Paralytic ileus

Paralytic ileus is a gastrointestinal motility disorder characterized by a non-mechanical impairment or arrest of normal intestinal peristalsis, preventing the forward transit of luminal contents

Paralytic ileus is a gastrointestinal motility disorder characterized by a non-mechanical impairment or arrest of normal intestinal peristalsis, preventing the forward transit of luminal contents Predominantly affecting the small and large intestines, it frequently arises as a postoperative complication of abdominal surgery, but it can also be triggered by severe systemic illness, peritoneal inflammation, electrolyte derangements, spinal injuries, or medications such as opioids and anticholinerg...

Predominantly affecting the small and large intestines, it frequently arises as a postoperative complication of abdominal surgery, but it can also be triggered by severe systemic illness, peritoneal inflammation, electrolyte derangements, spinal injuries, or medications such as opioids and anticholinergics

Pathophysiologically, neural reflexes, local neurogenic inflammation, and neuromuscular disruption within the enteric nervous system inhibit smooth muscle contractility

Clinically, this leads to an accumulation of gas and fluid within the bowel lumen, presenting with progressive abdominal distension, absent or hypoactive bowel sounds, nausea, vomiting, and obstipation