Monday, April 16, 2007

Ileus

Ileus is a partial or complete non-mechanical blockage of the small and/or large intestine. It causes colic, vomiting, and constipation.

Ileus occurs because peristalsis stops. Causes of ileus include:

  • peritonitis
  • disruption or reduction of the blood supply to the abdomen e.g. post-operatively
  • kidney diseases, especially when potassium levels are decreased
  • gallstone ileus - obstruction of the large intestine by a gallstone that has blocked the intestinal opening.
References:
  • http://www.answers.com/topic/ileus
  • http://www.answers.com/gallstone%20ileus

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