[Ogilvie's syndrome following cesarean section. Apropos of a case]

The authors report a case of post-caesarian acute idiopathic dilatation of the colon (Ogilvie's syndrome), which is a rare syndrome, particularly after caesarian section, which poses difficult diagnostic problems. The most serious complication consists of perforation of the caecum. The pathogenesis of this syndrome is still hypothetical. Early treatment essentially consists of inserting a Faucher tube via colonoscopy beyond the splenic flexure. In the case of a pre-perforation syndrome, a right transverse colostomy needs to be performed. Actual perforation of the caecum requires a major operation with a poor prognosis.