Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction: A critical complication in burn patients

Abstract

Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction (ACPO) is a rare diagnosis characterized by gross dilation of the large bowel in the absence of an obstruction in burn patients, traditional management of ACPO may not be successful in fully resolving the bowel distention without recurrence, necessitating a more aggressive management course. We present five such patients from our Regional Burn Center and their clinical course. This case series aims to raise awareness for this rare yet significant complication of burn trauma, with recommendations for adjusted management algorithms.