[Clinical experiences with early colonoscopic decompression in acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon]

The prognosis of an acute colonic pseudoobstruction has improved significantly since the introduction of colonoscopic decompression. Our experience confirms this technique as a safe and effective therapy even for critically ill patients. In most of our cases several endoscopic decompressions were necessary before a lasting improvement of the clinical symptoms could be achieved. The additional use of new procinetic substances and the endoscopic placement of thick decompression tubes may reduce the number of endoscopic procedures necessary for each patient.