The role of alvimopan in reducing postoperative ileus after gastrointestinal resection

Opioid pain medications are commonly used for postoperative pain management after gastrointestinal surgery. As well as providing pain relief, opioids bind to the mu-opioid receptors of the gastrointestinal tract, which results in reduced gastrointestinal motility. Postoperative ileus is the term uses to describe the temporary interruption of intestinal activities after surgery. Alvimopan (Entereg) is a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist that helps to reduce the loss of bowel function caused by opioids after surgery and prevent the development of postoperative ileus. Several studies have shown that the administration of alvimopan after gastrointestinal surgery results in faster gastrointestinal recovery and reduced length of hospital stay, intensive-care-unit admission and financial burden. Although alvimopan is licensed for use in the US, it is not yet licensed in the UK.