During pregnancy, the umbilical cord passes through a small opening in the baby's abdominal muscles. The opening normally closes just after birth. If the muscles don't join together completely in the midline of the abdomen, this weakness in the abdominal wall may cause an umbilical hernia at birth or later in life.
Ileus may also be caused by an infection inside the abdomen, such as appendicitis or diverticulitis. Disorders outside the intestine, such as kidney failure, an underactive thyroid gland, or abnormal levels of blood electrolytes (low potassium levels or high calcium levels, for example), may cause ileus.
The ileum is the terminal (last) three feet of the small intestine. Ingesta (food material) can. become blocked at this site. causing a build up of gas and fluid. in front of it and subsequent signs. of colic. Causes in the UK include a heavy. tapeworm burden (swelling of the. ileocaecal junction).