Effects of sympatho-adrenal activity and pharmacological treatment on gastrointestinal propulsion in the early postoperative period. An experimental study in the laparotomized rat.

Gastric evacuation and small bowel propulsion were greatly retarded two hours after laparotomy in the rat. Adrenal demedullation, chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine or treatment with a cholinesterase inhibitor (Neostigmin), an alpha-receptor blocker (Dibenyline) or metoclopramide (Primperan) did not improve the gastric evacuation. Chemical sympathectomy or treatment with metoclopramide, however, significantly improved small bowel propulsion. A significant reflux of duodenal contents to the stomach was found in several animals treated with the cholinesterase inhibitor or subjected to adrenal demedullation.