Pathogenesis and clinical and economic consequences of postoperative ileus

Abstract

Purpose. The pathogenesis, etiology, clinical manifestations, and clinical and economic consequences of postoperative ileus (POI) in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery; the estimated prevalence of POI; the potential cost savings from efforts to shorten hospital length of stay (LOS); and the role of patient counseling in minimizing the consequences of POI are discussed.