Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Current diagnosis and management

Twenty-nine patients with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction were treated over a 6-year period. All had gross abdominal distension which followed either serious systemic illness (23 cases), major surgery (4) or trauma (2). The predominant radiological features were disproportionate segmental or localised dilatation of the caecum and proximal colon, with a relative paucity of distal colonic gas. The correct diagnosis was established and mechanical obstruction excluded in the majority of cases (24) by contrast enema examination. In the remaining 5 cases the diagnosis was made on colonoscopy (4) or at laparotomy (1). Successful colonoscopic decompression was achieved in 2 of 4 cases. Eight patients underwent laparotomy and 3 of 4 patients with caecal perforation and peritonitis died. Two of 21 patients treated conservatively died. Persistence of colonic distension beyond 72 hours, caecal diameter greater than 12 cm or overlying abdominal tenderness indicates urgent decompression. Caecostomy is the advised procedure in patients with non-perforated caecal distension. Prompt recognition and treatment of the condition should eliminate delay in decompression and minimise the risk of caecal perforation.