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We herein report a case of food-induced small bowel obstruction (FIBO) while using a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA), trying to lose weight due to distorted body image. The patient was a 30-year-old woman who was not obese (height 158 cm, weight 50 kg). She started taking an oral semaglutide, a GLP1-RA, and it was soon switched to weekly subcutaneous semaglutide because of ineffectiveness. More than 6 months after titrating up to 1.0 mg, she got drunk and chomped on a lot of scallops sandwiched between sheets of kelp, so-called "kobujime" in Japan, and half a day later complained of abdominal pain. Based on a finding of computed tomography at our emergency department, she was suspected of having a bowel obstruction and underwent laparoscopic surgery, which resulted in a diagnosis of small bowel obstruction by kelp. FIBO is rare, but it can become very severe once it happens. Although we cannot prove the direct pathophysiological effects of GLP1-RAs on FIBO in this particular case, GLP1-RAs have been reported to be one of the underlying risks of bowel obstruction based on epidemiological and basic research evidence; still, it is under-recognized. For example, the package inserts in Japan do not mention intestinal obstruction. We hope that the present report will prove helpful in paying attention to GLP1-RAs as a factor in bowel obstruction, including FIBO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a delay in gastrointestinal transit following surgery that leads to various complications. There is limited understanding of its effective treatment options. CKD-495 and eupacidin are natural products licensed for treating mucosal lesions in acute and chronic gastritis; however, little is known about their effects on intestinal permeability. This study evaluated the effects of CKD-495, eupacidin, and its components (eupatilin and cinnamic acid) on intestinal permeability in an animal model of POI. Materials and Methods: Guinea pigs underwent surgical procedures and were randomly assigned to different treatment groups. Drugs were administered orally prior to surgery. Intestinal permeability, leukocyte count, and the expression of calprotectin and tight junction proteins were measured in the harvested ileum tissue. Results: The intestinal permeability and leukocyte count were higher in the POI group than in the control group. The pre-administration of CKD-495, cinnamic acid, eupacidin, and eupatilin effectively prevented these changes in the POI model. No significant differences were observed in the expression of tight junction proteins. Conclusions: CKD-495, cinnamic acid, eupacidin, and eupatilin exerted protective effects against increased intestinal permeability and inflammation in an animal model of POI. These natural products have potential as therapeutic options for the treatment of POI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chewing gum is a healthy, cheap, and familiar solution for patients with premature irritation of the stomach and intestines. This study compared the effect of chewing gum and the routine method on ileus after burns. Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial conducted in Valiasr Hospital in Arak, Markazi Province, in the center of Iran, from December 2021 to February 2023. After the diagnosis of intestinal ileus in 83 patients hospitalized in the burn department by a general surgeon, with the available sampling method, these patients were evaluated based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. As a result, 66 patients were selected and divided into groups A (33 patients in the intervention group: routine care + gum chewing) and B (33 patients in the control group: routine care) by random allocation method. For the intervention group, from entering the ward until the beginning of oral feeding, gum (without sugar) was chewed four times a day for 15 min, while control groups received the routine diet of the department. Both groups' condition of the bowel sounds, time of passing gas, and stool were recorded. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. The chi-squared, Fisher's exact, Independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U tests were utilized. Results: The results showed that the median bowel sound return time, time of the first gas discharge, earliest defecation time, and time to start the diet were significantly shorter in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed the effect of chewing gum without sugar in shortening the symptoms of intestinal ileus after burns. However, it was not effective in reducing the hospitalization period of patients. According to these results, it is recommended to add chewing gum to the routine care of people hospitalized due to burns. