ileus
noun/ˈɪliəs/
Etymology Learned borrowing from Latin īleus, from Ancient Greek εἰλεός (eileós, “intestinal obstruction”).
1
Medicine, Sciences Disruption of the normal propulsive ability of the gastrointestinal tract, due to failure of peristalsis.
2
Medicine, Sciences Archaic Disruption of the normal propulsive ability of the gastrointestinal tract from any cause.
Broad definition
- 1796, Erasmus Darwin, Zoonomia, Volume II: Classes of Diseases, IV: Diseases of Association, Ordo III: Retrograde Associate Motions, Genus II: Catenated with sensitive motions, The perpetual vomiting in ileus is caused in like manner by the defective excitement of the sensorial power of association by the bowel, which is torpid during the intervals of pain; and the stomach sympathizes with it.
- When ileus comes on in a case of strangury, they prove fatal in seven days, unless, fever supervening, there be a copious discharge of urine.1849, Hippocrates, translated by Francis Adams, Aphorisms:
2 more examples
- You must expect to lose from 40% to 60% of all acute post operative ileuses, and about 20% of your sub-acute cases.1921, Western Osteopathic Association et al., The Western osteopath, volume 16, page 20:
- Thus, ileus also has potential detrimental effects in sterile peritonitis by providing a source and mechanism for entry of bacteria into the peritoneal cavity. Other factors commonly encountered in animals with peritonitis may also predispose to adynamic ileus.2002, Douglas H. Slatter, Textbook of Small Animal Surgery, volume 1, page 420:
- Derived terms
- adynamic ileus, dynamic ileus, hyperdynamic ileus, ileus subparta, mechanical ileus, meconium ileus, occlusive ileus, paralytic ileus, spastic ileus
- Related terms
- volvulus