Intestinal obstruction due to ileus is the loss of intestinal motility or normal peristalsis, which impedes the transit of secretions and food through the intestines.
It may occur in both the small intestine and the large intestine, and is caused by a disorder in the muscles which lose their tone. The most common cause is abdominal surgery.
It mainly manifests as pain, abdominal distension, vomits with fecaloid content, hyperperistalsis (metallic intestinal sounds) and inability to pass gas.
The suspected diagnosis is made by the medical history and a physical examination, and is confirmed by imaging tests.
The precipitating cause must be eliminated if it is known, and proper hydration must be ensured; in many cases it is necessary to feed patients intravenously until the recovery of intestinal motility.
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