‘Ileus’ refers to intestinal obstruction, and it a condition in which the intestinal tract is blocked and has stopped flowing. Defecation and flatus stop, and symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting occur. Ileus are classified into two types: mechanical ileus and functional (paralytic, spastic) ileus. Mechanical ileus is further classified into simple (obstruction) ileus and complicated (strangulation) ileus.

Mechanical ileus has various causes, including tumors (such as cancers of the small intestine, large intestine or rectum, and malignant lymphoma), blockage of the intestinal tract by gallstones or other foreign bodies, Crohn's disease, adhesion, internal hernia constriction, intussusception, and intestinal volvulus. Ileus with blood circulation failure of the intestinal wall is called complicated ileus.

In many cases, ileus can be treated conservatively by fasting, transfusion, or decompression treatment by inserting a long ileus tube. However, more severe cases such as strangulation ileus may require emergency surgery. Moreover, when symptoms recur repeatedly, or when conservative treatment is not effective, surgery will be necessary.

There are various methods of ileus surgery, all of which aim to remove the cause and release the blockage. Depending on the situation, we will perform intestinal resection or install a stoma. In order to minimize adhesion, surgery is performed with a laparoscope if possible.