Ogilvie's Syndrome

• Published in: Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan Vol. 26; no. 12; pp. 989 - 991
• Main Authors: Khan, Muhammad Waqas, Ghauri, Sanniya Khan, Shamim, Sara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pakistan College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan 01-12-2016
• Subjects: Abdominal Pain - etiology; Cholinesterase Inhibitors - administration & dosage; Cholinesterase Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction - diagnostic imaging; Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction - drug therapy; Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction - etiology; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Neostigmine - administration & dosage; Neostigmine - therapeutic use; Parasympathomimetics - administration & dosage; Parasympathomimetics - therapeutic use; Treatment Outcome; Pakistan
• ISSN: 1022-386X; 1681-7168

Ogilvie's syndrome, also known as 'paralytic ileus of the colon', is characterised by pseudo-obstruction of the large intestine in the absence of any mechanical obstructing component; and presents as a massively distended abdomen. If left untreated, it may lead to bowel perforation or ischemia. Ogilvie's syndrome usually presents as a postsurgical complication, mainly due to the lack and/or restriction of movement coupled with a possible electrolyte imbalance. Here, we present a case of a pre-surgical 63-year lady, having a right hip fracture, who came with complaints of severe abdominal pain and distension for 4 days. Abdominal X-rays showed massively dilated bowel loops. Patient was successfully managed with neostigmine administration and was discharged home.