Gastrointestinal decompression after excision and anastomosis of lower digestive tract

AIM:To discuss the clinical significance of postoperativegastrointestinal decompression in operation on lowerdigestive tract.METHODS:Three hundred and sixty-eight patients withexcision and anastomosis of lower digestive tract weredivided into two groups,i.e.the group with postoperativegastrointestinal decompression and the group withoutpostoperative gastrointestinal decompression.Clinicaltherapeutic outcome and incidence of complication werecompared between two groups.Furthermore,aninvestigation on application of gastrointestinal decompressionwas carried out among 200 general surgeons.RESULTS:The volume of gastric juice in decompressiongroup was about 200 mL every day after operation.Bothgroups had a lower girth before operation than every dayafter operation.No difference in length of the first passageof gas by anus and defecation after operation was foundbetween two groups.The overall incidence ofcomplications was obviously higher in decompressiongroup than in non-decompression group (28% vs 8.2%,P<0.001).The incidence of pharyngolaryngitis was up to23.1%.There was also no difference between two groupsregarding the length of hospitalization after operation.The majority (97.5%) of general surgeons held thatgastrointestinal decompression should be placed tillpassage of gas by anus,and only 2.5% of surgeonsthought that gastrointestinal decompression should beplaced for 2-3 d before passage of gas by anus.Nobody(0%) deemed it unnecessary for placing gastrointestinalcompression after operation.CONCLUSION:Application of gastrointestinal decompressionalter excision and anastomosis of lower digestive tract cannoteffectively reduce gastrointestinal tract pressure and has noobvious effect on preventing postoperative complications.Onthe contrary,it may increase the inddence of pharyngolaryngitisand other complications.Therefore,it is more beneficial tothe recovery of patients without undergoing gastrointestinaldecompression.     

Effect of water-soluble contrast in colorectal surgery： A prospective randomized trial

AIM: Postoperative gastrointestinal-tract motility is normally delayed. Early feeding after colorectal surgery has been reported recently, but late feeding is common. Gastrografin not only enhances bowel peristalsis, but also decreases bowel-wall edema. Whether contrast medium allows early oral feeding and reduces the duration of hospitalization requires clarification. METHODS: Fifty patients underwent elective colorectal surgery In a regional medical center. Patients were prosp-ectively randomized into a Gastrografin group or control group (n=25 each). Patients in the Gastrografin group began their feeding schedule with 100 mL of 5% dextrose water with 100 mL of Gastrografin on postoperative d 3 and were advanced to a full liquid diet when the contrast reached the colon in 4 h. Patients in the control group began their feeding schedule with 200 mL of 5% dextrose water on postoperative d 3 and were advanced to a full liquid diet after the passage of flatus and stool. Nasogastric tubes were inserted for persistent postoperative vomiting. Fullness, nausea, vomiting, complications, time of anesthesia, time of operation, time of mobilization, time of oral feeding, and duration of hospital stay were recorded and analyzed with Student's t-test. RESULTS: In the Gastrografin group, one patient had aspiration pneumonia and one patient had anastomotic leakage resulting in sepsis and eventual death. This mortality was excluded from the subsequent statistical analysis. In the control group, two patients had wound infections. There was no significant difference between the two groups at the time of anesthesia, time of operation, or time of mobilization. There were significant differences between the two groups in the time of oral feeding (3.3±0.3 d in the Gastrografin group VS 4.8±0.4 d in the control group; P=odds ratio--, 95%CI [-0.5 to +0.7 d]) and in the length of hospital stay (7.6±1.1 d in the Gastrografin group VS 10.2±1.3 d in the control group; P=odds ratio--, 95% CI [-1.2 to +1.4 d]). CONCLUSION: Gastrografin not only allowed early oral feeding but also reduced the duration of hospitalization after elective colorectal surgery.     

