Paralytic ileus:Obstructionof theintestinedue toparalysisof the intestinal muscles. The paralysis does not need to be complete to causeileus, but the intestinal muscles must be so inactive that it prevents the passage offoodand leads to a functional blockage of the intestine. Ileus commonly follows some types ofsurgery, especiallyabdominalsurgery. It also can result from certain drugs, spinal injuries,inflammationanywhere within theabdomenthat touches theintestines, and diseases of the intestinal muscles themselves. Irrespective of the cause, ileus causes constipation, abdominaldistention, and nausea and vomiting. On listening to the abdomen with astethoscope, few or nobowel soundsare heard (because thebowelis inactive). Also calledparalytic ileus. Also simply called ileus.
