How to Prevent Post-Op Ileus

Ileus is the medical condition which occurs when the bowels go into a period of dormancy and do not function properly. This can occur for various reasons, but commonly is a result of surgery. As the body awakens and start to move again after being sedated for surgery, the potential for post-operative ileus is present, Using simple measures to help get the body back to fully functional can help keep ileus at bay.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Chewing Gum
• Walker (if needed)

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink water. You should begin drinking water immediately following surgery as soon as your medical team instructs you to do so. You can chew ice chips and drink water from a straw. The water itself will help hydrate the bowels, which is a requirement for properly functioning intestinal health.

• 2

  Walk around. Once you have been given the all clear to get up out of bed, you should use the time to walk as long and as far as you are physically capable of. The movement will help get your bowels functioning, staving off post-op ileus. Use a walker if you feel unsteady as a result of lingering anesthesia side effects.

• 3

  Chew gum. Chewing gun creates salivation, further helping to hydrate the body. In addition, the process of chewing gum makes your body think you are eating and your bowels will begin to move in preparation for food to arrive.

• 4

  Listen to and feel your lower abdomen. You should, shortly after waking up from surgery, begin to feel movement in your bowel area. This is a signal that you bowels have started to wake back up.