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20180715040478N1, 2021-07-27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Etymologically the word ileus comes from the Greek eileos, which means rolling or turning. It is described as the temporary delay of gastrointestinal motility. It is recognized worldwide that postoperative ileus is one of the main complications after surgery and represents an important problem due to its high healthcare cost. Research has been done regarding the preventive use of physical and pharmacological measures, such as prokinetics, for the management of postoperative ileus. Methods. Clinical-therapeutic, comparative, prospective longitudinal follow-up research, with non-probabilistic convenience sampling, made up of four groups with 25 patients each, treated in the General Surgery Service between May and August 2021. Results. The patients had a mean age of 49.4 ± 19.6 years and 53% were male; 86% of patients had bowel sounds within 24 hours after the operation. The first bowel movement in patients who ingested espresso coffee was 42.6 hours and for those in the American coffee group it was at 43.4 hours compared to 89.4 hours in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The use of coffee is recommended as a safe and economical measure to start the diet as an alternative to the traditional fashion, becoming an option for the management of postoperative ileus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of a 50 mg caffeine coffee consumption on bowel function recovery after cesarean delivery. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. One hundred sixty-two post-cesarean delivery patients were enrolled and allocated to one of the two groups, Group 1, which included 81 volunteers, with a cup of 50 mg caffeine coffee and Group 2, which also included 81 volunteers, with a cup of warm water at postpartum ward, two hours after the operation. The primary outcome was to compare the time to first flatus after surgery between patients of each group. The secondary outcome was to compare the time to first defecation, time to tolerate a solid diet, and the incidence of postoperative ileus between groups. Results: The mean time to first flatus and standard deviation was 28.93±20.20 and 30.52±16.27 hours, time to first defecation was 62.45±28.00 and 63.45±25.53 hours, and the incidence of postoperative ileus was 17.28% and 19.75%. All results in both groups were not significantly different in the 50 mg caffeine coffee group and the warm water group. Conclusion: Drinking coffee with a cup of 50 mg caffeine coffee after cesarean delivery did not significantly improve the bowel function recovery. The higher dosage of caffeine coffee needs further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10-year-old spayed female Dachshund presented with abdominal pain and generalized severe ileus. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, confirming a severe ileus of undetermined origin. Multiple intestinal biopsy results confirmed acute intestinal leiomyositis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains confirmed a T-cell predominant inflammatory infiltrate. Intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) was administered prior to immunosuppressive therapy. Within 10 days of hIVIG treatment, functional peristaltic activity returned, and symptoms resolved. Longterm management, including the use of mycophenolate, resulted in sustained functional peristaltic recovery. Further studies are needed to explore the potential benefits of hIVIG treatment in the stabilization phase of this commonly fatal, treatment-refractory disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bezoars, including phytobezoars, trichobezoars, and pharmacobezoars, are accumulations of undigested substances in the gastrointestinal tract. We report three cases of gastric bezoars. Case 1: An 86-year-old woman presented with a one-month history of abdominal pain and vomiting. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed gastric bezoars; consumption of 2 L of cola daily for 2 weeks resulted in complete disappearance of the bezoars. Case 2: An asymptomatic 63-year-old woman underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed a gastric bezoar. Cola spraying and endoscopic lithotomy were ineffective; therefore, the patient underwent laparoscopic removal of the bezoar for management of small bowel obstruction secondary to the bezoar fragments. Case 3: A 6-year-old girl with a history of pica underwent two laparoscopic surgeries 10 months apart for recurrent trichobezoars. We report our treatment approach in three patients who presented with gastric bezoars.

Abstract Background Chewing gum is a healthy, cheap, and familiar solution for patients with premature irritation of the stomach and intestines. This study compared the effect of chewing gum and the routine method on ileus after burns. Methods This study is a randomized clinical trial conducted in Valiasr Hospital in Arak, Markazi Province, in the center of Iran, from December 2021 to February 2023. After the diagnosis of intestinal ileus in 83 patients hospitalized in the burn department by a general surgeon, with the available sampling method, these patients were evaluated based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. As a result, 66 patients were selected and divided into groups A (33 patients in the intervention group: routine care + gum chewing) and B (33 patients in the control group: routine care) by random allocation method. For the intervention group, from entering the ward until the beginning of oral feeding, gum (without sugar) was chewed four times a day for 15 min, while control groups received the routine diet of the department. Both groups’ condition of the bowel sounds, time of passing gas, and stool were recorded. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. The chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, Independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U tests were utilized. Results The results showed that the median bowel sound return time, time of the first gas discharge, earliest defecation time, and time to start the diet were significantly shorter in the intervention group than in the control group (P

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome, or Wilkie's syndrome, is one of the rarest gastrointestinal disorders known to medical science. It is characterized by the vascular clamp of the third portion of the duodenum, between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. It presents as an uncommon cause of upper intestinal obstruction. Imaging is required, preferably with a contrast-enhanced CT or an MRI; conservative management is preferred, leaving surgery for the most complex cases.We present the case of a 34-year-old man with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and a history of substantial weight loss after hospital admission for aspiration pneumonia. He underwent an abdominal CT scan that showed enlargement of the stomach, the second and third parts of the duodenum; without observing masses, the patient received conservative management with a nasojejunal feeding tube. At the outpatient reevaluation, 1 month postdischarge, he became asymptomatic and had progressive weight gain.

Aims: The aim is to investigate the effect of alvimopan on postoperative ileus and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing bowel resection. Methods: The PRISMA statement standards were followed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. The available literature was searched to identify all studies comparing alvimopan with no alvimopan in patients undergoing bowel resection. Postoperative ileus and length of hospital stay were the primary outcomes, and time to first bowel motion was the secondary outcome. Random-effects modeling was applied for analyses. Results: Analysis of 94 833 patients from 26 studies showed that alvimopan was associated with lower risk of postoperative ileus (OR:.57, 95% CI.48 to.67, P <.00001; high GRADE certainty), shorter length of hospital stay (MD: −1.08 day, 95% CI −1.36 to −.81, P <.00001; moderate GRADE certainty), and shorter time to first bowel motion (MD: −.43 day, 95% CI −.58 to −.28, P <.00001; moderate GRADE certainty). Separate analyses of randomized controlled trials and observational studies showed similar findings. Subgroup analyses suggested consistent findings in patients undergoing elective bowel resection, emergency bowel resection, and open surgery; however, alvimopan did not improve the outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery. Conclusion: Robust evidence supports the routine use of alvimopan in patients undergoing open bowel resection as indicated by lower risk of postoperative ileus and shorter length of hospital stay. We support incorporation of alvimopan into enhanced recovery after surgery programs for the procedures involving open bowel resection. The role of alvimopan in minimally invasive bowel resection needs more research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ileus is a common complication of major abdominal surgery, including colorectal resection. The present study aimed to assess the predictors of ileus after laparoscopic right colectomy for colon cancer. Methods: This study was a retrospective case-control analysis of a prospective IRB-approved database of patients who underwent laparoscopic right colectomy at the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida. Patients who developed ileus after right colectomy were compared to patients without ileus to determine the risk factors of ileus. Results: The present study included 270 patients with a mean age of 68.7 years. Thirty-six patients (13.3%) experienced ileus after laparoscopic right colectomy. The median duration of ileus was 6 days. Factors associated with ileus were age (71.6 vs 68.2 years, P = .158), emergency colectomy (11.1% vs 3.9%, P = .082), extended hemicolectomy (19.4% vs 6.8%, P = .021), green gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) 4.8mm staple height cartridge (19% vs 8.1%, P = .114), and longer operative time (177.9 vs 160.4 minutes, P = .157). The only independent predictor of ileus was extended colectomy (OR: 16.7, P = .003). Conclusions: Increased age, emergency surgery, green GIA cartridge, and longer operative times were associated with ileus, yet the only independent predictor of ileus was extended right hemicolectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and objectives Considering the significant prevalence of ileus after abdominal surgery and the beneficial effects of Cuminum cyminum in digestive problems, this study aimed to examine whether Cuminum cyminum has any effect on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery. Materials and methods In this triple-blind clinical trial study, 74 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were assigned to the intervention and control groups using minimization methods. The patients in the intervention group consumed 250 mg capsules containing Cuminum cyminum extract 4 h after the surgery and another dose of the drug 1 h afterward. The patients in the control group consumed a 250 mg capsule containing starch as a placebo at hours similar to those in the intervention group. The instruments used to collect the data were a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist to assess bowel habits. The data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software. Results The average time of gas passing in the intervention and control groups was 9.03 ± 3.41 and 11.72 ± 4.21 h, respectively. The defecation times in the intervention and control groups were 16.97 ± 5.02 and 26 ± 9.87 h, showing a significant difference between the two groups as indicated by the independent samples T-test (P > 0.001). Furthermore, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting were significantly less frequent in the intervention group compared to the control group as confirmed by Fisher’s exact test (P > 0.001). Conclusion According to the results, the consumption of Cuminum cyminum after abdominal surgery helps to reduce the time of gas passing, defecation, and the return of bowel motility. However, additional studies need to address the effectiveness of Cuminum cyminum by changing the time and duration of its use.

Abstract Background The I-FEED classification, scored 0–8, was reported to accurately describe the clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal impairment after colorectal surgery. Therefore, it is interesting to determine whether the I-FEED scoring system is also applicable to patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. Methods Adult patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery were enrolled, and the I-FEED score was measured for 4 days after surgery. The I-FEED scoring system incorporates five elements: intake (score: 0, 1, 3), feeling nauseated (score: 0, 1, 3), emesis (score: 0, 1, 3), results of physical exam (score: 0, 1, 3), and duration of symptoms (score: 0, 1, 2). Daily I-FEED scores were summed, and the highest overall score is used to categorize patients into one of three categories: normal (0–2 points), postoperative gastrointestinal intolerance (POGI; 3–5 points), and postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD; 6 + points). The construct validity hypothesis testing determines whether the I-FEED category is consistent with objective clinical findings relevant to gastrointestinal impairment, namely, the longer length of hospital stay (LOS), higher inhospital medical cost, more postoperative gastrointestinal medical treatment, and more postoperative non-gastrointestinal complications. Results A total of 156 patients were enrolled, and 25.0% of patients were categorized as normal, 49.4% POGI, and 25.6% POGD. Patients with higher I-FEED scores agreed with the four validity hypotheses. Patients with POGD had a significantly longer length of hospital stay (1 day longer median stay; p = 0.049) and more inhospital medical costs (approximately 500 Taiwanese dollars; p = 0.037), and more patients with POGD required rectal laxatives (10.3% vs. 32.5% vs. 32.5%; p = 0.026). In addition, more patients with POGD had non-gastrointestinal complications (5.1% vs. 11.7% vs. 30.0%; p = 0.034). Conclusion This study contributes preliminary validity evidence for the I-FEED score as a measure for postoperative gastrointestinal impairment after elective lumbar spine surgery.

Purpose: We present four cases of malignant melanoma metastases in GIT. The symptoms which led to the hospitalization of the patients were ileus in two cases, hematemesis and hematochezia. Results: We performed operative treatment - small intestinal resection because of intussusception followed by anastomosis in three patients and in one patient, liver resection and bitruncular sigmostomy. The histopathology revealed metastases for malignant melanoma. All of the patients had previous operation for a skin form of malignant melanoma, and chemotherapy or immunotherapy was performed. The patients had a postoperative period without complications. Conclusions: Malignant melanoma is a widely common disease. It is the third neoplastic diseases which give metastases in the small intestine. Malignant melanoma metastases in the GIT are initially asymptomatic, but in time, they manifest with clinical presentation of ileus or bleeding from the GI tract.

Purpose: Routine use of abdominal drain or prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis is no longer part of current clinical practice in colorectal surgery. Nevertheless, in patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA), it may reduce perioperative abdominal contamination. Furthermore, in cancer patients, prolonged surgery with extensive dissection such as central vascular ligation and complete mesocolon excision with D3 lymphadenectomy (altogether radical right colectomy RRC) is called responsible for affecting postoperative ileus. The aim was to evaluate postoperative resumption of gastrointestinal functions in patients undergoing right hemicolectomy for cancer with ICA and standard D2 dissection or RRC, with or without abdominal drain and prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis. Methods: Monocentric factorial parallel arm randomized pilot trial including all consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and ICA for cancer, in 20 months. Patients were randomized on a 1:1:1 ratio to receive abdominal drain, prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis or neither (I level), and 1:1 to receive RRC or D2 colectomy (II level). Patients were not blinded. The primary aim was the resumption of gastrointestinal functions (time to first gas and stool, time to tolerated fluids and food). Secondary aims were length of stay and complications' rate. ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT04977882. Results: Fifty-seven patients were screened; according to sample size, 36 were randomized, 12 for each arm for postoperative management, and 18 for each arm according to surgical techniques. A difference in time to solid diet favored the group without drain or antibiotic independently from standard or RRC. Furthermore, when patients were divided with respect to surgical technique and into matched cohorts, no differences were seen for primary and secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Abdominal drainage and prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing right hemicolectomy for cancer with ICA seem to negatively affect the resumption of a solid diet after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with ICA for cancer. RRC does not seem to influence gastrointestinal function recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To analyze the value of quantitative parameters of Computed Tomograph (CT) abdominal fat in predicting postoperative intestinal obstruction for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 gastric cancer patients treated between January 2017 and December 2021. These patients were divided into two groups: an observation group with postoperative intestinal obstruction (28 patients) and a control group without (92 patients). CT scans were used to measure the Subcutaneous Fat Area (SFA) and Visceral Fat Area(VFA), calculate the SFA-VFA difference, and the VFA/SFA ratio. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was employed to evaluate the predictive efficacy of these CT measurements. Results: The observation group exhibited significantly lower VFA and SFA compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while the differences in VFA/SFA ratio and SFA-VFA were not statistically significant. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the combined VFA and SFA in predicting postoperative intestinal obstruction was 0.902, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.859 to 0.956. This combined measure showed higher sensitivity (96.02%) and comparable specificity (85.24%) than single measurements. Logistic regression analysis identified diabetes, malnutrition, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels, VFA, and SFA as risk factors for postoperative intestinal obstruction (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combined quantitative assessment of VFA and SFA using abdominal CT improves the sensitivity of predicting postoperative intestinal obstruction in gastric cancer patients. This complication is multifactorial, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach in the clinical evaluation and management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) with small intestinal involvement. The patient experienced gastrointestinal symptoms and was diagnosed with IgG4-RD based on elevated serum IgG4 levels and diffuse infiltration of IgG4+ plasmacytes in the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with prednisolone improved the patient's symptoms and resolved the abnormalities seen on CT scans. The article emphasizes the importance of considering IgG4-RD in the diagnosis of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and highlights the need for histopathological assessment to establish an accurate diagnosis and prevent complications. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Postoperative ileus (POI) continues to be a major cause of morbidity following colorectal surgery. Despite best efforts, the incidence of POI in colorectal surgery remains high (~30%). This study aimed to investigate machine learning techniques to identify risk factors for POI in colorectal surgery patients, to help guide further preventative strategies. Methods: A TRIPOD‐guideline‐compliant retrospective study was conducted for major colorectal surgery patients at a single tertial care centre (2018–2022). The primary outcome was the occurrence of POI, defined as not achieving GI‐2 (outcome measure of time to first stool and tolerance of oral diet) by day four. Multivariate logistic regression, decision trees, radial basis function and multilayer perceptron (MLP) models were trained using a random allocation of patients to training/testing data sets (80/20). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were used to evaluate model performance. Results: Of 504 colorectal surgery patients, 183 (36%) experienced POI. Multivariate logistic regression, decision trees, radial basis function and MLP models returned an AUROC of 0.722, 0.706, 0.712 and 0.800, respectively. The MLP model had the highest sensitivity and specificity values. In addition to well‐known risk factors for POI, such as postoperative hypokalaemia, surgical approach, and opioid use, the MLP model identified sarcopenia (ranked 4/30) as a potentially modifiable risk factor for POI. Conclusion: MLP outperformed other models in predicting POI. Machine learning can provide valuable insights into the importance and ranking of specific predictive variables for POI. Further research into the predictive value of preoperative sarcopenia for POI is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postoperative Ileus (POI) negatively impacts patient outcomes and increases healthcare costs. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been found to improve gastrointestinal (GI) motility following abdominal surgery. However, its effectiveness in this context is not well‐established. This study was designed to evaluate the role of TENS on the recovery of GI motility after exploratory laparotomy. Methods: Patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into control (standard treatment alone) and experimental (standard treatment + TENS) arms. TENS was terminated after 6 days or after the passage of stool or stoma movement. The primary outcome was time for the first passage of stool/functioning stoma. Non‐passage of stool or nonfunctioning stoma beyond 6 days was labeled as prolonged POI. Patients were monitored until discharge. Results: Median (interquartile range) time to first passage of stool/functioning stoma was 82.6 (49–115) hours in the standard treatment group and 50 (22–70.6) hours in the TENS group [p < 0.001]. Prolonged POI was noted in 11 patients in the standard treatment group (35.5%) and one in the TENS group (3.2%) [p = 0.003]. Postoperative hospital stay was similar in the two groups. Conclusion: TENS resulted in early recovery of GI motility by shortening the duration of POI without any improvement in postoperative hospital stay. Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2021/10/037054. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ingestion of foreign bodies is a rare clinical problem in healthy adults. Less than 1% of cases need surgery due to perforation or obstruction. Here, we describe an unusual case of a wine-cork ingestion by a 54-year-old woman with a history of chronic alcohol consumption. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis revealed foreign body (FB) in terminal ileum. The proximal part of the ileum was dilated due to obstruction. Laparotomy was performed, and the FB was removed without complications. Most ingested FBs spontaneously pass through the gastrointestinal tract. However, in rare instances, the FB can cause obstruction. In case of suspicion of serious complications such as obstruction and perforation, abdominopelvic CT should be used. The application of radiographic techniques in the identification of FBs and the assessment of potential complications plays a crucial role in expediting medical interventions for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Considering the significant prevalence of ileus after abdominal surgery and the beneficial effects of Cuminum cyminum in digestive problems, this study aimed to examine whether Cuminum cyminum has any effect on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery. Materials and methods: In this triple-blind clinical trial study, 74 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were assigned to the intervention and control groups using minimization methods. The patients in the intervention group consumed 250 mg capsules containing Cuminum cyminum extract 4 h after the surgery and another dose of the drug 1 h afterward. The patients in the control group consumed a 250 mg capsule containing starch as a placebo at hours similar to those in the intervention group. The instruments used to collect the data were a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist to assess bowel habits. The data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software. Results: The average time of gas passing in the intervention and control groups was 9.03 ± 3.41 and 11.72 ± 4.21 h, respectively. The defecation times in the intervention and control groups were 16.97 ± 5.02 and 26 ± 9.87 h, showing a significant difference between the two groups as indicated by the independent samples T-test (P > 0.001). Furthermore, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting were significantly less frequent in the intervention group compared to the control group as confirmed by Fisher's exact test (P > 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, the consumption of Cuminum cyminum after abdominal surgery helps to reduce the time of gas passing, defecation, and the return of bowel motility. However, additional studies need to address the effectiveness of Cuminum cyminum by changing the time and duration of its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The I-FEED classification, scored 0–8, was reported to accurately describe the clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal impairment after colorectal surgery. Therefore, it is interesting to determine whether the I-FEED scoring system is also applicable to patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. Methods: Adult patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery were enrolled, and the I-FEED score was measured for 4 days after surgery. The I-FEED scoring system incorporates five elements: intake (score: 0, 1, 3), feeling nauseated (score: 0, 1, 3), emesis (score: 0, 1, 3), results of physical exam (score: 0, 1, 3), and duration of symptoms (score: 0, 1, 2). Daily I-FEED scores were summed, and the highest overall score is used to categorize patients into one of three categories: normal (0–2 points), postoperative gastrointestinal intolerance (POGI; 3–5 points), and postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD; 6 + points). The construct validity hypothesis testing determines whether the I-FEED category is consistent with objective clinical findings relevant to gastrointestinal impairment, namely, the longer length of hospital stay (LOS), higher inhospital medical cost, more postoperative gastrointestinal medical treatment, and more postoperative non-gastrointestinal complications. Results: A total of 156 patients were enrolled, and 25.0% of patients were categorized as normal, 49.4% POGI, and 25.6% POGD. Patients with higher I-FEED scores agreed with the four validity hypotheses. Patients with POGD had a significantly longer length of hospital stay (1 day longer median stay; p = 0.049) and more inhospital medical costs (approximately 500 Taiwanese dollars; p = 0.037), and more patients with POGD required rectal laxatives (10.3% vs. 32.5% vs. 32.5%; p = 0.026). In addition, more patients with POGD had non-gastrointestinal complications (5.1% vs. 11.7% vs. 30.0%; p = 0.034). Conclusion: This study contributes preliminary validity evidence for the I-FEED score as a measure for postoperative gastrointestinal impairment after elective lumbar spine surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) is common and is associated with a significant healthcare burden. Previous studies have attempted to predict PPOI clinically using risk prediction algorithms. The aim of this work was to systematically review and compare risk prediction algorithms for PPOI following colorectal surgery. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL Plus. Studies that developed and/or validated a risk prediction algorithm for PPOI in adults following colorectal surgery were included. Data were collected on study design, population and operative characteristics, the definition of PPOI used and risk prediction algorithm design and performance. Quality appraisal was assessed using the PROBAST tool. Results: Eleven studies with 87 549 participants were included in our review. Most were retrospective, single‐centre analyses (6/11, 55%) and rates of PPOI varied from 10% to 28%. The most commonly used variables were sex (8/11, 73%), age (6/11, 55%) and surgical approach (5/11, 45%). Area under the curve ranged from 0.68–0.78, and only three models were validated. However, there was significant variation in the definition of PPOI used. No study reported sensitivity, specificity or positive/negative predictive values. Conclusion: Currently available risk prediction algorithms for PPOI appear to discriminate moderately well, although there is a lack of validation data. Future studies should aim to use a standardized definition of PPOI, comprehensively report model performance and validate their findings using internal and external methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The benefit of chemoprophylaxis (CPX) agents in preventing venous thromboembolism must be weighed against potential risks. Current literature regarding the efficacy of CPX after laminectomies with or without fusion is limited, with no clear consensus to inform guidelines. Objective: This study evaluated the association between CPX and surgical complications after lumbar laminectomy with and without fusion. Study Design: Retrospective study of patients at a single large academic institution. Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent lumbar laminectomies with or without lumbar fusion from 2018 to 2020 were reviewed for demographics, surgical characteristics, CPX agents, postoperative complications, epidural hematomas, and wound drainage. Patients receiving CPX (n = 316) were compared with patients not receiving CPX (n = 316) via t test following propensity score matching, and patients on CPX were further stratified by fusion status. Results: The CPX group had higher body mass index and American Society of Anesthesiologists grades. Rates of venous thromboembolism, epidural hematomas, infections, postoperative incision and drainage, transfusions, wound dehiscence, and reoperation were not associated with CPX. Moist dressings were more frequent, and average days of drain duration were longer with CPX. Overall postoperative complication rate and length of stay (LOS) were greater with CPX. The fusion subgroup had