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Primary intestinal pseudo-obstruction

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction; Acute colonic ileus; Colonic pseudo-obstruction; Idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction; Ogilvie's syndrome; Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Treatment:

• Nasogastric suction -- a nasogastric (NG) tube is placed thru the nose into the stomach to remove air from (decompress) the bowel.
• Intravenous fluids will replace fluids lost from vomiting or diarrhea.
• Special diets usually do not work, although vitamin B12 supplements may be used for patients with vitamin deficiency.
• A medication called neostigmine may be used to treat pseudo-obstruction of the large intestine.
• Colonoscopy may be used to remove air from the intestine.
• In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most cases of acute pseudo-obstruction resolve over several days with conservative treatment. The disease may be recurrent and can persist over many years.

Complications:

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Vitamin deficiencies

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if persistent abdominal pain or other symptoms of this disorder develop.

• Review Date: 7/25/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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