Perioperative Subcutaneous Methylnaltrexone Does Not Enhance Gastrointestinal Recovery after Posterior Short-Segment Spinal Arthrodesis Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Postoperative ileus is a major barrier to gastrointestinal recovery following surgery. Opioid analgesics likely play an important causative role, particularly in spinal or orthopedic surgeries not involving bowel manipulation. Methylnaltrexone, a peripherally-acting µ-opioid receptor antagonist, is a potential prophylactic treatment.

Source: The Spine Journal - August 18, 2021 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Connor Gifford, Benjamin McGahan, Shelby Miracle, Amy Minnema, Claire Murphy, Daniel Vazquez, Tristan Weaver, H. Farhadi Source Type: research