Risk factors for postoperative ileus following orthopedic surgery: the role of chronic constipation

Distinction is vague between severe constipation and postoperative ileus (POI) in terms of pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment options. However, no data are available regarding their associations.

After retrospective review of data from patients who underwent orthopedic surgery during the first 6 months of 2011, a total of 612 patients were included. Severe constipation was defined as symptoms of constipation requiring treatment using at least 2 laxatives from different classes for at least 6 months. POI was defined as paralytic ileus lasting more than 3 days post-surgery and associated with 2 or more of the following: (1) nausea/vomiting, (2) inability to tolerate an oral diet over a 24-hour period, and (3) absence of flatus over a 24-hour period. The subjects were divided into non-POI and POI groups, and we com - pared patient-, surgery-, and pharmaceutical-related factors.

Thirteen (2.1%) out of 612 experienced POI. In comparisons between the non-POI and POI groups, univariate analysis showed significant differences in the mean age (51.4 vs. 71.6 years), mean body mass index (24.1 vs. 21.8 kg/m(2)), severe constipation (5.8% vs. 76.9%), co-morbidities (33.2% vs. 84.6%), type of orthopedic surgery (spine/hip/limb: 19.4/11.0/65.6% vs. 23.1/61.5/15.4%), and estimated blood loss (50 vs. 300 mL). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for age, body mass index, co-morbidities, type of orthopedic surgery, and estimated blood loss, showed that severe constipation was an independent risk factor for POI (OR 35.23; 95% CI, 7.72-160.82; P < 0.001).

Severe constipation is associated with POI after orthopedic surgery.