What is postoperative abdominal distention?
US Pharm. 2010;35(12):55-73. Postoperative ileus (POI) may be defined as the impairment of gastrointestinal (GI) motility after intra-abdominal or nonabdominal surgery. It is characterized by bowel distention, lack of bowel sounds, accumulation of GI gas and fluid, and delayed passage of flatus and stool (TABLE 1).
How long does a postoperative ileus last?
Prognosis is generally good as postoperative ileus typically resolves within one to three days after diagnosis with supportive care.
What does a distended abdomen indicate?
Abdominal distension occurs when substances, such as air (gas) or fluid, accumulate in the abdomen causing its expansion. It is typically a symptom of an underlying disease or dysfunction in the body, rather than an illness in its own right. People suffering from this condition often describe it as “feeling bloated”.
How do you restart your bowels after surgery?
After surgery, you should also plan to take a stool softener, such as docusate (Colace). A fiber laxative, such as psyllium (Metamucil), may also be helpful. Purchase a laxative or stool softener before your surgery so that you have it available when you return home. Shop for stool softeners.
How is postoperative ileus treated?
A multimodality treatment approach should include limiting the administration of agents known to contribute to postoperative ileus (narcotics), using thoracic epidurals with local anesthetics when possible, and selectively applying nasogastric decompression.
What indicates the end of postoperative ileus?
Evidence and rationale supporting return of bowel sounds as an unreliable indicator of the end of postoperative ileus after abdominal surgery are provided. Introduction: A loss of gastrointestinal motility, commonly known as postoperative ileus (POI), occurs after abdominal surgery.