Outcome parameters
To date, there is no consensus in the measurement of POI. Thus, the
measurement of POI is currently the subject of
research8. We selected the most frequently used
criteria found in the work of Chapman et al.9: time to
passage of first flatus, time to passage of first stool, time to solid
food tolerance, number of patients requiring post-operative introduction
of nasogastric tube, time to first bowel movement at the auscultation
and post-operative length of hospital stay. The following parameters
were reported in hours: first gas, first stool, solid food resumption
and bowel movement. The duration of hospitalisation was stated in
post-operative days and the reintroduction of nasogastric tube was
reported in number of patients. Studies were eligible if one or more of
these outcomes were reported or provided by the Corresponding Author.
The mean age of each individual study population was recorded in
addition to the percentage of male participants and the mean operative
time. No surgical complications beyond ileus were recorded due to
heterogeneity in reporting complications.