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 Medanta The Medicity, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Gem Hospital Perungudi, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, 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.
I'd been to three other doctors...
I'd been to three other doctors for this nagging pain and fatigue. Everyone said it was stress. Dr. Latha at MGM was the first one who actually sat and listened, really listened, to everything I was saying. She ordered a specific test the others hadn't, and it turned out to be something quite rare. She explained it all to me in plain Tamil, drew diagrams on a notepad. I was scared, but she laid out a clear plan. It's been a long road, but I finally feel like we're getting somewhere.
Gastroenterologists for Paralytic Ileus
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform paralytic ileus and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 33 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital Faridabad
- 31 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11
- 31 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11
- 29 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 27 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 26 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Nanavati Hospital Mumbai
- 26 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Nanavati Hospital Mumbai
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 22 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital Faridabad
- 22 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Nanavati Hospital Mumbai
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Nanavati Hospital Mumbai
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 12 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 12 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon