Related Experiment Videos
Ogilvie's syndrome after lower extremity arthroplasty
A W elMaraghy1, E H Schemitsch, M J Burnstein
1Division of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
Summary
Ogilvie's syndrome, a serious complication, can occur after orthopedic surgery. Early recognition and management are crucial for orthopedic surgeons to prevent severe outcomes and mortality in patients undergoing arthroplasty.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Arthroplasty procedures, particularly lower extremity surgeries, carry a risk of postoperative complications.
- Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, or Ogilvie's syndrome, is a rare but potentially fatal condition.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to improve patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A case series involving four patients who developed Ogilvie's syndrome following lower extremity arthroplasty.
- Two patients underwent primary hip arthroplasty, one primary knee arthroplasty, and one revision hip arthroplasty.
- All cases experienced delayed recognition and required surgical intervention, with two fatalities.
Findings:
- Potential risk factors for Ogilvie's syndrome in orthopedic patients include advanced age, immobility, and patient-controlled narcotic analgesia.
- Late diagnosis and intervention were noted in all reported cases.
- Colonic perforation is a significant risk associated with delayed management, leading to high mortality.
Implications:
- Surgeons performing arthroplasty must be aware of the possibility of Ogilvie's syndrome.
- Vigilant clinical and radiographic monitoring is necessary for early detection.
- Prompt consultation and appropriate management strategies are vital to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.