PREVENTING PARALYTIC ILEUS: CAN THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST HELP

Gastrointestinal (GI) function is readily altered by many factors including opioid administration. In the postoperative period and in patients who require long-term or terminal care narcotic usage, which essentially may have severe side effects and prolong hospital stay and increase patient discomfort. Patients who are at greatest risk for developing postoperative ileus especially can be identified and practitioners can use newer management modalities that are designed to hasten recovery. While there are several current management strategies, they are associated with advantages and disadvantages. Pharmacoeconomic benefits to enhanced management of ileus may be considerable