FACTORS AFFECTING BOWEL MOTILITY FOLLOWING ABDOMINAL SURGERY: A CLINICAL STUDY
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Keywords
Postoperative ileus, bowel motility, abdominal surgery, laparoscopic surgery, serum electrolytes, surgical duration
Abstract
Background: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication following abdominal surgery, characterized by delayed bowel motility. This study aimed to identify factors influencing bowel motility post-abdominal surgery and evaluate their impact on patient recovery.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, LN Medical College and associated JK Hospital, Bhopal. A total of 198 patients undergoing elective and emergency abdominal surgeries were included. Patients were categorized into four groups based on the time to regain bowel motility: within 24 hours (Group 1), 24-48 hours (Group 2), 48-72 hours (Group 3), and more than 72 hours (Group 4). Data on the type and duration of surgery, serum electrolyte levels, and postoperative recovery were collected and analyzed.
Results: The majority of patients (77.77%) regained bowel motility within 24 hours post-surgery. The type of surgery significantly influenced recovery, with all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy regaining bowel motility within 24 hours. In contrast, patients undergoing laparotomy experienced the most significant delays, with only 67.65% regaining motility within 24-48 hours and 17.65% after more than 72 hours. The duration of surgery was also a critical factor, with mean durations of 58 minutes in Group 1, 76 minutes in Group 2, 91 minutes in Group 3, and 97.5 minutes in Group 4 (P < 0.05). Higher serum sodium and potassium levels were associated with faster recovery.
Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgical techniques and shorter surgery durations are associated with quicker recovery of bowel function following abdominal surgery. Maintaining optimal serum electrolyte levels is also crucial. These findings underscore the importance of efficient surgical practices and comprehensive perioperative care to enhance postoperative recovery and reduce the incidence of prolonged postoperative ileus.
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Dr Pratika Adana
Resident, Department of Surgery, LN Medical College and JK Hospital Bhopal
Prof. Dr Krishnanand
Head, Department of Surgery, LN Medical College and JK Hospital Bhopal