Enteral nutrition in acute pancreatitis: A review of the current evidence

The use of enteral feeding as part of the management of acute pancreatitis dates back almost two decades.This review describes the indications for and limitations of enteral feeding for the treatment of acute pancreatitis using up-to-date evidence-based data.A systematic review was carried out to analyse current data on the use of enteral nutrition in the management of acute pancreatitis.Relevant literature was analysed from the viewpoints of enteral vs parenteral feeding,early vs delayed enteral nutrition,nasogastric vs nasojejunal feeding,and early oral diet and immunonutrition,particularly glutamine and probiotic supplementation.Finally,current applicable guidelines and the effects of these guidelines on clinical practice are discussed.The latest meta-analyses suggest that enteral nutrition significantly reduces the mortality rate of severe acute pancreatitis compared to parenteral feeding.To maintain gut barrier function and prevent early bacterial translocation,enteral feeding should be commenced within the first 24 h of hospital admission.Also,the safety of nasogastric feeding,which eases the administration of enteral nutrients in the clinical setting,is likely equal to nasojejunal feeding.Furthermore,an earlylow-fat oral diet is potentially beneficial in patients with mild pancreatitis.Despite the initial encouraging results,the current evidence does not support the use of immunoenhanced nutrients or probiotics in patients with acute pancreatitis.     

Preventing prolonged post-operative ileus in gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy

AIM: To assess the efficacy of metoclopramide (Met) for prevention of prolonged post-operative ileus in advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing D2 gastrectomy and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (IPC). METHODS: Thirty-two advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing D2 gastrectomy and IPC were allocated to two groups. Sixteen patients received Met immediately after operation (group A), and 16 did not (group B). Another 16 patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy without IPC were enrolled as the control group (group C). All patients had received epidural pain control. The primary endpoints were time to first post-operative flatus and time until oral feeding with a soft diet without discomfort. Secondary endpoints were early complications during hospitalization. RESULTS: Gender, the type of resection, operating time, blood loss, tumor status and amount of narcotics were comparable in the three groups. However, the group C patients were older than those in groups A and B (67.5±17.7 vs 56.8±13.2,57.5±11.7 years, P= 0.048). First bowel flatus occurred after 4.35±0.93 d in group A, 4.94±1.37 d in group B, and 4.71±1.22 d in group C (P>0.05). Oral feeding of a soft diet was tolerated 7.21±1.92 d after operation in group A, 10.15±2.17 d in group B, and 7.53±1.35 d in group C (groups A and C vs group B, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in respect to the first flatus among the three groups. However, the time of tolerating oral intake with soft food in groups A and C patients was significantly shorter than that in group B patients. Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly lower in group C and there was a more prominent and prolonged response in CRP level in patients undergoing IPC. The incidence of post-operative complications was similar in the three groups except for prolonged post-operative ileus. There was no increased risk of anastomotic leakage in patients receiving Met. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a combination of intravenous Met and epidural pain control may be required to achieve a considerable decrease in time to resumption of oral soft diet in advanced gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy and IPC. Furthermore, the administration of Met did not increase anastomotic leakage. Met has a role in the prevention of prolonged post-operative ileus.     

Case-matched comparison of laparoscopy-assisted and open distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

AIM: To compare shortand long-term outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted and open distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed by comparing the outcomes of 54 patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with those of 54 patients who underwent open distal gastrectomy (ODG) between October 2004 and October 2007. The patients’ demographic data (age and gender), date of surgery, extent of lymphadenectomy, and differentiation and tumor-node-metastasis stage of the tumor were examined. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative recovery, complications, pathological findings, and follow-up data were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: The mean operative time was significantly longer in the LADG group than in the ODG group (259.3 ± 46.2 min vs 199.8 ± 40.85 min; P < 0.05), whereas intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications were significantly lower (160.2 ± 85.9 mL vs 257.8 ± 151.0 mL; 13.0% vs 24.1%, respectively, P < 0.05). In addition, the time to first flatus, time to initiate oral intake, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the LADG group than in the ODG group (3.9 ± 1.4 d vs 4.4 ± 1.5 d; 4.6 ± 1.2 d vs 5.6 ± 2.1 d; and 9.5 ± 2.7 d vs 11.1 ± 4.1 d, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the LADG group and ODG group with regard to the number of harvested lymph nodes. The median followup was 60 mo (range, 5-97 mo). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 94.3%, 90.2%, and 76.7%, respectively, in the LADG group and 89.5%, 84.7%, and 82.3%, respectively, in the ODG group. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 98.0%, 91.9%, and 81.1%, respectively, in the LADG group and 91.5%, 86.9%, and 82.1%, respectively, in the ODG group. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the survival rate. CONCLUSION: LADG is suitable and minimally invasive for treating distal gastric cancer and can achieve si     

Conservative treatment of early postoperative small bowel obstruction with obliterative peritonitis

AIM:To investigate the effect of somatostatin and dexamethasone on early postoperative small bowel obstruction with obliterative peritonitis(EPSBO-OP).METHODS:This prospective randomized study included 70 patients diagnosed with EPSBO-OP from June2002 to January 2009.Patients were randomized into two groups:a control group received total parenteral nutrition and nasogastric(NG)tube feeding;and an intervention group received,in addition,somatostatin and dexamethasone treatment.The primary endpoints were time to resolution of bowel obstruction and length of hospital stay,and the secondary endpoints were daily NG output and NG feeding duration,treatment-related complications,postoperative obstruction relapse,and patient satisfaction.RESULTS:Thirty-six patients were allocated to the intervention group and 34 to the control group.No patient needed to undergo surgery.Patients in the intervention group had an earlier resolution of bowel obstruction(22.4±9.1 vs 29.9±10.1 d,P=0.002).Lower daily NG output(583±208 vs 922±399 mL/d,P<0.001),shorter duration of NG tube use(16.7±8.8vs 27.7±9.9 d,P<0.001),and shorter length of hospital stay(25.8 vs 34.9 d,P=0.001)were observed in the intervention group.The rate of treatment-related complications(P=0.770)and relapse of obstruction(P=0.357)were comparable between the two groups.There were no significant differences in postoperative satisfaction at 1,2 and 3 years between the two groups.CONCLUSION:Somatostatin and dexamethasone for EPSBO-OP promote resolution of obstruction and shorten hospital stay,and are safe for symptom control without increasing obstruction relapse.     

Pulmonary complications in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following transthoracic esophagectomy

AIM: To investigate the incidence of various types of postoperative pulmonary complications (POPCs) and to evaluate the significance of perioperative arterial blood gases in patients with esophageal cancer accompanied with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after esophagectomy. MEHTODS: Three hundred and fifty-eight patients were divided into POPC group and COPD group. We performed a retrospective review of the 358 consecutive patients after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer with or without COPD to assess the possible influence of COPD on postoperative pulmonary complications. We classified COPD into four grades according to percent-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and analyzed the incidence rate of complications among the four grades. Perioperative arterial blood gases were tested in patients with or without pulmonary complications in COPD group and compared with POPC group. RESULTS: Patients with COPD (29/86, 33.7%) had more pulmonary complications than those without COPD (36/272, 13.2%) (P<0.001). Pneumonia (15/29, 51.7%), atelectasis (13/29, 44.8%), prolonged 02 supplement (10/29, 34.5%), and prolonged mechanical ventilation (8/29, 27.6%) were the major complications in COPD group. Moreover, patients with severe COPD (grade n B, FEV1 < 50% of predicted) had more POPCs than those with moderate(gradeⅡA,50%-80% of predicted) and mild (gradeⅠ≥80% of predicted) COPD (P<0.05). PaO2 was decreased and PaCO2 was increased in patients with pulmonary complications in COPD group in the first postoperative week. CONCLUSION: The criteria of COPD are the critical predictor for pulmonary complications in esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy. Severity of COPD affects the incidence rate of the pulmonary complication, and percent-predicted FEV1 is a good predictive variable for pulmonary complication in patients with COPD. Arterial blood gases are helpful in directing perioperative management.     

