[Ogilvie syndrome. Report of two cases]

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction or "Ogilvie syndrome (OS)," is a gastrointestinal motility disorder characterized by marked dilatation of the colon in the absence of mechanical obstruction. It occurs most commonly in the postoperative state or with severe medical illness; it has been associated with a wide range of comorbidities, including trauma, pelvic surgery (orthopedic, gynecologic, urologic), metabolic disorders, central nervous system disorders, and prostaglandin abnormalities. OS may also be drug induced or idiopathic. Left untreated, it can progress to perforation, peritonitis, and death. Definitive management of OS traditionally has consisted of mechanical decompression. However, neostigmine, an acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitor, has recently emerged as a safe and effective pharmacologic alternative in the adult population. We present two cases of OS attended in the intensive care unit treated with colonoscopy and cecostomy respectively.