ileus (redirected from Ileus types)

Ileus 

Definition

Ileus is a partial or complete non-mechanical blockage of the small and/or large intestine. The term "ileus" comes from the Latin word for colic.

Description

There are two types of intestinal obstructions, mechanical and non-mechanical. Mechanical obstructions occur because the bowel is physically blocked and its contents can not pass the point of the obstruction. This happens when the bowel twists on itself (volvulus) or as the result of hernias, impacted feces, abnormal tissue growth, or the presence of foreign bodies in the intestines.

Unlike mechanical obstruction, non-mechanical obstruction, called ileus or paralytic ileus, occurs because peristalsis stops. Peristalsis is the rhythmic contraction that moves material through the bowel. Ileus is most often associated with an infection of the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdomen). It is one of the major causes of bowel obstruction in infants and children.

Another common cause of ileus is a disruption or reduction of the blood supply to the abdomen. Handling the bowel during abdominal surgery can also cause peristalsis to stop, so people who have had abdominal surgery are more likely to experience ileus. When ileus results from abdominal surgery the condition is often temporary and usually lasts only 48-72 hours.

Ileus sometimes occurs as a complication of surgery on other parts of the body, including joint replacement or chest surgery.

Ileus can also be caused by kidney diseases, especially when potassium levels are decreased. Heart disease and certain chemotherapy drugs, such as vinblastine (Velban, Velsar) and vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PES, Vincrex), also can cause ileus. Infants with cystic fibrosis are more likely to experience meconium ileus (a dark green material in the intestine). Over all, the total rate of bowel obstruction due both to mechanical and non-mechanical causes is one in one thousand people (1/1,000).

Causes and symptoms

When the bowel stops functioning, the following symptoms occur:

• abdominal cramping
• abdominal distention
• nausea and vomiting
• failure to pass gas or stool

Diagnosis

When a doctor listens with a stethoscope to the abdomen there will be few or no bowel sounds, indicating that the intestine has stopped functioning. Ileus can be confirmed by x rays of the abdomen, computed tomography scans (CT scans), or ultrasound. It may be necessary to do more invasive tests, such as a barium enema or upper GI series, if the obstruction is mechanical. Blood tests also are useful in diagnosing paralytic ileus.

Barium studies are used in cases of mechanical obstruction, but may cause problems by increasing pressure or intestinal contents if used in ileus. Also, in cases of suspected mechanical obstruction involving the gastrointestinal tract (from the small intestine downward) use of barium x rays are contraindicated, since they may contribute to the obstruction. In such cases a barium enema should always be done first.

Treatment

Patients may be treated with supervised bed rest in a hospital and bowel rest. Bowel rest means that nothing is taken by mouth and patients are fed intravenously or through the use of a nasogastric tube. A nasogastric tube is a tube inserted through the nose, down the throat, and into the stomach. A similar tube can be inserted in the intestine. The contents are then suctioned out. In some cases, especially where there is a mechanical obstruction, surgery may be necessary.

Drug therapies that promote intestinal motility (ability of the intestine to move spontaneously), such as cisapride and vasopressin (Pitressin), are sometimes prescribed.

Alternative treatment

Alternative practitioners offer few treatment suggestions, but focus on prevention by keeping the bowels healthy through eating a good diet, high in fiber and low in fat. If the case is not a medical emergency, homeopathic treatment and traditional Chinese medicine can recommend therapies that may help to reinstate peristalsis.

Prognosis

The outcome of ileus varies depending on its cause.

Prevention

Most cases of ileus are not preventable. Surgery to remove a tumor or other mechanical obstruction will help prevent a recurrence.

Some measures that have been recommended to minimize the severity of postoperative ileus or shorten its duration include making sure that any electrolyte imbalances are corrected, and using nonopioid medications to relieve pain, as opioid drugs (including morphine, oxycodone, and codeine) tend to cause constipation. One group of drugs that shows promise for treating abdominal pain is a class of medications known as kappa-opioid agonists. As of 2004, however, these drugs are still under investigation for controlling visceral pain in humans.

