A standardized postoperative bowel regimen protocol after spine surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Spine surgery is associated with early impairment of gastrointestinal motility, with postoperative ileus rates of 5-12%. A standardized postoperative medication regimen aimed at early restoration of bowel function can reduce morbidity and cost, and its study should be prioritized.

Methods

A standardized postoperative bowel medication protocol was implemented for all elective spine surgeries performed by a single neurosurgeon from March 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022 at a metropolitan Veterans Affairs medical center. Daily bowel function was tracked and medications were advanced using the protocol. Clinical, surgical, and length of stay data are reported.

Results

Across 20 consecutive surgeries in 19 patients, mean age was 68.9 years [standard deviation (SD) = 10;

SUBMITTER: Yue JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10063852 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature