Dysfunction of small intestine after surgery

by Abhishek
(mumbai.maharashtra.india)

My aunt had a uterus removal surgery because of fibroids and her small intestine is still not functioning. There are no bowel movements. She passes urine normally. She has pain in her abdomen too. So, what has happened and what’s the treatment? Is further surgery needed? She also had fever and chest pain which is now ok after medication. She has no history regarding digestive problems. She is taking drugs to reduce swelling of intestine. She doesn’t smoke and there is no family history.

Ileus Following Surgery

It sounds as though your aunt is suffering from an ileus following her hysterectomy. This is when the bowel stops contracting as not an uncommon problem following abdominal surgery. It usually settles in time, but certain things can make the situation worse. Drugs are a common problem, particularly the strong pain relief post-surgery. Opiates such as Morphine, Fentanyl and Codeine can all increase the risk of ileus. Other drugs such as certain blood pressure medications (Amlodipine and Felodipine are examples) may increase risk of ileus. Electrolyte disturbances, particularly low potassium levels can also be responsible for this.

Treatment for ileus is to remove any possible causes such as opiate drugs, replace electrolytes such as potassium and supportive care. By supportive care I mean treating with intravenous fluids to keep hydrated, sometimes parenteral nutrition (IV nutrition) and keeping nil by mouth. Keeping a nasogastric tube in will help to prevent vomiting and aspiration.

I suspect the fever and chest pain are probably unrelated to the ileus, although fever could be due to some aspiration of stomach contents in to the lungs with resulting infection. Chest pain may be muscular, secondary to infection, related to her heart or even a blood clot to the lung known as a pulmonary embolism. I hope your aunt improves shortly and wish her well.




My name is Dr Peter Thatcher MBBS, MRCPI and I am a consultant physician and gastroenterologist in the UK. I have an interest in internet based medicine and administer this site in my spare time. I hope you find this site useful and informative. If you have any suggestions, please Contact Me or if you would like to comment on my site, please do so by Clicking Here. If you like the site and would like to make a donation to support what I am doing please do so by Clicking Here. Thank you for visiting and please drop by again!