Selective Postoperative Inhibition of Gastrointestinal Opioid Receptors

ADL 8-2698 is an investigational opioid antagonist that seems not to reverse the analgesic effects of opiates. Ileus, a transient impairment of bowel motility, is a common postoperative complication that develops in virtually every patient who undergoes major abdominal surgery. 1 Ileus causes abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. More important, delayed return of gastrointestinal function and resumption of oral intake are major causes of prolonged hospitalization. 2 The pathophysiology of postoperative ileus is unclear, and there are no specific pharmacologic treatments. 1 – 4 Major causes of ileus are surgical manipulation of the bowel and stimulation of opioid receptors. 5 Activation of opioid receptors is common after surgery, not only because the stress of surgery provokes the release of endogenous opioids but . . .