How is postoperative ileus differentiated from postoperative SBO?
- This distinction can be extremely difficult. Postoperative ileus generally occurs up to 1 week after operation, whereas postoperative SBO may last 7 to 30 days or longer.
- SBO is associated with nausea, vomiting, distention, and abdominal pain, whereas an ileus may be associated with painless failure to pass bowel movements.
- The radiographic picture may or may not include differential air-fluid levels in each disorder.