Effects of 7.5% hypertonic saline on fluid balance after radical surgery for gastrointestinal carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the effects of 7.5% hypertonic saline on positive fluid balance and negative fluid balance, after radical surgery for gastrointestinal carcinoma. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with gastrointestinal carcinoma undergoing radical surgery were studied. The patients were assigned to receive either Ringer lactate solution following 4 mL/kg of 7.5% hypertonic saline (the experimental group, n = 26) or Ringer lactate solution (the control group, n = 26) during the early postoperative period in SICU. Fluid infusion volumes, urine outputs, fluid balance, body weight change, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, anal exhaust time as well as the incidence of complication and mortality were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Urine outputs on the operative day and the first postoperative day in experimental group were significantly more than in control group (P<0.000001, P=0.000114). Fluid infusion volumes on the operative day and the first postoperative day were significantly less in experimental group than in control group (P= 0.000042, P= 0.000415). The volumes of the positive fluid balance on the operative day and during the first 48 h after surgery, in experimental group, were significantly less than in control group (P<0.000001). Body weight gain post-surgery was significantly lower in experimental group than in control group (P<0.000001). The body weight fall in experimental group occurred earlier than in control group (P<0.000001). PaO2/FiO2 ratio after surgery was higher in experimental group than in control group (P= 0.000111). The postoperative anal exhaust time in experimental group was earlier than in control group (P= 0.000006). The overall incidence of complications and the incidence of pulmonary infection were lower in experimental group than in control group (P= 0.0175, P= 0.0374). CONCLUSION: 7.5% hypertonic saline has an intense diuretic effect and causes mobilization of the retained fluid, which could reduce fluid infusion volumes and positive fluid balance after radical surgery for gastrointestinal carcinoma, as well as, accelerate the early appearance of negative fluid balance after the surgery, improve the oxygen diffusing capacity of the patients' alveoli, and lower the overall incidence of complications and pulmonary infection after the surgery.     

Fast-track surgery could improve postoperative recovery in radical total gastrectomy patients

AIM: To assess the impact of fast-track surgery (FTS) on hospital stay, cost of hospitalization and complications after radical total gastrectomy. METHODS: A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted from November 2011 to August 2012 in the Department of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, the Fourth Military Medical University. A total of 122 gastric cancer patients who met the selection criteria were randomized into FTS and conventional care groups on the first day of hospitalization. All patients received elective standard D2 total gastrectomy. Clinical outcomes, including duration of flatus and defecation, white blood cell count, postoperative pain, duration of postoperative stay, cost of hospitalization and complications were recorded and evaluated.Two specially trained doctors who were blinded to the treatment were in charge of evaluating postoperative outcomes, discharge and follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients finished the study, including 60 patients in the conventional care group and 59 patients in the FTS group. Two patients were excluded from the FTS group due to withdrawal of consent. One patient was excluded from the conventional care group because of a non-resectable tumor. Compared with the conventional group, FTS shortened the duration of flatus (79.03 ± 20.26 hvs 60.97 ± 24.40 h, P = 0.000) and duration of defecation (93.03 ± 27.95 h vs 68.00 ± 25.42 h, P = 0.000), accelerated the decrease in white blood cell count [P < 0.05 on postoperative day (POD) 3 and 4], alleviated pain in patients after surgery (P < 0.05 on POD 1, 2 and 3), reduced complications (P < 0.05), shortened the duration of postoperative stay (7.10 ± 2.13 dvs 5.68 ± 1.22 d,P = 0.000), reduced the cost of hospitalization (43783.25 ± 8102.36 RMBvs 39597.62 ± 7529.98 RMB,P = 0.005), and promoted recovery of patients. CONCLUSION: FTS could be safely applied in radical total gastrectomy to accelerate clinical recovery of gastric cancer patients.     

