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Ogilvie's syndrome: A new approach to an old problem

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Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the value of intravenous neostigmine in achieving adequate colonic decompression in patients with Ogilvie's syndrome. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken in 12 consecutive patients (median age, 60 (range, 38–98) years) with contrast enema-proven Ogilvie's syndrome (median duration, four (range, two–nine) days) RESULTS: Satisfactory clinical decompression of large bowel distention was attained in 11 patients, although one required colectomy for subsequent recurrence and ischemia. CONCLUSION: These results support the theory that many cases of Ogilvie's syndrome are the result of excessive large bowel parasympathetic suppression rather than sympathetic overactivity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Cardiff, UK

    Brian M. Stephenson M.S., F.R.C.S., A. Roger Morgan F.R.C.S., John R. Salaman M.Chir., F.R.C.S. & Malcolm H. Wheeler M.D., F.R.C.S.

Authors
  1. Brian M. Stephenson M.S., F.R.C.S.
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  2. A. Roger Morgan F.R.C.S.
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  3. John R. Salaman M.Chir., F.R.C.S.
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  4. Malcolm H. Wheeler M.D., F.R.C.S.
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Additional information

Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Orlando, Florida, May 8 to 13, 1994.

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Stephenson, B.M., Morgan, A.R., Salaman, J.R. et al. Ogilvie's syndrome: A new approach to an old problem. Dis Colon Rectum 38, 424–427 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02054234

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02054234

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