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Primary or idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Alternative names    Return to top

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

Definition    Return to top

Primary or idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a condition characterized by symptoms of intestinal obstruction without physical evidence of such a blockage. In this disorder, the bowels (small or large intestines) become very quiet and lose their ability to contract and push food, stool, and air through the gastrointestinal tract.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

This disorder may be seen at any age, but is most common in children and the elderly. The cause is unknown. However, there are some known risk factors, such as being bedridden, taking narcotic medications, or having cerebral palsy or other neurologic disorders.

Symptoms    Return to top

Signs and tests    Return to top

Treatment    Return to top

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

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    Return to top

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

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

Update Date: 7/19/2004

Updated 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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