Strategies to reduce pulmonary complications after esophagectomy

Esophagectomy,the surgical removal of all or part of the esophagus,is a surgical procedure that is associated with high morbidity and mortality.Pulmonary complications are an especially important postoperative problem.Therefore,many perioperative strategies to prevent pulmonary complications after esophagectomy have been investigated and introduced in daily clinical practice.Here,we review these strategies,including improvement of patient performance and technical advances such as minimally invasive surgery that have been implemented in recent years.Furthermore,interventions such as methylprednisolone,neutrophil elastase inhibitor and epidural analgesia,which have been shown to reduce pulmonary complications,are discussed.Benefits of the commonly applied routine nasogastric decompression,delay of oral intake and prophylactic mechanical ventilation are unclear,and many of these strategies are also evaluated here.Finally,we will discuss recent insights and new developments aimed to improve pulmonary outcomes after esophagectomy.     

Gastrointestinal decompression after excision and anastomosis of lower digestive tract

AIM: To discuss the clinical significance of postoperative gastrointestinal decompression in operation on lower digestive tract. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-eight patients with excision and anastomosis of lower digestive tract were divided into two groups, i.e. the group with postoperative gastrointestinal decompression and the group without postoperative gastrointestinal decompression. Clinical therapeutic outcome and incidence of complication were compared between two groups. Furthermore, an investigation on application of gastrointestinal decompression was carried out among 200 general surgeons. RESULTS: The volume of gastric juice in decompression group was about 200 mL every day after operation. Both groups had a lower girth before operation than every day after operation. No difference in length of the first passage of gas by anus and defecation after operation was found between two groups. The overall incidence of complications was obviously higher in decompression group than in non-decompression group (28% vs 8.2%, P<0.001). The incidence of pharyngolaryngitis was up to 23.1%. There was also no difference between two groups regarding the length of hospitalization after operation. The majority (97.5%) of general surgeons held that gastrointestinal decompression should be placed till passage of gas by anus, and only 2.5% of surgeons thought that gastrointestinal decompression should be placed for 2-3 d before passage of gas by anus. Nobody (0%) deemed it unnecessary for placing gastrointestinal compression after operation. CONCLUSION: Application of gastrointestinal decompression after excision and anastomosis of lower digestive tract cannot effectively reduce gastrointestinal tract pressure and has no obvious effect on preventing postoperative complications. On the contrary, it may increase the incidence of pharyngolaryngitis and other complications. Therefore, it is more beneficial to the recovery of patients without undergoing gastrointestinal decompression.     

Nasogastric decompression after total gastrectomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although it is clearly known that there is no need of routine nasogastric decompression after some abdominal operations, we still do not know whether it is necessary for esophageal anastomosis. Traditionally, nasogastric decompression is mandatory after total gastrectomy complemented with esophagojejunostomy. METHODOLOGY: Consecutive 66 patients with gastric cancer who underwent total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy were prospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups, those with nasogastric decompression and those without decompression. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were similar among the groups. Vomiting, distention, belching, hiccupping, dysphagia complaints were similar among the groups, but sore throat (100% vs. 22%, p<0.001), nausea (32% vs. 13%, p=0.054), fever (35% vs. 16%, p=0.068) and pulmonary complications (26% vs. 9%. p=0.072) were much more in the nasogastric decompression than the no-tube group. Starting oral feeding and postoperative hospital stay were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Omission of nasogastric decompression after elective total gastrectomy complemented with esophagojejunostomy did not increase postoperative complications, on the contrary it decreased postoperative fever and pulmonary problems, and improved patient comfort by decreasing sore throat and nausea. Therefore, we do not recommend the routine use of nasogastric tubes after total gastrectomy complemented with esophagojejunostomy.     

