Abdominal auscultation

Post-operative absorption of water from the small intestine

“…Vaughan and Thorek (1939) refer to a traumatic paresis of the alimentary tract that lasts for 24 to 48 hours after abdominal surgery. Gastric stasis following operation is well recognized, and the post-operative management of the patient takes this into account by withholding or giving fluids sparingly by mouth for a time until there is evidence of a return of gastric emptying.…”