Nonopioid pharmacological management of malignant bowel obstruction: a New Zealand-wide survey.

Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common condition among palliative patients and has limited management options. There is a paucity of widely accepted national and international evidence-based guidelines to direct the management of MBO in palliative patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to survey current practice in New Zealand of nonopioid pharmacological management of MBO and compare it with the available literature.

Methods: The study utilized a survey consisting of three scenarios: probable incomplete malignant bowel obstruction (PIMBO), incomplete malignant bowel obstruction (IMBO), and complete malignant bowel obstruction (CMBO). An online survey was conducted over 2 months targeting palliative medicine practitioners working in a hospital, hospice inpatient unit, or community setting in New Zealand.

Results: Forty-eight doctors responded. Of the respondents, 56.3% used guidelines to manage MBO; however, 88.9% of the guidelines used were locally generated at the doctor's institution. Metoclopramide was the drug of choice in treating PIMBO, whereas haloperidol and hyoscine butylbromide (HB) were the preferred drugs as the severity of bowel obstruction increased. Dexamethasone was accepted as standard practice for managing all severities of MBO. A variation in the preferred starting and maximum dose of all the drugs was seen. There was a decrease in the use of laxatives and enemas as the severity of MBO increased.

Conclusion: Variation in practice for managing MBO was evident among doctors in New Zealand. There is a need for national and international evidence-based guidelines to help define best management for the differing severities of this problematic condition.