Effect of the laxative magnesium oxide on gastrointestinal functional recovery in fast-track colonic resection: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study

J Andersen, H Christensen, J H Pachler, Marianne Nørby Hallin, Henriette Vind Thaysen, H Kehlet

    17 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Aim A double-blind randomized controlled study was conducted to compare the effect of magnesium oxide (1g 12-h) with placebo given within an evidence-based multimodal rehabilitation programme on gastrointestinal recovery, pain, mobilization and hospital stay after open colonic resection. Method Of 62 potentially eligible patients, 13 were excluded, leaving 22 in the magnesium oxide group and 27 in the placebo group. The main outcome measure was time to normalization of bowel function. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain, fatigue, mobilization and length of postoperative hospital stay. Results The median times to first flatus and defaecation in the laxative and placebo groups were 18.0 vs 14.0h and 42 vs 50h (P>0.15). Early intake of liquids, protein drinks and solid food, nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue and mobilization were similar in the groups (P>0.3). The median postoperative hospital stay was 3days in both groups (P>0.65). Conclusion Magnesium oxide does not enhance the recovery of gastrointestinal function within the context of an evidence-based multimodal rehabilitation programme after open colonic surgery.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalColorectal Disease
    Volume14
    Issue number6
    Pages (from-to)776–782
    Number of pages7
    ISSN1462-8910
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jun 2012

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