Ileus is the medical term for this lack of movement somewhere in the intestines that leads to a buildup and potential blockage of food material. An ileus can lead to an intestinal obstruction. This means no food material, gas, or liquids can get through. It can occur as a side effect after surgery.
Ileus is a temporary arrest of intestinal peristalsis. It occurs most commonly after abdominal surgery, particularly when the intestines have been manipulated. Symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and vague abdominal discomfort. Diagnosis is based on x-ray findings and clinical impression.
ileusIleus is a partial or complete non-mechanical blockage of the small and/or large intestine. ... There are two types of intestinal obstructions, mechanical and non-mechanical. ... Ileus sometimes occurs as a complication of surgery on other parts of the body, including joint replacement or chest surgery.More items...
In the pathophysiology of ileus, both types lead to the accumulation of fluids and gases at elevated intraluminal pressure, microcirculatory dysfunction of the bowel wall, and disruption of the mucosal barrier. This can, in turn, lead to fluid shifts, transmigration peritonitis, and hypovolemia.
Paralytic ileus occurs in the intestines, the long, tube-like passageway where food is broken down and absorbed before the waste is pushed out as poop. The intestines process your food along this journey through a series of wave-like movements called peristalsis. Paralytic ileus is the paralysis of these movements.
Ileus comes from the Greek word for twisted. The early classical literature suggests that this term was used for what we now call sigmoid volvulus. The Romans translated this word as volvulus. During later classical times, investigators used ileus and volvulus in describing conditions other than sigmoid volvulus.
Postoperative paralytic ileus refers to obstipation and intolerance of oral intake due to nonmechanical factors that disrupt the normal coordinated propulsive motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract following abdominal or nonabdominal surgery [1-3].
Ileus is thought to result from an imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic motor activity, resulting in intestinal atony. In cases of ileus, vomiting is usually infrequent; pain is mild, and distention is moderate to severe.
Ileus that persists for more than 3 days following surgery is termed postoperative adynamic ileus, paralytic ileus, or functional ileus. Frequently, ileus occurs after major abdominal operations, but it may also occur after retroperitoneal and extra-abdominal surgery, as well as general anesthesia alone.
Treatment for an ileus focuses on bowel rest by limiting oral intake and discontinuing medications that may be causing the ileus. In cases where oral fluids are not tolerated, rehydration with IV fluids may be necessary.