Postoperative intestinal obstruction

Postoperative intestinal obstruction

Di ff erentiation between persistent paralytic ileus and early mechanical obstruction may be di ffi cult in the early postopera - tive period. Mechanical obstruction is more likely if the patient has regained bowel function postoperatively that subsequently stops. Obstruction is usually incomplete and the majority settle with continued conservative management. Postopera tive obstruction; CT scanning with oral contrast is of particular value in the assessment of the postoperative abdomen.