Paralysis of the bowel muscle (see INTESTINE, DISEASES OF).
n. intestinal obstruction, usually obstruction of the small intestine (ileum). Clinical symptoms include abdominal pain and distension, vomiting, and absolute constipation. Paralytic or adynamic ileus is functional obstruction of the ileum due to loss of intestinal movement (peristalsis), which may be caused by abdominal surgery (see laparotomy); spinal injuries; electrolyte abnormalities, particularly of potassium (hypokalaemia); peritonitis; or ischaemia. Treatment consists of intravenous administration of fluid and removal of excess stomach secretions by nasogastric tube until peristalsis returns (the ‘drip and suck’ approach). If possible, the underlying condition is treated. Mechanical ileus may be caused by gallstones entering the bowel through a fistula or widened bile duct (gallstone ileus); tumour; *intussusception; intestinal *volvulus; foreign bodies; thickened *meconium in newborn babies (meconium ileus); or parasitic infestation, for example with the threadworm Enterobius vermicularis (verminous ileus).
A failure, usually temporary, of the normal contractility of the muscles of the intestine. Paralytic ileus commonly follows abdominal surgery and may also be induced by severe abdominal injury, peritonitis, internal bleeding, acute pancreatitis, or interference with the blood or nerve supply to the intestine. Symptoms include a swollen abdomen, vomiting, and failure to pass faeces. The condition is treated by resting the intestine. A tube passed through the nose or mouth into the stomach or intestine removes accumulated fluids and keeps the stomach empty. Body fluid levels are maintained by intravenous infusion (drip).... ileus, paralytic
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