Lack of effect of metoclopramide on colonic motility after cholecystectomy

The effect of metoclopramide on postoperative colonic ileus was evaluated in a randomised, double-blind study in 20 patients after cholecystectomy. The start of propulsive colonic motility and colonic transit time after operation were measured by radio-opaque markers and serial abdominal radiographs. Metoclopramide 20 mg given intravenously three times a day until the fourth postoperative day (n = 10) did not significantly reduce the duration of postoperative colonic paralysis compared with control patients (n = 10), nor were there any differences between the groups when the time of first postoperative passage of gas and faeces were compared. In conclusion, the use of metoclopramide in the postoperative period did not result in a quicker return of propulsive motility in the right or left colon as judged by the radio-opaque markers and serial abdominal radiographs.