Description A temporary paralys...
Description
A temporary paralysis of a portion of the intestines after an abdominal surgery. The syndrome causes constipation, abdominal distension, and sometimes vomiting. It usually resolves on its own but may limit the ability to eat for some days following surgery.
Symptoms
Absent bowel sounds, abdominal fullness, gaseous abdominal distention, abdominal pain and cramping, vomiting, failure to pass gas or stool (constipation), diarrhea.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Usually the diagnosis is obvious if surgery has just occurred. Abdominal X-rays may be done to confirm the problem.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Barium enema, upper GI and small bowel series
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Usually the diagnosis is obvious if surgery has just occurred. Abdominal X-rays may be done to confirm the problem.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Barium enema, upper GI and small bowel series
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Treatment
A nasogastric (NG) tube from the nose to the stomach can relieve nausea. This problem almost always improves on its own within a few days.