The Effect of Foeniculum Vulgare Ironing on Gastrointestinal Recovery After Colorectal Resection

Postoperative ileus is one of the most common complications after abdominal surgery. It refers to obstipation and intolerance of oral intake due to nonmechanical factors that disrupt the normal coordinated propulsive motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract following abdominal or nonabdominal surgery. When the expected period of gastrointestinal recovery time extends beyond what is acceptable, the patient is diagnosed as having a "pathologic" postoperative ileus (POI), which leads to patient discomfort, dissatisfaction, prolonged hospitalization and increased medical expenses. The incidence of POI is about 17%~24% after abdominal surgery. Chinese Medicine Ironing using Foeniculum vulgare has been applied in some departments to promote gastrointestinal function recovery as a empiric therapy. However, the definite efficacy of Foeniculum vulgare ironing therapy（FIT）is uncertain after colorectal resection surgery and whether FIT can reduce the incidence of POI remains unkonown.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: 18 ~ 85 years old; sex is not limited.
• Selective operation of colorectal partial resection.
• Participants are volunteered to participate in this study, sign informed consent, and cooperated with follow-up.

Exclusion criteria

• Emergency surgery.
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• ASA class 4 or 5 patients.
• Patients with severe abdominal adhesions, which would cost more than 30 minutes to release. Patients with abdominal cocoon disease.
• Patients with peritoneal metastasis or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Patients undergoing enterostomy or total colectomy.
• Patients simultaneously enrolled in any other competing clinical study.