Ileus physical examination

Physical examination of patients with ileus is usually remarkable for abdominal distension, abdominal tenderness, and minimal or absent bowel sounds. Patients with prolonged ileus may progress to develop peritoneal signs such as rigidity, guarding and rebound tenderness.

Physical examination of patients with ileus is usually remarkable for abdominal distension, abdominal tenderness, and minimal or absent bowel sounds (characteristic finding).^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}

• Patients with ileus usually appear fatigued and in discomfort.

• Tachycardia with regular pulse
• Low blood pressure with normal pulse pressure (uncommon)
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Patients who developed complications such as intestinal perforation or peritonitis are possibly feverish.

• Skin examination of patients with ileus is usually normal.

• HEENT examination of patients with ileus is usually normal.

• Neck examination of patients with ileus is usually normal.

• Pulmonary examination of patients with ileus is usually normal.

• Cardiovascular examination of patients with ileus is usually normal.

Abdominal examination of patients with ileus includes:^{[8][9][10][11][12][1][13]}

• Abdominal distention
• Abdominal tenderness (severe cases)
• Hypoactive or absent bowel sounds (characteristic finding)
• Absent succussion splash
• Tympanic on percussion
• Peritoneal signs suggests intestinal perforation such as:
  • Rigidity
  • Guarding
  • Rebound tenderness

• Back examination of patients with ileus is usually normal.

• Genitourinary examination of patients with ileus is usually normal.

• Neuromuscular examination of patients with ileus is usually normal.

• Extremities examination of patients with ileus is usually normal.

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