Impact of Standardized Coffee Versus Orange Juice Intake on Enhancing Bowel Movements After Elective Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery, RCT

Colorectal surgery, even performed by laparoscopy is followed by a transient episode of GI hypomotility, which results in a postoperative ileus (POI). The usual duration of this benign postoperative situation varies between 3 and 5 days for colon surgery. A longer duration of POI will result in more postoperative complications such as delayed surgical wound healing, atelectasis, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis; in a prolonged hospital stay; and increased healthcare cost. Different studies reported that the duration of POI correlates with total surgery time, blood loss, total opiate dose degree of surgical trauma, and bowel manipulation. Many attempts have been made to reduce the phase of postoperative intestinal hypomotility. The different strategies are well described in enhanced recovery and fast-track concepts and focus on minimal surgical trauma, rapid postoperative mobilization, early feeding, preemotive laxative treatment, restrictive fluid management, and minimal postoperative opioid prescription. Furthermore, several pharmacologic agents have been evaluated; however, not all offered a convincing benefit, nor were they free of adverse effects. Coffee is a worldwide highly consumed beverage, offering pleasure to many people of different cultures, and which many associate with an increase of bowel function.

The aim of this study is to compare the time to first bowel movement after laparoscopic colorectal surgery between patients drinking coffee or orange juice postoperatively, in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).