Resources

Books

Beers, Mark H., MD, and Robert Berkow, MD, editors. "Ileus." Section 3, Chapter 25. In The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 2004.

Periodicals

Baig, M. K., and and S. D. Wexner. "Postoperative Ileus: A Review." Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 47 (April 2004): 516-526.

Lassandro, F., N. Gagliardi, M. Scuderi, et al. "Gallstone Ileus Analysis of Radiological Findings in 27 Patients." European Journal of Radiology 50 (April 2004): 23-29.

Pavone, P., T. Johnson, P. S. Saulog, et al. "Perioperative Morbidity in Bilateral One-Stage Total Knee Replacements." Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 421 (April 2004): 155-161.

Riviere, P. J. "Peripheral Kappa-Opioid Agonists for Visceral Pain." British Journal of Pharmacology 141 (April 2004): 1331-1334.

Other

"Bowel Paralysis." Trigan Oncology Associates Page. http://www.trigan.com/ileus.htm.

"Intestinal Obstruction." HealthAnswers.com. 〈http://www.healthanswers.com/database/ami/converted/000260.html〉.

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ileus /il·e·us/ (il´e-us) intestinal obstruction.

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adynamic ileus  that due to inhibition of bowel motility.

dynamic ileus , hyperdynamic ileus spastic i.

mechanical ileus  that due to mechanical causes, such as hernia, adhesions, volvulus, etc.

meconium ileus  ileus in the newborn due to blocking of the bowel with thick meconium.

occlusive ileus  mechanical i.

paralytic ileus , ileus paraly´ticus adynamic i.

spastic ileus  mechanical ileus due to persistent contracture of a bowel segment.

ileus subpar´ta  that due to pressure of the gravid uterus on the pelvic colon.

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il·e·us (l-s)

n.

Intestinal obstruction causing severe colicky pain, vomiting, constipation, and often fever and dehydration.

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ileus

[il′ē·əs]

Etymology: L; Gk, eilein, to pack close together

an obstruction of the intestines, such as an adynamic ileus caused by immobility of the bowel or a mechanical ileus in which the intestine is blocked by mechanical means. See also paralytic ileus.

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ileus

intestinal obstruction, especially functional obstruction or failure of peristalsis. It frequently accompanies peritonitis, and usually results from disturbances in neural stimulation of the bowel. In the horse it is a major problem in the recovery period after surgical treatment for colic. Called also paralytic, functional and adynamic ileus.

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dynamic ileus

obstructive ileus.

mechanical ileus

obstructive ileus.

obstructive ileus

a physical lesion accounts for the intestinal distention.

sentinel loop ileus

a distended intestinal loop caused by localized paralytic ileus, usually resulting from local infection or pain.

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ileus

GI disease Impairment of the fecal flow of GI contents Clinical Sx reflect point of obstruction and type of ileus; paralytic ileus causes little pain and is first evident through abdominal distension and vomiting; post-operative paralytic ileus may manifest itself through ↑ nasogastric secretions or oliguria; mechanical ileus is associated with vomiting, abdominal colic, distension and constipation, which may be episodic with intermittent relief by production of voluminous, watery stools Management Stabilize, decompress, repair. See Meconium ileus, Paralytic ileus.

Ileus types

Adynamic Paralytic ileus, 2º to electrolyte derangements, mesenteric arterial vascular accidents, peritoneal irritation, surgery, trauma, paraneoplastic phenomena

Mechanical

• Obstructive Intraluminal tumors, intussusception, gallstones, bezoar, feces, foreign bodies

• Intrinsic lesions Atresia, stenosis, strictures due to neoplasms, inflammation, chemicals, vascular lesions

• Extrinsic lesions Adhesive bands from C-sections, previous surgery, hernias, neoplasia, abscesses, volvulus, hematomas