J Spinal Cord Med, 2007 · DOI: · Published: January 1, 2007
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to problems like delayed gastric emptying and altered gastric secretion. In individuals with high-level tetraplegia, the stomach may become less active after surgery, potentially due to autonomic dysreflexia. This case series shows that after abdominal surgery, tetraplegic patients can experience issues with gastric hypomotility, which can be difficult to manage.
Focus on adequate pain control, possibly with IV or transdermal narcotics, to manage autonomic hyperreflexia and improve gastric emptying after abdominal surgery in patients with cervical SCI.
Increase awareness of postoperative gastroparesis as a potential manifestation of pain in patients with cervical SCI to prompt earlier recognition and treatment.
Recognize that oral medications may not be absorbed properly due to gastric emptying delay, thus consider alternative routes like IV or transdermal.