About 10%-30% of patients who underwent abdominal surgery suffer from postoperative ileus (POI), which is a transient dysfunction of gastrointestinal. POI can delay postoperative recovery, prolong hospital stay, and increase medical expenses. Therefore, improving the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients after abdominal surgery is an important topic. This paper introduces the definition, diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology mechanism, prevention and treatment of POI to enhance the understanding of clinical nursing staff regarding POI-related concepts and nursing care for patients undergoing abdominal surgery so they can provide high quality health care.