What Is Postoperative Ileus?

INTRODUCTION. 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].

What causes postoperative ileus?

Endogenous opioids are released after surgery and have been suggested as a cause of postoperative ileus. Their effects on gastric emptying and intestinal smooth-muscle contraction are mediated by the µ-opioid receptor.

How common is post operative ileus?

Postoperative ileus occurs in approximately 50% of patients who undergo major abdominal surgery. Kuruba et al studied the incidence and risk factors for prolonged ileus in patients undergoing elective colon surgery retrospectively.