Ileus overview

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

Overview

Ileus is defined as the temporary cessation of intestinal peristalsis in the absence of mechanical obstruction. The word ileus is derived from the Greek word "είλειν" which means to twist. There is no specific system for classification of postoperative ileus. However, based on etiology, postoperative ileus may be classified into drug induced ileus, ileus secondary to metabolic and electrolyte disturbances and ileus due to some systemic disorders. The pathogenesis of ileus is based on its multifactorial etiology. Ileus is most commonly seen during the postoperative period (usually 3 days after surgery). Commonly used analgesics such as opiates and anesthesia may also aggravate the development of ileus. Enteric and autonomic nervous system disturbances can cause a severe variety of ileus, named chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), which may be related to some altered genes. Conditions commonly associated with ileus include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism. The incidence and prevalence of ileus varies with the type of surgery performed. The incidence of ileus in patients undergoing laparotomy is approximately 9,000 per 100,000 cases worldwide, which is more common compared to other surgeries. Common risk factors in the development of ileus include older age, electrolyte abnormalities, previous history of abdominal surgery, postoperative deep venous thrombosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, history of chronic opiates use and hypothyroidism. Patients with ileus are usually presented with abdominal pain, abdominal distention, nausea and vomiting with postprandial discomfort, constipation or obstination and loss of appetite. Common complications of ileus include electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, intestinal perforation, sepsis, jaundice, Intestinal strangulation and pulmonary complications. There are no diagnostic laboratory findings associated with ileus. However, laboratory evaluations must be done to identify the severity and presence of other complications of ileus such as electrolyte abnormalities and hypovolemia. Findings on an x-ray suggestive of ileus include multiple air–fluid levels throughout the abdomen, elevated diaphragm with dilatation of both large and small intestine, slow movement of barium with a patent intestinal lumen. An abdomen and pelvis CT scan (with intravenous contrast and oral water soluble contrast) can also distinguish early postoperative ileus from mechanical obstruction. In addition, a CT scan can also identify other complications seen in the postoperative period or ileus related complications, such as perforation, strangulation and necrosis. Intravenous hydration is advised with appropriate rapid supplementation for electrolyte abnormalities. NSAIDs are used as baseline analgesic medications. Patients are put on NPO and nasogastric tube is advised to relieve recurrent vomiting or abdominal distention associated with pain. Surgical intervention is not routinely recommended for the management of ileus. However, patients with prolonged ileus, radiologic or clinical findings indicating development of ileus complication, such as intestinal perforation, strangulation or necrosis and worsening of clinical or laboratory conditions of patients may require urgent surgical intervention to identify and alleviate complications of ileus.

Historical Perspective

The word ileus is derived from the Greek word "είλειν" which means to twist. Gallstone ileus was first described by Thomas Bartholin in 1654. The effect of splanchnic nerves on intestinal peristalsis was discovered by Bayliss and Starling in 1899. Later in 1958, Robertson, Eddy and Vosseler delineated a case of ileus, complicated by cecal perforation.

Classification

There is no specific system for classification of postoperative ileus. However, based on etiology, postoperative ileus may be classified into drug induced ileus, ileus secondary to metabolic and electrolyte disturbances and ileus due to some systemic disorders.

Pathophysiology

Ileus is defined as a temporary cessation of intestinal peristalsis in the absence of mechanical obstruction. The pathogenesis of ileus is based on its multifactorial etiology. Ileus is most commonly seen during the postoperative period (usually 3 days after surgery). When a patient undergoes a surgical procedure, it often puts the body under significant stress. It is thought that ileus is the result of a surgical stress-induced inflammatory process, that leads to the release of inflammatory and neuroendocrine mediators (such as nitric oxide, VIP and substance P). Additionally, manipulation of the intestine leads to activation of afferent pathways that travel to theBrain stem, which leads to increased autonomic output to the sympathetic neurons and increased secretion of adrenergic neurotransmitters and subsequent decreased intestinal motility. Commonly used analgesics such as opiates and anesthesia may also increase the development of ileus. Enteric and autonomic nervous system disturbances can cause a severe form of ileus, named chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) which may be related to some altered genes. Conditions commonly associated with ileus include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism. On gross pathology findings of ileus include bowel contortion with a distended small and large intestine. On microscopic histopathological analysis, findings of ileus include inflammatory cells predominantly macrophages and mast cells.

Causes

Common causes of ileus include surgery (major abdominal & non-abdominal surgeries), metabolic and electrolyte disturbances (such as hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia), Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes, hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency), systemic disorders (such as myocardial infarction, pneumonia, renal failure), trauma, sepsis, and drugs (such as opiates, anticholinergic agents, autonomic blockers, tricyclic antidepressants and general anesthesia).

Differentiating Ileus overview from Other Diseases

Ileus must be differentiated from other diseases that cause abdominal pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting such as small bowel obstruction, gastric outlet obstruction, gastroparesis, gastrointestinal perforation, acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, liver abscess and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Ileus is most commonly seen in patients undergoing surgical treatment. The incidence and prevalence of ileus varies with the type of surgery performed. Patients with large incisions are at a relatively higher risk of developing ileus as compared to patients undergoing minor surgical procedures with small incisions. The incidence of ileus in patients undergoing laparotomy is approximately 9,000 per 100,000 cases worldwide, which is more common compared to other surgeries. The prevalence of ileus is not precisely known. However, it is estimated that that around 10 percent (10,000 per 100,000) of the people undergoing surgical procedures develop ileus that lasts longer than three days. Postoperative ileus has been present in 15% of patients who had partial bowel resection, based on one study. Patients of all age groups may develop ileus but it is more commonly seen in the elderly due to underlying comorbidities. There is no racial predisposition for ileus and men and women are affected equally.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors in the development of ileus include older age, electrolyte abnormalities, previous history of abdominal surgery, prolonged abdominal or pelvic surgery, laparotomy, lower Gastrointestinal tract procedures, delayed postoperative enteral nutrition, use of preoperative albumin, postoperative deep venous thrombosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, history of chronic opiates use and hypothyroidism. Less common risk factors include spinal cord injury (specifically thoracic cord), Severe illness like sepsis, obesity, peripheral vascular disease and development of some postoperative complications.

Screening

There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for ileus.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Patients with ileus are usually presented with abdominal pain, abdominal distention, abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting with postprandial discomfort, constipation or obstination and loss of appetite. Common complications of ileus include electrolyte imbalance, malabsorption, dehydration, intestinal perforation, renal failure, ascites, sepsis, jaundice, Intestinal strangulation and pulmonary complications. Depending on the duration of the postoperative ileus at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as good. Most cases of postoperative ileus resolve spontaneously and do not require further treatment.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

The diagnosis of ileus is made in the presence of positive history and physical exam findings with signs of intestinal aperistalsis on an x-ray. In patients where findings of an x-ray are equivocal, a CT scan of the abdomen should be done to rule out underlying mechanical obstruction as a cause of delayed intestinal motility.

History and Symptoms

Obtaining a history gives important information in making a diagnosis of ileus. The areas of focus should be on onset, duration, and progression of symptoms with special focus on past medical history and current medications. Previous history of surgery, constipation, hypothyroidism, diabetes and renal failure may predispose an individual to developing ileus. Common symptoms of ileus include postprandial abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting, feeding intolerance, constipation, flatulence, and belching. Less common symptoms include wound dehiscence and impaired wound healing.

Physical Examination

Physical examination of patients with ileus is usually remarkable for abdominal distension, abdominal tenderness, and minimal or absent bowel sounds. Hypotension, fever and tachycardia are possible findings, especially in complicated ileus. Patients with ileus usually appear fatigued and in discomfort. Patients with prolonged ileus may progress to develop peritoneal signs such as rigidity, guarding and rebound tenderness.

Laboratory Findings

There are no diagnostic laboratory findings associated with ileus. However, laboratory evaluations must be done to identify the severity and presence of other complications of ileus such as electrolyte abnormalities and hypovolemia. Common laboratory tests include complete blood count, liver function test, renal function test, serum electrolytes, serum lipase and amylase, arterial blood gas, lactate level, serum albumin and measurement of inflammatory markers.

X-ray

An abdominal x-ray with barium meal (small bowel series) may be helpful in the diagnosis of ileus. Findings on an x-ray suggestive of ileus include multiple air–fluid levels throughout the abdomen, elevated diaphragm with dilatation of both the large and small intestine, slow movement of barium with a patent intestinal lumen. Serial x-rays may also differentiate paralytic ileus from mechanical intestinal obstruction.

CT

An abdominal and pelvic CT scan is used to confirm the diagnosis of postoperative ileus only in cases when an x-ray is not diagnostic. An abdomen and pelvis CT scan (with intravenous contrast and oral water soluble contrast) can also distinguish early postoperative ileus from mechanical obstruction. In addition, a CT scan can also identify other complications seen in post-operative period or ileus related complications, such as perforation, strangulation and necrosis. Findings on a CT scan diagnostic of postoperative ileus include multiple air–fluid levels throughout the abdomen, an elevated diaphragm, dilation of both the large and small intestine with no evidence of mechanical obstruction.

MRI

There are no MRI findings associated with ileus.

Ultrasound

There are no specific ultrasound findings associated with ileus. However, patients with ileus for more than seven days (prolonged ileus) may be evaluated with an abdomen and pelvic ultrasound to determine the underlying cause. Prolonged ileus is generally due to mechanical obstruction and an ultrasound can be done to determine the etiology, such as abscess, strangulated hernia and necrotic bowel.

Other Imaging Findings

There are no other imaging findings associated with ileus.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Other diagnostic studies for ileus include enteroclysis. An enteroclysis is done when an abdominal x-ray and CT scan are inconclusive but the patient is still suspected of ileus. In enteroclysis, water-soluble radio-opaque contrast medium such as gastrografin is used to observe the movements of intestine. Enteroclysis can also help in differentiating ileus from small bowel obstruction.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

The majority of cases of ileus are resolved with correction of underlying electrolyte disorder and only require supportive care. Intravenous hydration is advised with appropriate rapid supplementation for electrolyte abnormalities. NSAIDs are used as baseline analgesic medications. In contrast, opiates and antimotility drugs (such as vagolytic agents) should be avoided generally, although opiates are sometimes used in case of severe intractable pain. Patients are put on a NPO and nasogastric tube to relieve recurrent vomiting or abdominal distention associated with the pain. Prokinetic agents such as erythromycin are not routinely recommended. In paralytic ileus certain medications such as hyoscyamine, methscopolamine bromide, oxycodone, polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) are contraindicated.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is not routinely recommended for the management of ileus. However, patients with prolonged ileus, radiologic or clinical findings indicating development of ileus complication, such as intestinal perforation, strangulation or necrosis and worsening of clinical or laboratory conditions of patients may require urgent surgical intervention to identify and alleviate complications of ileus.

Primary Prevention

Effective measures for the primary prevention of ileus include early mobilization, avoidance of Ryle's tube (nasogastric tube), prior oral feeding with high carbohydrate solid or liquid solution, limiting parenteral fluids, avoidance of pain medications such as opiates, utilizing a minimally invasive surgical method and use of epidural anesthesia for postoperative analgesia.

Secondary Prevention

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.

References

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