Predictive factors of postoperative paralytic ileus following abdominal surgery: a clinical study

Background: Post-operative ileus is a surgical complication caused by impairment in the gastrointestinal motility with incidence range from 10 to 30%. The exact pathophysiology is not well understood although many authors suggested multifactorial relations that include surgical stress response electrolyte imbalances, and fluid overload. Objectives: to assess the risk factors associated with post-operative ileus, the technique of rapid diagnosis and management strategies and the overall progress of the patient. Methods: a retrospective study was conducted from March 2019 to January 2020 on 499 patients who underwent abdominal surgery at two tertiary hospitals in the Taif city, Saudi Arabia. The data included baseline patient characteristics, history of previous surgeries, ASA classification, operative characteristics and postoperative outcomes and care patients received. Results: The findings showed that incidence of post-operative ileus was 12.4%. It was found that BMI>25, cardiac diseases, history of previous abdominal surgery, chemotherapy, decreased preoperative albumin levels, surgeries involving gastrointestinal are a postoperative hypokalemia, and increased hospital stay >3 days were found to be independent risk factors for post-operative ileus. Conclusion: Identification of risk factors of paralytic ileus before surgery not only helps to assess the surgical risk, but also helps in improving the post-operative management. This will in turn reduce the incidence of post-operative ileus.

Automated summary

This retrospective study assessed the risk factors, diagnostic techniques, and management strategies for post-operative ileus. The study found that high BMI, cardiac diseases, previous abdominal surgery, chemotherapy, low preoperative albumin levels, gastrointestinal surgeries, postoperative hypokalemia, and prolonged hospital stay were independent risk factors for post-operative ileus.