In the postoperative period, electrolyte levels are monitores and any imbalance corrected. Alternative analgesia to nacotics, such as NSAIDs and placement of a thoracic epidural with local anesthetic, may be used when possible. Incubation os the stomuch with an NG tube needs to be applied selectively. Routine intubation does not confer any appreciable effect and in associated with discomfort, inhibits ambulation, and predisposes to aspiration, The use of prokinetic agents does not alter manipulations, such as parasympathetic agents, adrenergic blocking agents, and metoclopramide, also have no impact on resolving postoperative ileus. The role of early postoperative feeding remains unclear.