Application of lactulose oral solution on alleviating dyschesia and abdominal symptoms after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatic carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the effect of lactulose oral solution(LOS) on patients with dyschesia and bloating posttranscatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Of 284 patients who underwent TACE therapy of HCC, 142 in the observation group were given LOS (15 mL bid) immediately post-TACE. The remaining 142 patients in the control group were also given LOS when abdominal distension or dyschesia developed. The time of first bowel movement and the incidence of abdominal distension were compared between the two groups. Results: The time of first bowel movement was significantly(P < 0.05) shorter(27.71 ± 7.92 h)and the incidence of abdominal distension(2.5%)significantly(P < 0.05) lower in the observation group than those of the control group (46.67 ± 12.41 h and 51.4%). Gastrointestinal hyperfunction, umbilical pain and mild diarrhea appeared in 4, 2 and 1 patients, respectively after administration of LOS. The side effects improved after cessation of LOS. Conclusions: Lactulose oral solution can reduce dyschesia and incidence of abdominal distension in patients with HCC post-TACE, thus accelerating patient rehabilitation. (authors)