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Definition

noun

Partial or full obstruction of the intestines (especially the ileum), characterized by the common symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, colic, constipation, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration.

Supplement

True ileus is a form of intestinal obstruction caused by non-mechanical obstructive factors such as peritoneal infection, metabolic disturbances, and blood supply disruption to the abdomen during surgeries. These risk factors may lead to peristalsis failure, and thereby prevent antegrade propulsion of intestinal contents.

Word origin: Latin īleus (colic)

Synonym(s):

• paralytic ileus
• adynamic ileus

Related term(s):

• ileum