Epidural anesthesia for acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon (Ogilvie's syndrome)

With the theory that Ogilvie's syndrome is caused by sympathetic inhibition of contractility in the colon as a basis, 18 patients with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction were enrolled in a treatment program assessing the safety and efficacy of sympathetic blockade, by epidural anesthesia, in those who failed conservative management. In some cases colonoscopy had been performed initially and, if unsuccessful, these patients were referred for treatment with epidural anesthesia. Seven patients recovered with conservative treatment alone. One patient refused further treatment and died of her underlying disease. Five of eight patients treated by epidural anesthesia responded. There were no recurrences following successful epidural anesthesia. Five of eight patients treated by colonoscopic decompression responded. No patients required surgical intervention. One patient suffered a subendocardial infarction during colonoscopy. There were no significant complications from epidural anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia is safe, effective, simple, and well tolerated in the management of Ogilvie's syndrome.