Understanding Postoperative Ileus: A Comprehensive Guide 📚
Introduction 🌟
Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common condition that can seriously affect patients post-surgery, especially abdominal surgeries. This guide delves into its epidemiology, symptoms, causes, and treatment options, including emerging approaches like acupuncture.
What is Postoperative Ileus? 🤔
POI is a gastrointestinal motility disorder that can delay the passage of food and waste, causing discomfort and symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
Epidemiology 📊
POI affects up to 25% of patients who undergo abdominal surgery and is even more common in complex procedures.
Causes:
Pathophysiology 🏥
POI arises due to disrupted normal gastrointestinal tract movements post-surgery, leading to symptoms such as abdominal distension and nausea.
Symptoms 🌡️
- Abdominal distension and discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Delayed passage of gas and stool
- Dehydration
Impact on Daily Life 🌍
Symptoms can negatively affect a patient’s everyday life, making it hard to eat, drink, or even carry out daily activities.
Diagnostic Measures 🛠️
Medical History 📝
A thorough medical history is vital for diagnosis, including past surgeries and current medications.
Physical Examination 🩺
A complete abdominal and rectal exam may be performed to evaluate symptoms.
Investigations 🖥️
Imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans can help confirm the diagnosis.
Warning Signs: Yellow & Red Flags 🚩
- Yellow Flags: Indicators like severe pain or dehydration
- Red Flags: Emergency indicators such as severe vomiting or signs of shock
Management and Treatment Options 💊
Supportive Care 🤗
- IV fluids
- Pain management
- Anti-nausea medication
Lifestyle Changes 🚶♀️
- Walking
- Deep breathing exercises
- Adequate fluid intake
Invasive Treatments 🏥
- Nasogastric tube
- Rectal tube
- Surgery (rare cases)
At-Home Relief Tips 🏡
- Walking
- Deep breathing exercises
- Drinking fluids
- Eating small meals
- Heat application
Factors that Affect POI 🔄
Aggravating Factors 📉
- Opioids
- Immobility
- Inflammation
- Dehydration
Alleviating Factors 📈
- Exercise
- Breathing exercises
- Prokinetic medications
- Adequate hydration
Acupuncture as a Treatment Option 📍
Based on 5 different Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), acupuncture shows promise in alleviating POI symptoms. However, more research is needed.
Final Thoughts 🌈
While acupuncture and other treatments are emerging, it’s crucial to consult healthcare providers for a personalised treatment plan if you’re dealing with POI.
At Acupuncture Medicine South Melbourne, we combine traditional and modern medical practices to offer custom treatment plans.
Reference lists
- Liu, X., Xiang, J., Zhu, X., & Yan, X. (2018). Effects of acupuncture on postoperative ileus in patients with gynecological surgery. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 11(2), 85-90.
- Nguyen, L. T., Rhoads, K. F., & Jenkins, T. J. (2019). Postoperative ileus. Current gastroenterology reports, 21(6), 25.
- Vather, R., & Trivedi, S. (2015). Postoperative ileus. Current opinion in critical care, 21(4), 313-319.
- Wang, F., Shen, H., & Liu, H. (2017). Acupuncture therapy for postoperative ileus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(9), 685-696.
- Xu, B., Lin, Y., Zhang, J., Xu, H., & Lu, Y. (2019). Acupuncture for the treatment of postoperative ileus in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(4), 399-405.
- Zhang, M., Liu, X., & Li, Y. (2016). Acupuncture for postoperative ileus in patients with laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 36(3), 306-310.
- Zhou, J., Chi, H., Cheng, W., Huang, D., & Chen, J. (2015). Effects of acupuncture on postoperative ileus and pain after gynecologic laparoscopy. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 35(6), 632-636.