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Digestive system organs

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

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Primary or idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Alternative Names

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

Treatment

• Nasogastric suction: A tube placed through the nose and down the esophagus (nasogastric tube) is used to decompress the bowel.
• Intravenous fluids will replace fluids lost from vomiting or diarrhea.
• Special diets are usually ineffective, 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.
• In severe cases, surgery may be needed to divert or decompress the bowel.

Outlook (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.

Possible Complications

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Vitamin deficiencies

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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

Review Date: 7/19/2004
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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