Accelerated rehabilitation with early postoperative oral feeding following gastrectomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early oral feeding in patients undergoing gastrectomy. METHODOLOGY: One hundred patients undergoing gastrectomy were studied. Patients in the early oral feeding group (Early group) began a liquid diet within 48 hours after operation and patients within the Traditional group received nothing by mouth until the resolution of the ileus. All of the patients were monitored for vomiting, abdominal distention, length of ileus, tolerance of regular diet, duration of intravenous fluid administration, length of hospitalization, and complications. RESULTS: The time to flatus was 55.5+/-12.5 hours and 78.0+/-22.2 hours in the Early and Traditional group, respectively (p<0.05). And fasting period was 2.14+/-1.08 days and 5.93+/-2.35 days in the Early and Traditional group, respectively (p<0.05). In addition, duration of intravenous fluid administration was shorter in the patients in the Early group compared with Traditional group (5.7+/-1.7 days vs. 9.2+/-3.9 days, p<0.05). As a result, length of postoperative hospitalization in the patients in the Early group was significantly shorter than those in the Traditional group (16.2+/-5.3 days vs. 23.4+/-9.8 days, p<0.05). The incidence of complications including nausea, vomiting, anastomotic leak and wound infection occurred equally in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early oral feeding after gastrectomy is safe, with no evidence of increased morbidity, and early postoperative oral feeding is also highly effective in reducing hospital stay.     

Prokinetic effect of erythromycin after colorectal surgery

PURPOSE: Nausea and vomiting three to seven days after an elective operation on the colon and rectum remain a persistent clinical problem. Erythromycin, a safe, inexpensive drug that stimulates intestinal motilin receptors, has previously been shown to accelerate gastric emptying significantly after upper gastrointestinal surgery. We aimed to evaluate the effect of postoperative intravenous erythromycin on postoperative ileus in patients undergoing elective surgery for primary colorectal cancer. METHODS: Between May 1998 and April 1999, 150 patients undergoing primary resection of colon or rectal cancer were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. One hundred thirty-four patients completed the study. Patients were excluded if they had extensive metastatic disease, were taking medications known to interact with erythromycin, or if they required an ileostomy. Patients received either 200 mg of intravenous erythromycin or placebo every six hours. Clinical endpoints were recorded and continuous end-points are presented as mean +/- standard deviation. RESULTS: There were no significant complications related to erythromycin. The erythromycin (n = 65) and placebo (n = 69) groups were comparable regarding demographic and operative factors. The erythromycin group had a slightly shorter length of time to passage of flatus (4.1 +/- 1.3 vs. 4.4 +/- 1.1 days; P = 0.03). There was no significant difference between erythromycin and placebo in time to first solid food (5.6 +/- 1.9 vs. 5.4 +/- 1.8 days), time to first bowel movement (5.2 +/- 1.9 vs. 5.4 +/- 1.3 days), or time to discharge from hospital (7.5 +/- 2.0 vs. 7.6 +/- 2.8 days). There was no difference in the rate of clinically significant nausea (26 vs. 26 percent; P = 0.99), vomiting (17 vs. 16 percent; P = 0.88), or nasogastric tube placement (9 vs. 7 percent; P = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Erythromycin does not seem to alter clinically important outcomes related to postoperative ileus in patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer.     

Evidence of early oral feeding in colorectal surgery

There is much variability regarding time to start of enteral nutrition in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. In many instances such patients are postoperatively maintained with nasogastric intubation with the aim of preventing complications such as dehiscence, evisceration or eventration.We examine the clinical evidence regarding nasogastric tube placement and early feeding with reference to the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases.Ia and Ib evidence was obtained from meta-analyses and prospective randomized studies, where the systematic use of a gastric decompression catheter is advised against and initiation of early feeding for colorectal surgery is recommended. Fasting does not provide any benefit after gastrointestinal surgery, and the use of nasogastric tubes does not decrease postoperative complications. However, less invasive surgery and new advances in anesthesia and analgesia are contributing to a reduction in postoperative ileus.     

Reevaluation of routine gastrointestinal decompression after gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We reviewed postoperative courses of patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy to evaluate the need for routine postoperative gastrointestinal decompression. METHODOLOGY: Three hundred patients who underwent gastrectomy during 1998 and 1999 were enrolled in this study. A nasogastric tube was placed in all patients just after induction of the anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups, 150 patients for each. In group 1, the nasogastric tube was maintained until the passage of flatus per rectum. In group 2, the nasogastric tube was removed immediately after the operation. RESULTS: The return of bowel function, return to a diet and postoperative length of hospital stay were similar in both groups. In group 1, only one patient (0.7%) had abdominal distension and no patient vomited, while four patients (2.7%) had abdominal distension and one patient (0.7%) vomited in group 2. There were no significant differences in the incidence of respiratory complications, anastomotic leakage and wound complications between the two groups. Postoperative death was rare, with the incidence of 0.7% in each group. There was a significantly high incidence of patient's discomfort in group 1. The major complaint was sore throat and it caused sleep disturbance when severe. CONCLUSIONS: It is desirable to insert a nasogastric tube while the patient is in the anesthetized state and keep it during operation and remove it immediately after operation, when no active bleeding is detected.     

细节管理在老年留置普通硅胶胃管患者鼻饲饮食中的应用

目的 研究细节管理减少老年留置普通硅胶胃管患者鼻饲饮食后并发症、减少感染及死亡率的作用.方法 选取80例老年留置普通硅胶胃管患者,随机分为对照组40例与干预组40例,对照组患者鼻饲饮食实施常规管理,干预组患者鼻饲饮食实施管理,比较两组干预效果.结果 干预组发生胃肠道并发症6例,无堵管现象,肺部感染2例;对照组发生胃肠道...     

The role of nasogastric tube in decompression after elective colon and rectum surgery : a meta-analysis

Objectives

Nasogastric tubes (NGT) have been routinely used after abdominal procedures, largely due to the accepted tradition, especially in China. However, studies recently questioned the role of routine NGT intubation by stating that it was overused and many complications occurred from its use.

Methods

Herein, we performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis evaluating the role of NGT in decompression after elective colon and rectum surgery.

Results

Four fixed-effect models and three randomized-effect models were used for statistics pooling of the relative risks (RR) for the different outcomes. A total of seven articles (1,416 patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients in NGT group had less vomiting (p?p?p?p?=?0.004; RR?=?0.37; 95% CI [0.19, 0.74]). No statistically significant differences were noted in nausea, wound infection or intestinal obstruction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, routine NGT decompression did no good to the time to return gastrointestinal function, but increased the morbidity of pharyngolaryngitis and respiratory infection significantly. Routine NGT was not recommended for patients after elective colon and rectum surgery.     

Elective laparoscopic surgical management of recurrent and complicated sigmoid diverticulitis

BACKGROUND: To review the results of elective laparoscopic anterior resection (LAR) for recurrent and complicated sigmoid diverticulitis, and determine the factors associated with surgical complications. METHODS: Data on patients who had had elective surgery for recurrent and complicated sigmoid diverticulitis were extracted from a prospective computerized database. RESULTS: Review of the database revealed 62 consecutive patients who had undergone LAR. These patients were initially compared with 20 patients who had undergone elective open anterior resection (OAR). There were no significant differences between the groups in relation to age, sex, indication for surgery, Hinchey stage of perforation, extent of adhesions or comorbidities. The intraoperative time for LAR was significantly shorter (mean+/-SEM 110.87+/-4.8 min vs. OAR 134.35+/-8.4; p=0.032) and blood loss was less (88+/-18 ml vs. OAR 134+/-24 ml; p=0.003). Postoperative passage of flatus occurred earlier after LAR (p<0.003). Hospital stay was shorter after LAR (p<0.001). Complications occurred in nine patients (15%) after LAR and in six patients (30%) after OAR (p=NS). Among the LAR patients the risk of complications was higher in those with preexisting comorbidities (p=0.037). Time to postoperative passage of flatus correlated positively with age (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Elective LAR for recurrent and complicated sigmoid diverticulitis could be performed safely and expediently. Bowel function recovered later in older patients. The risk of medical complications was related to preexisting comorbidities.