What finding indicates that the bowel is beginning to regain function after surgery?

The passage of flatus is a critical indicator that the bowel is beginning to regain function after surgery. Following an abdominal operation, it is common for bowel activity to be temporarily halted, a condition known as postoperative ileus. The return of bowel function is marked by the resumption of peristalsis, which includes the production of gas. When a patient passes flatus, it signifies that the intestines are actively moving and that digestive processes are resuming. This is a positive sign that the bowel is recovering.

In contrast, the absence of bowel sounds typically indicates reduced or absent intestinal activity, which would not signify the return of function. Vomiting can be a sign of complications or an ileus, indicating that the digestive tract is not functioning properly. Constipation, especially for two days, does not provide a clear reassurance of bowel function resuming, as it could stem from decreased peristalsis rather than indicating any improvement. Therefore, the ability to pass flatus is the most reliable indication of recovering bowel function.