Abstract
Pseudo-obstruction of the colon, or Ogilvie’s syndrome, is characterized by an adynamic, dilated, unobstructed colon, the exact cause of which remains obscure. Although several precipitating factors have been described in the literature, we have observed three patients whose pseudo-obstruction of the colon occurred during interstitial and intracavitary pelvic irradiation. Such a cause has not been noted previously. Pseudo-obstruction of the colon can have serious consequences if it is not recognized early and treated vigorously.
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The investigation was supported by grants no. CA-17946 and CA-22486 from the National Cancer Institute, DHEW.
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Lopez, M.J., Memula, N., Doss, L.L. et al. Pseudo-obstruction of the colon during pelvic radiotherapy. Dis Colon Rectum 24, 201–204 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02962336
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02962336