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Alternative names Return to top
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction; Acute colonic ileus; Colonic pseudo-obstruction; Idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction; Ogilvie's syndromeDefinition 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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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |