title: Physiology and pathophysiology of the digestive organs in critical illness.
abstract: Prolongation of life in critical illness has led to the increasing involvement of the digestive organs by systemic hypoperfusion. The end result of profound ischemia is multiple systems organ failure. Digestive system failure, in most probability, becomes the terminal event. Understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of the digestive organs in critical illness allows for early detection and institution of prophylactic measures. Involvement of the liver, biliary tract, pancreas, stomach, and intestines is individually discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine.
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Sarfeh
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Rypins
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D011184:Postoperative Period