The primary endpoint was the time to recovery of gastrointestinal function, defined as the mean time to the occurrence of the following three events (GI-3): first flatus passed, first defecation and first solid food tolerated. We did not include the presence of bowel movement, as they may be present before recovery of the colon due to small bowel activity24. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of NGT reinsertion, duration of NGS reinsertion, incidence of postoperative vomiting and length of hospital stay. Additionally, consumption of analgesics and pain, cramping and nausea scores (assessed with a visual analogue scale [VAS]) during the first 8 postoperative days were monitored. Other variables recorded were patients' demographics, use of epidural anaesthesia, type and duration of surgery and morbidity.