Summary

• A slowing of gastrointestinal motility that is not associated with mechanical obstruction.
• Most commonly presents following surgery and usually lasts 2 to 4 days.
• Prolonged postoperative ileus contributes significantly to longer hospitalisation and increased healthcare costs.
• Treatment includes bowel rest, supportive care, and treatment of any underlying exacerbating factors.
• Prevention requires a multi-modal approach, including the substitution of postoperative opioid analgesia with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and thoracic epidural analgesia, early enteral feeding, early ambulation, and the use of laparoscopy rather than laparotomy whenever possible.