[Objective criteria for the evaluation of small intestine function in postoperative ileus]

A continuous intrajejunal open-tip pressure determination was performed via catheter jejunostomy after major surgery on the upper gastrointestinal tract parallel to early postoperative enteral nutrition. In 15 patients, who tolerated enteral nutrition well intrajejunal pressure was about 10 mm Hg. In 7 patients with a rise in pressure up to 24 mm Hg complications occurred. From the 7th postoperative day all pressure values were below 15 mm Hg and enteral nutrition was tolerated well. It is concluded that till the 7th postoperative day small bowel function is individually different.