8 Frequently Asked Questions about Ileus

2. What causes an ileus?

Ileus most commonly occurs after a person has had surgery. One reason for this is because post-operative patients are often prescribed medication which may slow intestinal movement. This condition is paralytic ileus. Abdominal surgery can result in intestinal adhesions—fibrous tissue in the abdominal cavity— which can also cause ileus. Other causes of ileus may include:

• Intestinal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease
• Diverticulitis
• Parkinson’s disease
• A hernia
• Twisting of the colon (volvulus)
• Impacted feces