Blocs neuroaxiaux et reprise de la fonction digestive

Epidural analgesia is still the gold standard for analgesia after abdominal and thoracic surgery. Epidural analgesia not only provides the best pain control but also accelerates recovery from postoperative ileus. Nevertheless, its effects upon bowel motility may impair healing and strength of the bowel anastomosis. Local anesthetics improve bowel recovery, but adjuvants may on the contrary slow down bowel transit. The actual trend towards laparoscopic procedures may make the discussion irrelevant meanwhile less invasive analgesic alternatives also promote recovery of bowel function. Surgeons should be encouraged to determine more clear hospital discharge milestones to benefit from the advantage of rapid bowel function recovery after abdominal surgery.