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Ileus or gastrointestinal atony[1] is a disruption of the normal propulsive gastrointestinal motor activity due to non-mechanical causes[2][3]. In contrast, motility disorders that result from structural abnormalities are termed mechanical bowel obstruction. Some mechanical obstructions are misnomers, such as gallstone ileus and meconium ileus, and are not true examples of ileus by the classic definition [4].


Postoperative IleusEdit

It is a temporary paralysis of a portion of the intestines typically after an abdominal surgery. Since the intestinal content of this portion is unable to move forward, food or drink should be avoided until peristaltic sound is heard from auscultation of the area where this portion lies.

Paralytic IleusEdit

Paralysis of the intestine. To be termed "paralytic ileus," the intestinal paralysis need not be complete, but it must be sufficient to prohibit the passage of food through the intestine and lead to intestinal blockage.

Paralytic ileus is a common side effect of some types of surgery. It can also result from certain drugs and from various injuries and illnesses. Paralytic ileus causes constipation and bloating. On listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope, no bowel sounds are heard because the bowel is inactive.

Acute colonic pseudoobstructionEdit

Also known as Ogilvie's syndrome.



Inhibitory neural reflexesEdit


Ileus may increase adhesion formation, because intestinal segments have more prolonged contact, allowing fibrous adhesions to form, and intestinal distention causes serosal injury and ischemia. Intestinal distention has been shown to cause adhesions in foals [5]. Some respondents also mentioned the importance of walking horses postoperatively to stimulate motility. Repeat celiotomy to decompress chronically distended small intestine and remove fibrinous adhesions is also a useful method of treating ileus and reducting adhesions, and it has been associated with a good outcome [6][7]

Neurohumoral peptidesEdit


Symptoms of ileus include, but are not limited to:

Risk FactorsEdit


Nil per os (NPO or "Nothing by Mouth") is mandatory in all cases. Nasogastric suction and parenteral feeds may be required until passage is restored.

There are several options in the case of paralytic ileus. Most treatment is supportive. If caused by medication, the offending agent is discontinued or reduced. Bowel movements may be stimulated by prescribing lactulose, erythromycin or, in severe cases (Ogilvie's syndrome), neostigmine.

If possible the underlying cause is corrected (e.g. replace electrolytes).

External linksEdit

See alsoEdit


  1. Salim AS (March 1991). Duration of intravenous fluid replacement after abdominal surgery: a prospective randomised study. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 73 (2): 119–23.
  2. Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. The biological basis of modern surgical practice. 17/e. Elsevier Saunders, 2004.
  3. Livingston EH, Passaro EP. Postoperative ileus. Dig Dis Sci 1990;35:121.
  4. Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, Sleisenger MH. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. Intestinal Obstruction and Ileus. 8/e. Elsevier Saunders, 2006.
  5. Lundin C, Sullins KE, White NA and al. Induction of peritoneal adhesions with small intestinal ischaemia and distention in the foal. Equine Vet J 21: 451, 1989
  6. Vachon AM, Fisher AT. Small intestinal herniation through the epiploic foramen: 53 cases (1987-1993). Equine Vet J 27: 373, 1995
  7. Southwood LL, Baxter GM. Current concepts in management of abdominal adhesions. Vet Clin North Am Eq Prac 13:2 415 1997
  8. Kitabchi, AE, Umpierrez, GE, Murphy, MB, et al. Management of hyperglycemic crises in patients with diabetes mellitus (technical review). Diabetes Care 2001; 24:131.

Template:Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period


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