Ileus
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC
| Ileus | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Intestinal obstruction |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation |
| Complications | Bowel perforation, sepsis |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Varies |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Surgery, medications, infections, electrolyte imbalance |
| Risks | Abdominal surgery, opioid use, elderly age |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, X-ray, CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Mechanical bowel obstruction, gastroenteritis, appendicitis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Bowel rest, nasogastric tube, IV fluids, surgery |
| Medication | Prokinetics, analgesics |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in hospitalized patients |
| Deaths | N/A |
Ileus is a medical condition characterized by a lack of movement in the intestines, leading to a buildup of food material and gas. This can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Ileus can occur as a result of surgery, certain medications, or other medical conditions that affect the normal peristaltic movements of the intestines.
Causes[edit]
Ileus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Postoperative ileus: This is a common form of ileus that occurs after abdominal surgery. The manipulation of the intestines during surgery can temporarily disrupt their normal function.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as opioids, can slow down intestinal motility and lead to ileus.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium can affect muscle contractions in the intestines.
- Infections: Infections within the abdomen, such as peritonitis, can lead to ileus.
- Inflammatory conditions: Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation that affects intestinal motility.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of ileus can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause, but commonly include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating and distension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or inability to pass gas
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of ileus typically involves a combination of:
- Physical examination: A doctor may listen for bowel sounds and check for abdominal tenderness.
- Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasound may be used to visualize the intestines and identify any blockages or abnormalities.
- Blood tests: These can help identify electrolyte imbalances or signs of infection.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for ileus depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common approaches include:
- Bowel rest: Patients may be advised to refrain from eating or drinking to allow the intestines to rest.
- Nasogastric tube: A tube may be inserted through the nose into the stomach to relieve pressure and remove excess gas and fluids.
- Medications: Prokinetic agents may be used to stimulate intestinal motility.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove any obstructions or correct underlying issues.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures for ileus include:
- Minimizing the use of medications that can slow intestinal motility.
- Encouraging early mobilization and ambulation after surgery.
- Maintaining adequate hydration and electrolyte balance.
