Final answer:
The patient's symptoms after an elective colectomy could be due to postoperative paralytic ileus, which is a condition where the normal contractions of the intestine are reduced or absent. Management involves supportive measures like bowel rest, fluids, and sometimes medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this scenario, the patient undergoes an elective colectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the colon. On the third post-op day, the patient becomes distended and vomits feculent material. This can be indicative of a complication called postoperative paralytic ileus.
Postoperative paralytic ileus is a condition where the normal contractions of the intestine are absent or reduced after surgery, leading to a buildup of gas and secretions. It can cause symptoms like abdominal distention and vomiting. The management for postoperative paralytic ileus includes supportive measures like bowel rest, fluid and electrolyte replacement, and occasionally, medications to stimulate intestinal motility.