Slow Down Fluids to Speed Up the Intestine - Exploring Postoperative Ileus in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Introduction: Postoperative ileus is a known complication of gastrointestinal (GI) surgery. In adult populations, ileus is associated with higher amounts of intraoperative intravenous (IV) fluids. This study examines the relationship between intraoperative IV fluids and postoperative ileus in pediatric patients undergoing GI surgery.

Methods: The cohort, part of an 18-center prospective trial of the implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol, consists of patients (ages 10-18 years) undergoing non-emergent GI surgery. Statistical analysis compared patients with and without postoperative ileus within 30 days of surgery, stratified by receipt of intraoperative IV fluids.

Results: Of 553 patients, 39 (7 %) had postoperative ileus. Patients with ileus received a higher mean amount (1453 ± 1219.7 mL vs. 1180 ± 838.7 mL, p = 0.02) of intraoperative IV crystalloid fluid and at a higher rate (9.2 mL/kg/h vs. 7.4 mL/kg/h, p = 0.03) compared to those who did not. Only 4 % of patients receiving less than 5 mL/kg/h had ileus, 6.3 % if receiving 6 mL/kg/h to 10 mL/kg/h, and 13.6 % if receiving >10 mL/kg/h. Patients with ileus had a longer length of stay compared to those who did not (11.3 ± 10.7 days, vs. 4.9 ± 6.2 days, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in reason for surgery, type of surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, preoperative opioid use, operative technique, or type of anastomosis.

Conclusion: Postoperative ileus in pediatric patients undergoing GI surgery is associated with higher amounts and rates of intraoperative IV fluids. Limiting intraoperative fluids is a key target for enhanced recovery protocols in children.