Intestinal Pseudo obstruction
Overview
Definition
In intestinal pseudo-obstruction, foods and liquids are unable to pass through the intestine, causing a build-up of food, fluid, and gas in all or part of the colon. The symptoms of this condition act like a mechanical bowel obstruction , but no blockage is found when doctors examine the intestine.
The Intestines |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Nutritional Support
IV feeding may be necessary to help prevent malnutrition.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent bacterial infections. In addition, medications can be used to treat muscle problems in the intestines. Changes in your medications may be made to eliminate some medications that can slow recovery from, or worsen, this condition.
Surgery
In severe cases of intestinal pseudo-obstruction, surgery to remove part or your entire intestine may be necessary.
Endoscopy
If the colon does not resume normal function after conservative management, the pressure build-up in the colon can be relieved by removing the trapped air with a colonoscope .
Prevention
Many cases of intestinal pseudo-obstruction cannot be prevented. But certain measures can be taken after surgery to help avoid the complication of intestinal pseudo-obstruction. These measures include:
- Early oral feeding
- Gum chewing
- Fluid restriction
- Medications that inhibit opioid receptors
- Beta-blockers
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Colonic Ileus; Ogilvie’s Syndrome; Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction; Acute Nontoxic Megacolon)
RESOURCES
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders https://www.iffgd.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Bad Gut—Canadian Society of Intestinal Research https://www.badgut.org
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation http://www.cdhf.ca
References
Acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114336/Acute-intestinal-pseudo-obstruction . Updated July 12, 2014. Accessed January 9, 2018.
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/intestinal-pseudo-obstruction. Updated February 2014. Accessed January 9, 2018.