GI complications in patients receiving mechanical ventilation

Mechanical ventilation (MV) can be lifesaving by maintaining gas exchange u ntil the underlying disorders are corrected, but it is associated with nume rous organ-system complications, which can significantly affect the outcome of critically ill patients. Like other organ systems, GT complications may be directly attributable to MV, but most are a reflection of the severity of the underlying disease that required intensive care. The interactions of the underlying critical illness and MV with the GI tract are complex and c an manifest in a variety of clinical pictures, Incorporated in this review are discussions of the most prevalent GI complications associated with MV, and current diagnosis and management of these problems.