Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction in a burn patient.
Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction as a syndrome was first described by Ogilvie in 1948 (Br. Med J. 2, 671). It is characterized by colonic dilatation with no mechanical cause which affects critically ill patients. As a result of this complication the prognosis worsens. Initially there are few clinical symptoms, but subsequently colonic obstruction develops which, if not treated, can cause perforation of the caecum resulting in a high mortality rate. The treatment includes decompression via rectal and nasogastric probes, colonoscopy and caecostomy.
Valero Gasalla
J
J
Burn Unit (Plastic Surgery Service), Juan Canalejo Hospital, La Coruña, Spain.
Vazquez-Barro
A
A
Pousa Real
F
F
Martelo Villar
F
F
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications*; D003112:Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans