Coffee administration to promote return of bowel function after small bowel resection: A randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Prolonged ileus occurs in 10%–24% of patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Several trials have found coffee administration reduces postoperative ileus, but this has not been evaluated for small bowel resection. Methods: Following small bowel resection, patients were randomized to caffeinated coffee or warm water three times a day until the time of first flatus or first bowel movement. Primary outcomes were time from end of procedure to: 1) nasogastric tube removal; and 2) when the discharge order was written. Outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: Thirty-nine patients received coffee and 40 water. Median days to nasogastric tube removal was 3.4 for the coffee and 4.0 for the water groups (p = 0.002). Median days to discharge order was 6.7 for the coffee and 7.7 for the water groups (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Coffee was safe and decreased time to nasogastric tube removal and hospital stay in patients undergoing small bowel resection.