ileus

n.

intestinal obstruction, usually obstruction of the small intestine (ileum). Paralytic or adynamic ileus is functional obstruction of the ileum due to loss of intestinal movement (peristalsis), which may be caused by abdominal surgery (see laparotomy), spinal injuries, deficiency of potassium in the blood (hypokalaemia), or peritonitis. Treatment consists of intravenous administration of fluid and nutrients and removal of excess stomach secretions by tube until peristalsis returns. If possible, the underlying condition is treated. Mechanical obstruction of the ileum may be caused by a gallstone entering the bowel through a fistula or widened bile duct (gallstone ileus); thickened meconium in newborn babies with cystic fibrosis (meconium ileus); or intestinal worms, usually the threadworm Enterobius vermicularis (verminous ileus).