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Related Concept Videos

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

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Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction01:26

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Intestinal Stem Cell Isolation and Culture in a Porcine Model of Segmental Small Intestinal Ischemia
08:55

Intestinal Stem Cell Isolation and Culture in a Porcine Model of Segmental Small Intestinal Ischemia

Published on: May 18, 2018

Acute intestinal failure.

Gordon L Carlson1, Paul Dark

  • 1National Intestinal Rehabilitation Centre, Department of Surgery, UK. gordon.carlson@srft.nhs.uk

Current Opinion in Critical Care
|May 22, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Acute gastrointestinal failure in postoperative patients is often preventable. Enhanced recovery protocols and better management of abdominal sepsis can improve outcomes and prevent complications like paralytic ileus.

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Functional Assessment of Intestinal Motility and Gut Wall Inflammation in Rodents: Analyses in a Standardized Model of Intestinal Manipulation
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Published on: September 11, 2012

Ileectomy-induced Bile Overaccumulation in Mouse Intestine
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Ileectomy-induced Bile Overaccumulation in Mouse Intestine

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Intestinal Stem Cell Isolation and Culture in a Porcine Model of Segmental Small Intestinal Ischemia
08:55

Intestinal Stem Cell Isolation and Culture in a Porcine Model of Segmental Small Intestinal Ischemia

Published on: May 18, 2018

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Motility and Gut Wall Inflammation in Rodents: Analyses in a Standardized Model of Intestinal Manipulation
09:44

Functional Assessment of Intestinal Motility and Gut Wall Inflammation in Rodents: Analyses in a Standardized Model of Intestinal Manipulation

Published on: September 11, 2012

Ileectomy-induced Bile Overaccumulation in Mouse Intestine
06:55

Ileectomy-induced Bile Overaccumulation in Mouse Intestine

Published on: August 21, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Critical Care
  • Abdominal Surgery

Background:

  • Acute gastrointestinal failure is a significant postoperative complication.
  • It ranges from mild paralytic ileus to severe abdominal sepsis and fistulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the significance of acute gastrointestinal failure in postoperative patients.
  • To define the clinical scenarios of acute intestinal failure post-surgery.
  • To discuss recent advancements and controversies in its pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on acute postoperative intestinal failure.
  • Analysis of recent developments in understanding paralytic ileus and abdominal sepsis management.
  • Discussion of enhanced recovery pathways and open abdominal management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Acute postoperative intestinal failure encompasses a spectrum from paralytic ileus to critical illness with sepsis.
  • Preventive strategies for paralytic ileus are integrated into enhanced recovery programs.
  • Management of severe abdominal sepsis involves strategies like planned relaparotomy and negative pressure wound therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Many instances of acute intestinal failure are preventable through improved postoperative care.
  • Better understanding and prevention of paralytic ileus can aid gastrointestinal recovery post-abdominal surgery.
  • Further research is required to optimize treatment for severe abdominal sepsis, open abdomen management, and nutritional support strategies.