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Postoperative Complications

Paralytic ileus may occur following the operation. The bowel is normally in constant motion, digesting food and absorbing nutrients. Disturbing the bowel, even by the surgeon's just touching it, can cause the motion to come to a standstill. Fluid and gas may then cause the bowel to swell or distend. A nasogastric tube is passed through the nose and into the stomach to relieve the distension.

When bowel function returns to normal (evident by passing gas or havi...Read the full article