Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Prolonged postoperative ileus (POI) is the predominant cause of extended hospitalization after bowel resection surgery. Alvimopan accelerates gastrointestinal recovery, potentially reducing health care costs. We examined the value of alvimopan in reducing prolonged POI and length of stay for patients undergoing abdominal surgery using different definitions of POI. ⋯ The addition of alvimopan to existing treatment pathways for patients undergoing abdominal surgery can reduce overall hospital costs.