Objective:To explore the effect of comprehensive gastrointestinal training on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after radical cystectomy (Bricker′s operation).Methods:Seventy-one elderly bladder cancer patients who had undergone Bricker′s operation were randomly divided into a control group of 34 and an observation group of 37. Both groups were given routine treatment, while the observation group was additionally provided with comprehensive gastrointestinal training immediately after the operation. Plasma gastrin was measured before the operation and on the 1st and 3rd day afterward. The return of peristaltic sounds, the exhausting and defecation time, the incidence of intestinal obstruction and the average hospital stay were recorded. On the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after the operation, both groups′ gastrointestinal functioning was scored by using Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS).Results:The levels of plasma gastrin in the observation group were significantly higher than before the surgery and significantly higher than those in the control group on the 1st and 3rd day after the surgery, though there had been no significant difference between the two groups before the operation. Compared with the control group, peristaltic sounds returned significantly earlier in the observation group (after 1.22±0.15d), and the group′s exhaust time (1.88±0.22d) and first defecation time (2.95±0.19d) were also better. The incidence of intestinal obstruction (23.53%) was significantly lower in the observation group as well. The observation group recorded lower average GSRS values than the control group throughout the observation and follow-up periods, and their average hospital stay was significantly shorter.Conclusion:Comprehensive gastrointestinal training can effectively promote recovery after radical bladder cystectomy.