Selective Postoperative Inhibition of Gastrointestinal Opioid Receptors

Postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function and resumption of oral intake are critical determinants of the length of hospital stay. Although opioids are effective treatments for postoperative pain, they contribute to the delayed recovery of gastrointestinal function.We studied the effects of ADL 8-2698, an investigational opioid antagonist with limited oral absorption that does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, on postoperative...