{"id":730,"date":"2026-08-20T17:07:03","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:07:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/glossar\/postoperativer-ileus\/"},"modified":"2026-08-28T11:53:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T09:53:49","slug":"post-operative-ileus","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/glossar\/postoperativer-ileus\/","title":{"rendered":"Post-operative ileus: causes, treatment and financial protection"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-apricot-light-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Post-operative ileus:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-operative ileus refers to a temporary paralysis of bowel function following surgery. Bowel movement (peristalsis) comes to a standstill, and food and gas are no longer transported. A brief bout of constipation is normal following abdominal surgery \u2013 if it persists for longer, this is referred to as paralytic ileus, which requires treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#was-ist-ein-postoperativer-ileus\">What is post-operative ileus?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#paralytischer-und-mechanischer-ileus-der-wichtige-unterschied\">Paralytic and mechanical ileus \u2013 the key difference<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ursachen-und-risikofaktoren\">Causes and risk factors<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#symptome-warnzeichen-erkennen\">Symptoms: Recognising the warning signs<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#diagnose\">Diagnosis<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#behandlung-des-postoperativen-ileus\">Treatment of post-operative ileus<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#pravention-was-den-darm-in-schwung-bringt\">Prevention: What keeps your gut working properly<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#kosten-und-finanzielle-absicherung\">Costs and financial security<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#haufige-fragen-zum-postoperativen-ileus\">Frequently asked questions about post-operative ileus<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#quellen\">Sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"was-ist-ein-postoperativer-ileus\">What is post-operative ileus?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Post-operative ileus refers to a temporary disturbance in bowel motility following an operation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Synonyms: post-operative intestinal paralysis, intestinal atony, paralytic ileus following surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A brief bout of constipation lasting 1\u20133 days following abdominal surgery is considered a normal physiological response<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the paralysis persists for a longer period, this is referred to as prolonged (extended) post-operative ileus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bowel moves in regular waves, propelling the chyme along \u2013 this movement is known as peristalsis. After an operation, particularly abdominal surgery carried out under anaesthesia, the bowel temporarily stops working. This brief bout of constipation is a normal part of the recovery process and usually resolves itself within one to three days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person in need of treatment <strong>post-operative ileus<\/strong> This term is used when this paralysis persists for an unusually long time. The bowel is unable to move food or gas along, the abdomen becomes distended, and nausea and vomiting occur. Post-operative ileus is one of the common complications following abdominal surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-operative ileus can also occur following cosmetic procedures \u2013 particularly after extensive surgery under general anaesthesia involving strong painkillers, such as a tummy tuck or extensive liposuction in the abdominal area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"paralytischer-und-mechanischer-ileus-der-wichtige-unterschied\">Paralytic and mechanical ileus \u2013 the key difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The term \u2018ileus\u2019 encompasses two fundamentally different conditions. This distinction is crucial because it determines the course of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Characteristic<\/th><th>Paralytic ileus<\/th><th>Mechanical ileus<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Cause<\/td><td>Paralysis of bowel motility (functional)<\/td><td>Mechanical obstruction (e.g. adhesions)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bowel sounds<\/td><td>Absent or significantly reduced<\/td><td>Elevated, resonant (in the early stages)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Typical context<\/td><td>Immediately after surgery, the most common form<\/td><td>Adhesions, entrapment, obstruction<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Treatment<\/td><td>Generally conservative<\/td><td>Frequently operated on<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-operative ileus is, as a rule, a <strong>paralytic ileus<\/strong>: The bowel is not blocked, but temporarily paralysed. A mechanical ileus, on the other hand, is caused by a genuine obstruction and often requires surgical intervention. The doctor distinguishes between the two on the basis of a physical examination and imaging tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ursachen-und-risikofaktoren\">Causes and risk factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-operative ileus is caused by a combination of several factors that slow down the natural movement of the bowel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"operations-und-narkosebedingte-faktoren\">Factors related to surgery and anaesthesia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Manipulation of the bowel:<\/strong> Any contact with or movement of the bowel during abdominal surgery inhibits peristalsis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Anaesthesia:<\/strong> Anaesthetics temporarily slow down bowel function<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Opioids (strong painkillers):<\/strong> severely inhibit bowel movements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Long duration of surgery:<\/strong> Extensive surgery increases the risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inflammation or irritation in the abdomen:<\/strong> following major surgery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"patienten-und-verlaufsfaktoren\">Patient and clinical course factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Electrolyte