Comparison of ciprofol versus propofol on gastrointestinal motility in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection for colorectal cancer: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication after abdominal surgery that significantly delays recovery. Evidence suggests that the general anaesthetic propofol inhibits gastrointestinal motility, potentially contributing to POI. Ciprofol, a newer general anaesthetic characterised by the addition of a cyclopropyl group to the propofol structure, has uncertain effects on gastrointestinal recovery. This randomised trial aimed to evaluate the effect of ciprofol compared with propofol on gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection. METHODS: This prospective, single-centre, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial will enrol patients aged 18-65 years undergoing laparoscopic radical resection for colorectal cancer. A total of 176 participants will be randomly assigned to either the ciprofol group (experimental) or the propofol group (control), with 88 patients in each arm. General anaesthesia will be induced and maintained with ciprofol in the experimental group or propofol in the control group. The primary outcome is the time to first postoperative flatus. Secondary outcomes include key parameters associated with enhanced recovery after surgery. Patients will be followed at baseline and every 24 hours postoperatively. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTUAF2024LSYY-415-03). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2400093434.