Strain gauge transducer technique for investigation of the pathophysiology of postoperative colonic ileus in awake rats.

Postoperative inhibition of colonic motility is a major contributor to postoperative ileus, but only limited information is available on its pathophysiology. We developed a model to record perioperative gastrointestinal motility in awake rats and investigated the effect of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis blockade on postoperative colonic ileus in rats. Rats were equipped with an i.v. catheter. Two strain gauge transducers were sutured to the colon, and the effects of NO synthesis blockade on postoperative colonic motility were investigated. NO synthesis blockade slightly increased baseline colonic motility. Abdominal surgery profoundly inhibited colonic motility. Blockade of NO synthesis did not prohibit intraoperative inhibition of colonic motility, but significantly hastened recovery of postoperative colonic ileus compared to vehicle. We established a model to record gastric, small intestinal and colonic motility in awake rats postoperatively. Laparotomy and short manipulation of the cecum produced a prolonged inhibition of colonic motility. Inhibition of NO synthesis improved recovery of postoperative colonic motility, indicating that NO partly mediates postoperative colonic ileus in rats.