Absent flatus

The complete cessation of rectal gas passage typically indicating impaired intestinal transit, and often accompanying abdominal distension, pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Possible causes:

• Mechanical bowel obstruction: tumor, hernia, adhesion, volvulus

• Paralytic ileus: recent abdominal surgery, anesthesia, inflammation, opioids

• Severe constipation

• Bowel ischemia