title: [Acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon, a problem of old age. A study of 5 cases treated medically].
abstract: Acute partial obstruction of the colon is a frequent complaint among elderly patients, this being the reason for the increase in incidence. 5 cases which were medically treated successfully are presented. The proper terminology is briefly discussed, describing the typical clinical features and the associated diseases which appear in 80-90% of cases. The diagnosis is basically clinical and plain abdominal X-Ray, barium enema and/or colonoscopy are the most helpful tests to make a differential diagnosis between mechanical and nonmechanical obstruction. An in-depth view on colonoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic method is presented.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario, Granada.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Caballero Plasencia
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: de los Reyes García
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Muros Navarro
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sánchez Martínez
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Esquinas Rodríguez
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003112:Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography
vernacular_title: La pseudobstrucción aguda del colon, un problema de la tercera edad. Estudio de cinco casos tratados médicamente.