Optimizing the Previs Device for Prediction of Postoperative Ileus

Following major abdominal surgery, up to 30% of patients develop a poorly understood
condition known as ileus. When ileus occurs, the bowels shut down and patients often develop
abdominal dissension, nausea, vomiting, and even more serious complications. Because this
condition does not develop until many days after surgery has been completed, clinicians do
not know if they should begin allowing patients to eat or withhold nutrition until they show
signs of bowel function such as passing gas or having bowel movements. Clinicians have
different approaches but none are ideal: 1) feed all patients early and the ones that develop
an ileus will have their diets reverse, suction tube placed in their stomach, and hopefully
don't get develop more serious complications, or 2) don't feed patients until they pass gas
or have a bowel movement, which delays nutrition and prolongs hospital stays for the 70% of
patients who will not develop an ileus

Participants in this study will be asked to wear a 3-ounce device that adheres to the skin of
the abdominal wall for 10 days. They will also be asked to answer questions each day of their
hospital stay regarding how they have tolerated eating.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients undergoing elective intestinal resection surgery by the colorectal surgery service
at UIHC.

Age 18 to 100.

Exclusion Criteria:

Allergies to any of the device components. Inability to have prototype device applied to
their abdominal wall due to a condition (ie:fistulas, stomas, drains, etc).