STIMULATE: Gastrointestinal stimulation as a prevention of postoperative ileus following extensive surgery

Aim

To investigate whether electrical stimulation of the stomach has a positive effect on postoperative ileus (POI) compared to no electrical stimulation in patients undergoing curative intended cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Study design

A randomized controlled trial.

About the project

10% of colorectal cancer patients present with or recur with peritoneal metastases. Currently, the only treatment with curative intent of peritoneal metastases is extensive surgery. Up to 54 % of patients undergoing this procedure develop prolonged POI, defined as more than 5 days without gastrointestinal function. This causes severe nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Currently there is no effective treatment of POI. Previous preclinical studies from our research group suggest electrical stimulation (pacing) might shorten the length of POI.  
We are, therefore, conducting a large randomized controlled trial (n=100) to investigate if electrical stimulation after surgery (using a pacemaker) reduces the length of POI in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with or without heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy. 

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Project Investigator (PI)