Perioperative gastrointestinal problems in the ICU

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems after surgery are common and are not limited to patients undergoing abdominalsurgery. GI function is complicated to monitor and is not included in organ dysfunction scores widely used in theICUs. In most cases, it recovers after surgery, if systemic and local inflammation and perfusion improve, gut oedemaresolves, and analgosedation is reduced. However, perioperative GI problems may have severe consequences andincrease the risk of death if not recognized and managed in a timely manner. Careful risk evaluation followed bya complex structured assessment and appropriate management of GI symptoms should minimize the potentiallysevere consequences and thereby possibly improve outcome.In the current review, we summarize common non-specific perioperative GI problems and some specific surgery-relatedabdominal problems, address identification of patients at risk of GI problems, and give suggestions for perioperativeGI management