a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index, had a lower American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, was younger, had more women, and underwent more minimally invasive laminectomies. While estimated blood loss, operative times, and LOS were significantly greater in the fusion group, there was no difference in rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Conclusion: CPX after lumbar laminectomies with or without fusion was not associated with increased rates of epidural hematomas, wound complications, or reoperation. Patients receiving CPX had more postoperative cardiac complications, but it is possible that surgeons were more likely to prescribe CPX for higher-risk patients. They also had higher rates of ileus and moist dressings, greater LOS, and longer length of drain duration. Patients who underwent lumbar laminectomy with fusion on CPX tended to be lower risk yet incurred greater blood loss, operative times, LOS, cardiac complications, and hematomas/ seromas than patients not undergoing fusion. Clinical Relevance: This retrospective study compared surgical complications of lumbar laminectomies in patients who received chemoprophylaxis vs patients who did not. Chemoprophylaxis was not associated with increased rates of epidural hematomas, wound complications, or reoperation, but it was associated with higher rates of postoperative cardiac complications and ileus. Level of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Numerous measurement techniques for intra-abdominal pressure have been explored, with the Kron Technique established as the gold standard. Despite its prominence, the search for alternative methods persists due to its lengthy application time, the requirement for additional equipment, and overall impracticality. This study investigated a quicker, more accessible method for effective intra-abdominal pressure measurement in the emergency department. It aimed to compare intra-abdominal pressure measurements in patients diagnosed with ileus using a digital manometer and the Kron Technique. METHODS: Conducted from October 2022 to February 2023, this single-center, prospective, single-blind method comparison study involved patients diagnosed with ileus at a tertiary emergency department. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured using both the Kron Technique and a digital manometer by separate practitioners blinded to the study results. RESULTS: The study included 30 patients. No statistically significant difference was observed in the intra-abdominal pressure measurements between the two methods (p<0.237). A very strong correlation existed between the two methods (Spearman’s Rho = 0.998). Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias value of 0.091 mmHg for the digital manometer, with upper and lower agreement limits of -0.825 and 1.007 mmHg, respectively. The measurement time was significantly shorter with the digital manometer than with the Kron Technique (15 vs. 390.5 seconds; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: We believe that the intra-abdominal pressure measurement technique using a digital manometer is a method that can be effectively employed by healthcare professionals in emergency departments. This technique offers ease of use, requires minimal equipment, provides rapid results, and delivers reliable measurement values compared to the Kron Technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: This review evaluates the current literature on ileus, impaired gastrointestinal transit (IGT), and acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) and its impact on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Recent Findings: Ileus is often under recognized in critically ill patients and is associated with significant morbidity and is potentially a marker of disease severity as seen in other organs like kidneys (ATN). Summary: A cohesive approach to the recognition, early diagnosis, and treatment of ileus in critically ill patients will help clear up its role in critical illness. It is important for the clinician to identify ileus in the setting of critical ileus and mitigate its impact on clinical outcomes mainly by affecting nutrition delivery and abortion. At worst, IGT can worsen clinical outcomes in the setting of critical illness and mitigating its impact is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative ileus (POI) is caused by enteric neural dysfunction and inflammatory response to the stress of surgery as well as the effect of anesthetics and opioid pain medications. POI results in prolonged hospital stays, increased medical costs, and diminished enteral nutrition, rendering it a problem worth tackling. Many cellular pathways are implicated in this disease process, creating numerous opportunities for targeted management strategies. There is a gap in the literature in studies exploring neonatal POI pathophysiology and treatment options. It is well known that neonatal immune and enteric nervous systems are immature, and this results in gut physiology which is distinct from adults. Neonates undergoing abdominal surgery face similar surgical stressors and exposure to medications that cause POI in adults. In this review, we aim to summarize the existing adult and neonatal literature on POI pathophysiology and management and explore applications in the neonatal population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]