Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction: Ogilvie syndrome

Abstract

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is characterized by marked colonic dilatation which develops over several days. ACPO is due to a motility disorder and is not caused by colonic obstruction and occurs in patients with severe, often acute underlying diseases or postoperatively. It is associated with a 25-30% mortality overall that increases to up to 50% in patients who develop complications (e.g. colonic ischemia and perforation). The pathogenesis of the disorder has not yet been clarified and clinical symptoms and signs are relatively unspecific. In particular, ACPO has to be differentiated from colonic obstruction and toxic megacolon. For this blood tests and radiological tests are required, e.g. plain abdominal radiograph, abdominal computed tomography (CT) and water soluble contrast enema, which are also required for detection of complications. Patients with ACPO should generally receive supportive therapy for decompression of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. gastric and rectal tubes) and to minimize predisposing factors. In most uncomplicated cases this leads to resolution of colonic dilatation. Clinical and radiological controls at close intervals are required until the condition is resolved. If patients do not respond within 1-2 days or if ACPO has already reached a critical duration (>3-4 days) or extent (i.e. cecal diameter ≥12 cm), neostigmine should be administered and leads to durable success in approximately 3 out of 4 patients. Patients who are still refractory to treatment should receive endoscopic decompression. More invasive therapeutic options, such as cecostomy or (segmental) colonic resection should only be considered for patients who still do not respond to treatment or present with the abovementioned complications.