What Is the Treatment of Paralytic Ileus? First-Line Management
Clinical Scenario
Paralytic ileus (POI) is a failure of normal intestinal motility in the absence of mechanical obstruction. The priority is stabilising the patient, maintaining adequate fluid balance, and identifying any correctable underlying driver before advancing management.
Treatment Approach (Partial Overview)
First-line management centres on supportive care — including fluid resuscitation calibrated to ongoing losses, bowel rest, and decompression where required. Beyond stabilisation, the protocol specifies how to systematically investigate and correct reversible contributors to the ileus.
Full sequencing, criteria, and decision points are in the complete protocol below.
References
DOI: 10.3390/medicina61081344
- Supportive care, including adequate resuscitation, bowel rest, and decompression as necessary, is the mainstay of treatment for POI.
- Clinicians must consider the volume of emesis or nasogastric drainage, if any, to resuscitate adequately.
- One must also investigate and identify any underlying, reversible causes of POI and address them.
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