[Acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon, a problem of old age. A study of 5 cases treated medically]

Acute partial obstruction of the colon is a frequent complaint among elderly patients, this being the reason for the increase in incidence. 5 cases which were medically treated successfully are presented. The proper terminology is briefly discussed, describing the typical clinical features and the associated diseases which appear in 80-90% of cases. The diagnosis is basically clinical and plain abdominal X-Ray, barium enema and/or colonoscopy are the most helpful tests to make a differential diagnosis between mechanical and nonmechanical obstruction. An in-depth view on colonoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic method is presented.