Impact of Varying Doses of Prucalopride on Improving Gut Function Recovery After Elective Colorectal Surgery

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication after abdominal surgery, particularly colorectal procedures, which can delay recovery and prolong hospital stay. POI is characterized by a transient cessation of coordinated bowel motility, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and delayed passage of flatus and stool. Effective management of POI remains challenging, with limited pharmacological options available. Prucalopride, a highly selective serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist, has shown promise in accelerating gastrointestinal recovery after surgery. However, the optimal timing and dosing of prucalopride for preventing POI remains unclear. Studies have shown dose-dependent improvements in outcomes with doses up to 4 mg daily. Higher doses may provide more potent prokinetic effects in the postoperative setting, but no studies have examined doses above 2 mg for prevention of POI in colorectal surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine if higher doses of prucalopride (4 mg) result in faster return of bowel function and shorter hospital stay compared to the standard dose (2 mg) and placebo in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.