Neuro-immune interaction in postoperative ileus: new targets for treatment KU Leuven
Postoperative ileus (POI) is the transient inhibition of co-ordinated bowel motility after surgery resulting in delayed transit of intestinal contents, intolerance of oral intake and inability to defecate. The main underlying pathophysiological mechanism is intestinal inflammation. Anti-inflammatory intervention is therefore a potential treatment for POI. We have recently demonstrated that stimulation of the n. vagus has an anti-inflammatory ...