and cisapride stimulated irregular, high-amplitude contractions; however, the MMCs reappeared following these induced contractions only if the drugs were administered just after the postoperative MMCs became evident. These prokinetic drugs did not affect gastrointestinal hormone concentrations, but induced contractile activity even in the early postoperative period. Although the findings of this study demonstrate that these drugs may be useful as prokinetic agents to promote recovery from postoperative ileus just after the reappearance of MMCs in the early postoperative period, their precise mode of action has not been established.

Abdomen↗