Does Ileus Represent the Forgotten End Organ Failure in Critical Illness?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review evaluates the current literature on ileus, impaired gastrointestinal transit (IGT), and acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) and its impact on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS: Ileus is often under recognized in critically ill patients and is associated with significant morbidity and is potentially a marker of disease severity as seen in other organs like kidneys (ATN).