Paralytic Ileus
This is a ‘disordered neuromuscular transmission’ within the myenteric plexus Normally, the different parts of the bowel take different amounts of time to start working properly again (e.g., peristalsis and digestion):
- Stomach: up to 24 hours
- Small bowel <24 hours
- Large bowel 24-48 hours
- Longer than this can indicate ileus
- Usually treated conservatively
- Towards causes, optimize patient condition
Distinguishing mechanical small bowel obstruction and paralytic ileus may be difficult:
- Both show distended bowel on x-ray
- Both can present with constipation
- Bowel sounds are absent in ileus
bacterial translocationCC advice after surgery walking serum electrolyte; potassium
