Surgical Questions and Answers

Free Medical and Surgical Questions And Answers

8. What is reflex paralytic ileus?

Correct answer:

This probably results from interference with the autonomic nerve supply of the gut; it may complicate fractures of the spine or pelvis, application of a plaster cast, retroperitoneal haemorrhage and retroperitoneal surgery, intestinal ischaemia, ureteric colic and occasionally parturition. When the colon alone is affected, it has been termed colonic pseudo-obstruction.