[Pseudo-obstruction and colonic ischemia]

We report the case of a 78 year old male schizophrenic with pseudo-obstruction of the colon complicated by patent-vessel ischaemia that was diagnosed after sub-total colectomy. Surgery was motivated by the chance discovery of a pneumo-peritoneum without peritonitis and without any evidence of perforation in the gastro-intestinal tract. We believe that early surgery is required in patients with pseudo-obstruction of the colon, to prevent complications such as ischaemia of the distended bowel wall which, though rare, is also well recognised.