title: Pathogenesis and clinical and economic consequences of postoperative ileus.
abstract: Postoperative ileus is a preventable disease with surprising economic consequences. Understanding the triad of dysmotility in conjunction with an enhanced recovery program improves patient outcome, decreases length of stay in hospital, and lowers the cost. Alvimopan and other investigational promotility medications can help attain these goals. Surgeons should avoid labeling all postoperative abdominal distention as ileus, which not only prevents timely diagnosis and treatment of early postoperative small bowel obstruction or acute colonic pseudo-obstruction but also increases patient morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033-4612, USA.
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Doorly
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Senagore
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006801:Humans; D045823:Ileus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome