The Efficacy of Curcumin for Preventing Postoperative Bowel ileus after Total Abdominal Hysterectomy for Benign Gynecologic Surgery: A randomized controlled trial
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Abstract
Objectives: To study the efficacy of curcumin for preventing postoperative bowel ileus after total abdominal hysterectomy for benign gynecologic surgery.
Materials and Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in women who underwent benign gynecologic abdominal hysterectomy. Randomization was carried out to two groups post-surgery. The intervention group received one capsule of curcumin 500 mg, and the control group received one capsule of an identical placebo four times a day (6.00 am. 12.00 am. 5.00 pm. 10.00 pm.) until 72 hours after the operation. The primary outcome was ileus symptoms measured by the duration of symptoms (I-FEED) score, while the secondary outcomes were time to first flatus, time to first defecation, additional antiemetic drugs, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Results: From November 2025 to July 2026, 56 participants were enrolled. The incidence of ileus symptoms in the intervention group was shown to be significantly lower when compared to the control group (4 (14.3%) vs 14 (50%), relative risk 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.11, 0.74, p = 0.01). Time to first flatus, time to first defecation, additional antiemetic drug, stomach pain, and diarrhea showed no significant differences between groups, and there were no serious adverse effects reported.
Conclusion: Curcumin intake following benign gynecologic abdominal hysterectomy significantly reduced postoperative bowel ileus.
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