Avicenna (IbnSina) aspect of Ileus

Abstract

Dear Editor, Ileusis derived from the Greek word 'eileos,' which means twisting, a prevalent and non- prophylactic consequence in major abdominal operations (Jonson W it occurs post-operatively, ileus (PI) is a delay in the return of a normal bowel movement, which typically lasts 3-5 days dependent on the location, 0 to 24 hours in the small intestine, 24 to 48 hours in the stomach, and 48 to 72 hours in the colon respectively (Ianey2004)(RychterC and creation of wind in the intestine may be accumulated inside muscular tissues, which will be followed by pain and intestinal atony and paralysis (IbnSina 2005 p.262). With deference to the above statements previously discussed, this hypothesis purposes that one of the causes for postoperative ileus is wind. Therefore, those drugs, which remove the produced dense wind in the digestive system, may contribute to the return of intestinal movement (peristalsis) in the post-surgical patient more quickly following the operation. Additionally, this theory could possibly be used and studied as a new method for prophylactic purpose and treatment of the patient’s postoperative ileus (PI) state. We would like to continue further discussions on the aspects of Persian traditional medicinal treatment of ileus in future articles. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i5.12709