Brief inhalation of low-dose carbon monoxide protects rodents and swine from postoperative ileus*

Abstract

These findings demonstrate that inhalation of a low concentration of CO before surgery attenuates postoperative ileus in rodents and, more importantly, in a large animal species without risk to well-being during surgery or perioperatively. Exposures need not be prolonged, with significant benefit occurring with a 3-hr pretreatment.