What are the clinical manifestations and management techniques for postoperative ileus?
This review summarizes the clinical manifestations and current management strategies for postoperative ileus, highlighting the lack of controlled data.
Postoperative ileus (POI) is a mandatory period of cessation of intestinal function, after abdominal surgery. Over the last decade research has continued into this field, and while we continue to learn about pathogenesis, few controlled data are available for management. The clinical manifestations of POI are reviewed. Management techniques are also reviewed, including the use of postoperative care plans with early ambulation and diet, the effects of epidural anaesthesia, benefits of laparoscopic approaches for intestinal resection, and potential avenues for prevention using novel medications.
Conor P. Delaney (Wed,) studied this question.