Ileus secondary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Akshun Kalia M.B.B.S.[2]

Effective measures for the secondary prevention of ileus include use of local spinal anesthesia via epidural approach and intravenous (IV) ketorolac as a baseline analgesic for postoperative pain seen in patients of ileus. Ileus associated nausea and vomiting should be treated with serotonin receptor antagonist. Other measures include early mobilization and ambulation, removal of urinary catheter within 24 to 48 hours of surgery with avoidance of routine nasogastric tubes and abdominal drains.

Effective measures for the secondary prevention of ileus include:^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

• The choice of analgesia and anesthesia for post surgical pain may reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with postoperative ileus.
  • In patients with severe pain, local spinal anesthesia via epidural approach has been observed with increased colonic blood flow and early return of GI function.
  • Use of NSAIDs (such as IV ketorolac) as a baseline analgesic with avoidance of opioid anesthesia and analgesia has also been proved to be beneficial for patients with postoperative ileus.
• Postoperative nausea and vomiting is a common complication of abdominal surgeries and may be prevented with the use of medications such as serotonin receptor antagonist and dexamethasone at induction.
• Early mobilization and ambulation with removal of urinary catheter within 24 to 48 hours of surgery with avoidance of nasogastric tubes and abdominal drains.
• Recent studies have shown that patients of postoperative ileus who chew gum have an increased activation of neuro-hormonal mechanisms leading to increased fluid secretion and early return of GI motility.
• Use of osmotic and stimulant laxatives (such as bisacodyl suppository) may also lead to early reversal of postoperative ileus.
• Patients who require a second surgery should be approached via minimal invasive techniques. Surgical procedures done via laparoscopy are associated with early return of GI function whereas, laparotomy is associated with increased severity and incidence of paralytic ileus.

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