Usefulness of Caerulein in the Treatment of Post-Operative Intestinal Atony

Abstract

We conducted a controlled clinical trial designed to test caerulein for tolerability and effectiveness in post-operative patients recovering from abdominal surgery. The test product was administered 24 hours after surgery, by intravenous drip infusion, at the rate of 2 nanograms/kg/minute. The results were compared with parallel observations made in a matched group of patients receiving no drugs or manipulation likely to promote intestinal peristalsis with the exception of the application of a nasogastric tube for aspiration and the water and electrolyte replenishment customary in the post-operative period. The results of this study evince a clear-cut difference between the two groups of patients in regard to the restoration of intestinal peristalsis and the passing of flatus and faeces, as confirmed by statistical analysis (Cochran's test) demonstrating the significant (p less than 0.01) superiority of caerulein treatment relative to the untreated control group. Likewise, the study revealed the excellent tolerability of the test drug at the dosage employed.