대한대장항문학회

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of dexpanthenol in postoperative patients. Dexpanthenol, the alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid, is believed to be a precursor of acetylcholine through its incorporation into coenzyme-A. Methods: From June 2005 to December 2005, 130 curative abdominal surgery, which were divided into a dexpanthenol group with 65 patients and a control group with 65 patients, were prospectively and randomly studied for recovery of bowel motility. Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups as to incidence of postoperative ileus (16.9% vs. 15.4%, P=0.081), the time to flatus (77.2⁑38.4 vs. 77.9⁑31.9 hours, P=0.90), the time to defecation (5.3⁑2.7 vs. 5.1⁑2.6 days, P=0.77), the time to resumption of meals (7.9⁑4.0 vs. 8.9⁑4.2 days, P=0.17), and the duration of hospital stay (16.4⁑7.8 vs. 17.9⁑11.5 days, P=0.39). Conclusions: Since no differences in the postoperative bowel motility were observed between the two groups, dexpanthenol is not recommended for general surgical use. J Korean Soc Coloproctol 2007;23:71-74