Predictors of ileus following colorectal resections

Abstract

Background: Ileus following colorectal surgery is a significant burden for healthcare and can be challenging to manage. This study aims to evaluate risk factors for postoperative ileus in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Methods: Patients who underwent colorectal resections for any diagnosis were identified from our institutional database between 2009 and 2014. Patient demographics, pre-operative comorbidities, and operation-related variables were compared in patients with and without ileus within 30 days after surgery.

Results: A total of 5369 patients were identified with a mean age of 53 years. 892 patients (16.6%) developed postoperative ileus. Males were twice as likely (p < 0.001) and patients with anastomosis were 1.4 times more likely to develop ileus compared to those without (p < 0.001). Laparoscopic surgery and younger age were associated with lower ileus risk. Patients with colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis diagnoses were all more likely to develop postoperative ileus compared to patients with diverticular disease.

Conclusions: Evaluation of factors such as male gender, older age, anastomosis formation, diagnosis of cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, can help facilitate earlier diagnosis of postoperative ileus and may require consideration of prophylactic therapy.

Keywords: Colorectal surgery; Postoperative ileus; Risk factors.