[The preventive effect of flurbiprofen on preventing mesenteric traction syndrome]

Abstract

Background: Mesenteric traction syndrome (MTS) is associated with facial flushing, hypotension and tachycardia. The ways to treat MTS are fluid replacement, administration of vasopressors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as flurbiprofen. In order to stabilize the hemodynamics during operation, preventing MTS is more reasonable. Thus, we investigated the preventive effect of flurbiprofen on MTS, the only injectable formulation which can be used in Japan.

Methods: In a prospective randomized study, 24 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were assigned to two groups. In one group (n = 11 group F), flurbiprofen (1 mg x kg(-1), 50 mg max) was administered before surgery. In the second group (n = 13; group C), flurbiprofen was not administered. After laparotomy, presence of facial flushing and blood pressure reduction were compared. MTS is defined as facial flushing with concomitant blood pressure reduction.

Results: MTS occurred in no patients in group F, but in 11 patients in group C (84.6%, P < 0.05). In cases of the patients in which MTS appeared, facial flushing was observed at 5.9 +/- 5.2 min after starting mesenteric manipulation, and the mean reduction in blood pressure was 40.3% at 9.9 +/- 4.4 min after starting mesenteric manipulation.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that pretreatment with flurbiprofen might prevent MTS.