Ogilvie’s syndrome
Overview
A rare gastrointestinal disorder where the peristaltic action of the colon is absent which prevents fecal matter from passing through.
Symptoms
* Abdominal distention * Hyperactive bowel sounds * High pitched bowel sounds * Abdominal tenderness * Nausea
Causes
The cause of Ogilvie's syndrome is acute dysmotility of the large and small intestine. This leads to dilation of the intestine with abdominal distension.
Prevention
* Avoidance of bed rest * Adequate hydration * Avoid drugs which inhibit parasympathetic GI muscle action
Prognosis
The 'prognosis' of Ogilvie's syndrome usually refers to the likely outcome of Ogilvie's syndrome. The prognosis of Ogilvie's syndrome may include the duration of Ogilvie's syndrome, chances of complications of Ogilvie's syndrome, probable outcomes, prospects for recovery, recovery period for Ogilvie's syndrome, survival rates, death rates, and other outcome possibilities in the overall prognosis of Ogilvie's syndrome. Naturally, such forecast issues are by their nature unpredictable.
Treatment
Conservative treatment is the appropriate first step for patients with no or minimal abdominal tenderness, no fever, no leukocytosis, and a cecal diameter less than 12 cm. The underlying illness is treated appropriately. A nasogastric tube and a rectal tube should be placed. Patients should not remain in one position but should be periodically rolled from side to side and to the prone position in an effort to promote expulsion of colonic gas. All drugs that reduce intestinal motility, such as narcotics, anticholinergics, and calcium channel blockers, are discontinued if possible. Enemas may be administered judiciously if large amounts of stool are evident on radiography. Oral laxatives are not helpful and may cause perforation, pain, or electrolyte abnormalities.