[The effect of intravenous prostaglandin F 2 alpha on the motility of the gastrointestinal tracts after major abdominal surgery (author's transl)].

TThe effect of prostaglandin F 2 alpha was studied clinically and electromyographically on the motility of the gastric antrum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and transverse colon in 20 patients by giving 2 hours intravenous drip infusion at 0.3 approximately 0.5 microgram/kg/min for 2 hours after major abdominal surgery. Folling results were obtained. 1. The motility of stomach and colon was least active than any other site of alimentary tract during 48 hours after surgery. This seems to be one of the most important causes of so called postoperative ileus. 2. Recovery from reflex inhibition of motility of the alimentary tract after surgery was seen in duodenum at first, and then in jejunum and ileum in order. It was proved that intravenous drip infusion of PGF 2 alpha at 0.3 approximately 0.5 microgram/kg/min for 2 hours had produced the increase of electrical activity in any site of gastrointestinal tract and subsequently brought about increasing of propulsive movement. The effect of PGF 2 alpha is proportional to its concentration. 4. tit was concluded that PGF 2 alpha could be administered most effectively by intravvenous drip infusion at 0.5 microgram/kg/min 3 times daily for 3 days after surgery for the satisfactory recovery from the postoperative ileus, and no appreciable side effect was observed.