Ogilvie's syndrome: a new approach to an old problem.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to determine the value of intravenous neostigmine in achieving adequate colonic decompression in patients with Ogilvie's syndrome.


METHODS
A prospective study was undertaken in 12 consecutive patients (median age, 60 (range, 38-98) years) with contrast enema-proven Ogilvie's syndrome (median duration, four (range, two-nine) days)


RESULTS
Satisfactory clinical decompression of large bowel distention was attained in 11 patients, although one required colectomy for subsequent recurrence and ischemia.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the theory that many cases of Ogilvie's syndrome are the result of excessive large bowel parasympathetic suppression rather than sympathetic overactivity.
Stephenson
B M
BM
Department of Surgery, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom.
Morgan
A R
AR
Salaman
J R
JR
Wheeler
M H
MH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003112:Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003287:Contrast Media; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009388:Neostigmine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003287:Contrast Media; D009388:Neostigmine