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Paralytic ileus is a condition where bowel movement slows or stops due to paralysis of intestinal muscles, causing obstruction and potential fatality. Treatment involves identifying the cause and providing supportive care, including possible surgery. Gastroenterologists can provide specialized care for better outcomes.
Paralytic ileus is a slowing or stopping of bowel movement caused by paralysis of the muscles in the intestines. It leads to intestinal obstruction and can be fatal if left untreated. Treatments involve determining the cause and providing appropriate supportive care to address the underlying medical problem. A patient may need to stay in the hospital during treatment so that doctors and nurses can monitor the situation and provide interventions as needed.
Some reasons people may develop paralytic ileus include spinal cord injury, electrolyte imbalances, certain medications, inflammation, and surgery. The intestines do not need to be completely paralyzed for an obstruction to develop, as even a partial slowdown can cause food to accumulate, blocking the intestines over time. Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in association with the obstruction. Lack of movement in the intestines can also lead to adhesions as the intestines rub against each other.
Medical imaging studies may show a blockage, and a doctor may listen to the patient’s abdomen to gather information about the amount of intestinal activity. After a doctor diagnoses paralytic ileus, evaluation to determine the cause is the next step. Sometimes the cause is a problem such as electrolyte balance or medications are the problem and can be easily corrected by changing medications or providing supportive care to restore the patient’s electrolytes. While the patient is being evaluated and treated, nothing is given orally, to avoid exacerbating the obstruction. Tubes can be inserted to clear blockage and provide nutrition.
Sometimes surgery is needed for a patient with paralytic ileus. There is a possibility of tissue death with some blockages, requiring a surgeon to remove the involved section of intestine. In other cases, surgery is needed to treat adhesions or other problems that the patient may develop due to a prolonged obstruction. In cases where the intestines are paralyzed by a lifelong problem such as a spinal cord injury, the doctor and patient will need to discuss the best approach to managing the lifelong problem.
Working with a gastroenterologist can help patients achieve the best outcomes. These specialist doctors focus on conditions involving the intestines. They are familiar with the latest research and treatments and their history with numerous other cases can help them identify and treat paralytic ileus faster than regular doctors. In regions where such specialists are not available, it may be possible to meet one over the phone or through a telehealth practice, where the doctor treats the patient remotely.
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