Efficacy of ileus tube combined with gastrografin in treating post- cesarean ileus

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an ileus tube combination with gastrografin for treating post-cesarean ileus. Method A retrospective case series study was performed. Patients who underwent ileus tube insertion in combination with gastrografin for post-cesarean ileus at Xuzhou Central Hospital between April 1, 2014, and April 30, 2024, were included. The primary outcome indicators included the catheterization success rate, symptom relief rate, obstruction release rate, catheterization complications, and recurrence results during follow-up. Results This study involved 17 patients with post-cesarean ileus, of whom 12 underwent transnasal ileus tube catheterization, and 5 underwent transanal ileus tube catheterization. The catheterization success rate and symptomatic relief for 17 patients was 100% (17/17), the blockage alleviation rate was 94.12% (16/17), the incidence of minor problems was 23.53% (4/17), and the incidence of serious complications was 0% (0/17). Obstruction relief was not achieved in 1 patient because of an intestinal perforation detected during ileus tube catheterization, with a subsequent referral for emergency surgery. Seventeen patients were followed up, and one patient experienced a recurrence of intestinal obstruction (5.88%), which was relieved by conservative treatment. No further obstruction recurrences were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion The ileus tube combined with gastrografin is safe and effective in treating post-cesarean ileus. It has a low recurrence rate and minor complications. It is a viable approach for the conservative treatment of post-cesarean ileus.