Question 1

after back surgery, 71 yr old father developed ileus.  enema and suppository not effective.  what is more effective treatment?

Accepted Answer

Bowel Rest: Whether at home or in the hospital, bowel rest -- essentially fasting -- is recommended. Ileus is common after surgery and is often the result of anesthesia and pain medication. Hydration remains important so home regimens usually consist of clear liquids only until symptoms improve or follow-up testing is performed to provide reassurance that the ileus is resolving.

Question 2

focal ileus causes?

Accepted Answer

Almost anything: Any illness, particularly in the abdomen, can cause an ileus.  Common examples--urinary infection, pneumonia, injury, broken bones, any localized area of inflammation in the abdomen, including appendicitis, diverticulitis, viral illness.

Question 3

what is  focal ileus?

Accepted Answer

Intestine: Part of the intestine lacking the normal peristaltic movement that helps push digested food along the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 4

if imaging shows focal area of ileus, can this be indicative of small bowel perf?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Many causes of ileus; some fairly benign some more serious.  If a perforation, then that's an emergency that requires an immediate surgical consult.  Either way, close follow up is necessary.

Question 5

what is best way to evacuate the bowel once focal ileus has been diagnosed and pt has become nauseous, vomits bile, dehydrated, hypotensive,?

Accepted Answer

Resuscitation: If the patient is hypotensive, the ileus becomes secondary.  Nasogastric tube will be helpful in decompressing the bowel proximal to the ileus or obstruction, but the dehydration and hypotension is more important at this point.

Question 6

what is the definition or description of: ileus?

Accepted Answer

Ileus: Ileus is commonly defined as decreased motor activity of the GI tract due to non-mechanical causes. To diagnose ileus, obstructions secondary to adhesions, gallstone ileus and tumor have to be ruled-out.

Question 7

what should be the longest it takes an ileus to resolve?

Accepted Answer

1-5 days: It could take longer. To help it move stop narcotics, walk a lot, chew gum.

Question 8

what is the definition of spastic ileus?

Accepted Answer

Ileus: Ileus is the development of distention of the intestines as a result of decreased peristaltic motility.  Usually this is the response of the gut to some type of noxious stimulus, either traumatic, infectious or inflammatory.  The distension can mimic bowel obstruction and this needs to be differentiated, typically by watchful waiting.  Ileus will resolve by correcting the underlying cause.

Question 9

is ileus with fecal stasis dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: An ileus is a slowing down of the motility or flow through the bowel, and can occur typically when someone is taking a lot of pain meds, or has recently had a big operation.  Some metabolic problems can cause it also.  It generally doesn't require an operation, contrary to a bowel obstruction, which may.  It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two.  A surgeon can help differentiate.

Question 10

any ideas why pancreatitis cause an ileus?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation: Any intraabdominal inflammation will slow the bowels.

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Doctor answers about:

Treatment for focal ileus

A member asked:

After back surgery, 71 yr old father developed ileus. enema and suppository not effective. what is more effective treatment?

A member asked:

Focal ileus causes?

A member asked:

What is focal ileus?

A member asked:

If imaging shows focal area of ileus, can this be indicative of small bowel perf?

A member asked:

What is best way to evacuate the bowel once focal ileus has been diagnosed and pt has become nauseous, vomits bile, dehydrated, hypotensive,?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: ileus?

A member asked:

What should be the longest it takes an ileus to resolve?

A member asked:

What is the definition of spastic ileus?

A member asked:

Is ileus with fecal stasis dangerous?

A member asked:

Any ideas why pancreatitis cause an ileus?

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