Editing Ileus (section)

== Pathophysiology ==

* Inflammation
** Degree of manipulation is directly related to both the degree of leucocyte infiltration into muscularis, and the amount of intestinal dysmotility
** This effect is not limited to the manipulated segment - inflammation can even occur in non-abdominal surgery
* Neural reflexes
** Inhibitory neural reflexes appear to impede return of normal function
** Blockade of spinal afferents with epidural can improve post-op ileus
* Neurohumeral peptides
** Nitric oxide, VIP, and possibly substance P all slow gut motility
** Opioids increase resting tone while decreasing gastric motility and emptying, and decrease propulsive colonic movements