About Paralytic Ileus
Key Highlights
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Expert diagnosis to differentiate from a mechanical bowel obstruction, which is critical for correct treatment.Comprehensive management focusing on the root cause, whether post-surgical, due to infection, medication, or electrolyte imbalance.Prevention of serious complications like bowel ischemia or perforation through timely intervention.Coordinated care involving nutrition support and medication management to restore normal digestive function.
Who is this surgery for?
- Presenting symptoms of abdominal distension, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool.
- Commonly occurs after abdominal or pelvic surgery (postoperative ileus).
- As a complication of infections, such as peritonitis or pneumonia.
- Due to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia (low potassium).
- As a side effect of certain medications, especially opioids and some antidepressants.
- Associated with intra-abdominal inflammation, trauma, or kidney disease.
How to prepare
- Detailed medical history review and physical examination by the gastroenterologist.
- Imaging tests such as abdominal X-rays or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis and rule out a physical blockage.
- Blood tests to check for electrolyte imbalances, infection, or other metabolic causes.
- Discontinuation of medications that may contribute to ileus, if medically safe to do so.
- Initiation of intravenous (IV) fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte levels.
- Placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube to decompress the stomach and relieve vomiting.
Risks & possible complications
- If untreated, progression to a complete obstruction or bowel ischemia (lack of blood flow).
- Risk of bowel perforation, a life-threatening complication.
- Severe dehydration and dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
- Malnutrition due to prolonged inability to eat.
- Prolonged hospital stay and increased risk of hospital-acquired infections.
- Recurrence if the underlying cause is not adequately addressed.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery begins with bowel rest: nothing by mouth (NPO) until bowel sounds return.
- Continuous IV fluids and electrolyte replacement are maintained.
- As motility returns, diet is slowly advanced from clear liquids to bland solids.
- The nasogastric tube is removed once drainage decreases and bowel function resumes.
- Early mobilization (walking) is encouraged to stimulate intestinal activity.
- Follow-up is essential to ensure full recovery and address any persistent underlying issues.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering paralytic ileus in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for paralytic ileus in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform paralytic ileus. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for paralytic ileus compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Paralytic Ileus in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing paralytic ileus.
Aadya Malhotra, a 68-year-old retired school...
Aadya Malhotra, a 68-year-old retired school principal, lives a quiet life with her husband in Delhi. She has a history of controlled hypertension and underwent a total knee replacement surgery two weeks ago. Post-surgery, she developed severe, cramping abdominal pain, persistent nausea, and had not passed gas or stool for four days. Her abdomen became visibly distended and tender. Her orthopedic surgeon, concerned about a post-operative complication, referred her to a gastroenterologist. The gastroenterologist diagnosed a post-operative paralytic ileus, a temporary paralysis of the intestines. He recommended conservative management: nil-by-mouth (NPO), intravenous (IV) fluids for hydration, and insertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube to decompress her stomach and relieve pressure. Aadya found the NG tube insertion uncomfortable and distressing, and she felt weak and frustrated by the inability to eat. Emotionally, she was anxious, feeling that her recovery from the knee surgery had been derailed and worrying this was a permanent setback. After three days of treatment, her bowel sounds returned, the distension resolved, and the NG tube was removed. She started on clear liquids and gradually progressed to a soft diet. Her recovery outcome was excellent, with full resolution of the ileus. Emotionally, she felt immense relief and regained her optimism for her knee rehabilitation, though she remained cautious about her abdominal health.
Gastroenterologists for Paralytic Ileus
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform paralytic ileus and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai