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Pseudo-obstruction of the colon following cesarean section

A review

  • Published:
Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Abstract

Pseudo-obstruction of the colon is characterized by an adynamic unobstructed colon which rapidly progresses to marked dilatation of the cecum and transverse colon. Disagreements exist regarding the etiology or pathogenesis of this syndrome; it has been associated with metabolic, traumatic, postoperative, and idiopathic causes.

In reviewing the literature we have concluded that in pseudo-obstruction of the colon after cesarean section, the mean age of occurrence is 35 years. The symptoms occur in the first 72 hours after operation. Straight x-ray examination of the abdomen is the most useful diagnostic measure. All cecal perforations occurred by the fifth postoperative day. For this reason, we recommend early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention before that time. In cases when the cecal distention is 12 cm or more, decompression is urgent.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Surgery, Mercy Hospital, Rockville Centre, New York

    Biagio Ravo M.D., Michael Pollane M.D. & Ralph Ger M.D.

  2. State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York

    Biagio Ravo M.D., Michael Pollane M.D. & Ralph Ger M.D.

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  1. Biagio Ravo M.D.
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  2. Michael Pollane M.D.
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  3. Ralph Ger M.D.
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Ravo, B., Pollane, M. & Ger, R. Pseudo-obstruction of the colon following cesarean section. Dis Colon Rectum 26, 440–444 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02556522

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02556522

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