imbalances:<\/strong> A deficiency of potassium or other salts further impairs bowel function<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of exercise:<\/strong> Lying down for long periods after the operation slows down your recovery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dehydration or over-watering:<\/strong> An imbalance in fluid levels puts a strain on the bowel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pre-existing bowel conditions<\/strong> or previous abdominal surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Older age<\/strong> and existing comorbidities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strong painkillers from the opioid group are a key trigger. Opioid-sparing pain management is therefore a key component in preventing post-operative ileus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"symptome-warnzeichen-erkennen\">Symptoms: Recognising the warning signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bloated, tight stomach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Absence of bowel movements and flatulence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nausea and vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A persistent feeling of fullness and pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cramp-like or diffuse abdominal pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Absence of bowel sounds (\u201esilence\u201c on auscultation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-operative ileus is characterised by an increasingly distended abdomen. Typically, there is no passage of stools or wind, and nausea or even vomiting may occur. When auscultating with a stethoscope, the normal bowel sounds are absent \u2013 an important sign for clinical staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-0ddedb66 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Early warning signs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mild bloating, a distended stomach, and an inability to pass wind. Often still within the bounds of normal recovery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pronounced<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Significantly distended abdomen, nausea, vomiting, absence of bowel sounds. Course of the condition requiring treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Warning signs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Severe pain, fever, a hard abdomen, circulatory problems. Seek medical attention immediately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Attention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Severe, worsening abdominal pain, a fever, a hard abdomen or circulatory problems may indicate a serious complication. In this case, immediate medical attention is required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"diagnose\">Diagnosis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The doctor initially makes the diagnosis clinically: by palpating the abdomen and listening for bowel sounds. The absence of bowel sounds and a distended abdomen are key indicators. To confirm the diagnosis and, above all, to rule out a mechanical ileus, imaging techniques such as X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen are used. Blood tests also reveal electrolyte imbalances or signs of inflammation. This distinction is crucial because a mechanical ileus usually requires surgical treatment, whereas a paralytic ileus can be managed conservatively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"behandlung-des-postoperativen-ileus\">Treatment of post-operative ileus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-apricot-light-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key points at a glance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Treatment is usually conservative, as the problem is functional (not mechanical)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A break from eating and, if necessary, relieving the strain on the stomach via a feeding tube<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fluid and electrolyte balance (infusions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reducing opioid use, use of laxatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early mobilisation \u2013 getting up and moving gets your bowels working<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As post-operative ileus is usually functional and temporary, the focus is on conservative treatment. The aim is to relieve pressure on the bowel and stimulate bowel movement once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list is-style-step-list\">\n<li><strong>Discharge<\/strong> A temporary break from eating; if vomiting occurs, a feeding tube to relieve the pressure on the stomach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compensation<\/strong> Fluids and electrolytes are replaced via infusions, and conditions such as low potassium levels are corrected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adjust pain management<\/strong> Opioid use is being reduced and, where possible, replaced with gentler painkillers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stimulate the bowel<\/strong> Medicines that stimulate bowel function (prokinetics) and measures such as chewing gum help to promote peristalsis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mobilisation<\/strong> Getting up early and going for a walk is one of the most effective measures.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, the bowel recovers within a few days with this treatment. If the condition remains severe or if a mechanical ileus is suspected, further diagnostic tests and, in rare cases, surgery are required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pravention-was-den-darm-in-schwung-bringt\">Prevention: What keeps your gut working properly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-apricot-light-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key points at a glance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Early mobilisation \u2013 get up and walk as soon as possible after the operation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opioid-sparing pain management in consultation with the treatment team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gradual, slow reintroduction of food following medical clearance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chewing gum to stimulate bowel movements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balanced fluid and electrolyte levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow medical advice on aftercare to the letter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern post-operative care programmes (known as \u201efast-track\u201c or ERAS programmes) focus precisely on this: early mobilisation, a swift return to a normal diet and opioid-sparing pain management have been shown to reduce the risk of post-operative ileus. As a patient, you can play an active part by getting up and moving around as soon as you are given the all-clear and by following the treatment team\u2019s recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can read about just how important the post-operative period is for the overall healing process in the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/aftercare-following-cosmetic-surgery-what-really-matters-for-the-healing-process-and-the-outcome-after-the-procedure\/\">Aftercare following cosmetic surgery<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kosten-und-finanzielle-absicherung\">Costs and financial security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prolonged hospital stay: the main source of costs in the case of post-operative ileus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional diagnostic tests (X-rays, CT scans, laboratory tests)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Infusion therapy, feeding tubes and medication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In rare, severe cases: surgical treatment requiring an inpatient stay<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-operative ileus often prolongs the hospital stay and incurs additional treatment costs. If it occurs following a medically necessary procedure, the state health insurance scheme covers the treatment. The situation is different for purely cosmetic operations: as these are usually paid for privately, statutory health insurance generally refuses to cover any resulting costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This gap is filled by a <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/after-care-insurance\/\">Consequential Costs Insurance<\/a>. It covers medically necessary follow-up treatment following complications arising from a cosmetic procedure \u2013 including an extended hospital stay, such as that which may arise in the event of post-operative ileus \u2013 with a free choice of doctor in the event of a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-anchor-light-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Insurance cover for consequential costs must be taken out before the procedure \u2013 with 4beauty online, this can be done up to 24 hours before the operation. It is not possible to take out cover retrospectively once a complication has already arisen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Further information on covered procedures can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/after-care-insurance\/#behandlungen\">Overview page on treatments and procedures<\/a> as well as in the <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/after-care-insurance\/questions-and-answers\/\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"haufige-fragen-zum-postoperativen-ileus\">Frequently asked questions about post-operative ileus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How long does post-operative ileus last?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Normal constipation following abdominal surgery usually subsides within one to three days. Prolonged post-operative ileus is the term used when bowel movements do not resume within this timeframe. With conservative treatment, the bowel usually recovers within a few days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What is the difference between paralytic and mechanical ileus?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In paralytic ileus, bowel motility is paralysed without there being any obstruction \u2013 this is the typical form seen following surgery. In mechanical ileus, a genuine obstruction, such as adhesions or intussusception, blocks the bowel. Paralytic ileus is usually treated conservatively, whilst mechanical ileus is often treated surgically.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What symptoms should I take seriously after an operation?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A progressively more distended abdomen, an inability to pass stools or wind, nausea and vomiting are typical symptoms. Severe or worsening abdominal pain, a fever, a hard abdomen or circulatory problems are warning signs that require immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How can I prevent post-operative ileus?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most effective measures are early mobilisation \u2013 that is, getting up and walking as soon as possible after the operation \u2013 opioid-sparing pain management, a gradual reintroduction of food once medically authorised, and a balanced fluid and electrolyte balance. Chewing gum can also help stimulate bowel movements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-5&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-5\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Does health insurance cover the treatment of post-operative ileus following cosmetic surgery?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-5\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of purely cosmetic procedures, statutory health insurance does not usually cover the follow-up costs, as the procedure was not medically necessary. The costs of an extended stay and treatment must then be met privately \u2013 unless you have follow-up costs insurance that covers medically necessary follow-up treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:45px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quellen\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.awmf.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Association of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF): Guidelines on perioperative care and bowel dysfunction.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dgav.de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV): Information on post-operative complications in the abdominal cavity.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesundheitsinformation.de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG): Patient information on surgery and bowel function.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Post-operative ileus is a temporary paralysis of bowel function following an operation \u2013 peristalsis comes to a standstill, and food and gas build up.<\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-730","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/730","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossary"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=730"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}