Neural and humoral factors in postoperative ileus

Abstract

Two inhibitory mechanisms in the human colon which may contribute to postoperative ileus have been studied. Dopamine, a possible peripheral neurotransmitter, inhibited isolated colonic smooth muscle strips by a direct effect in longitudinal muscle and by a nerve-mediated mechanism in circular muscle. Plasma motilin levels were suppressed pre- and peroperatively and elevation of levels postoperatively correlated with the return of normal motility and the severity of the operation.