Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a condition in which there are symptoms of blockage of the intestine (bowels) without any physical blockage.
Primary intestinal pseudo-obstruction; Acute colonic ileus; Colonic pseudo-obstruction; Idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction; Ogilvie syndrome; Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction; Paralytic ileus - pseudo-obstruction
In intestinal pseudo-obstruction, the intestine is unable to contract and push food, stool, and air through the digestive tract. The disorder most often affects the small intestine, but can also occur in the large intestine.
The condition may start suddenly or be a chronic or long-term problem. It is most common in children and older people. The cause of the problem is often unknown.
Risk factors include:
Symptoms include:
The following treatments may be tried:
In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
Dipesh Vasant is in Manchester, United Kingdom. Vasant is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, and Swallowing Difficulty.
Loris Pironi is in Bologna, Italy. Pironi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction. They are also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction, Short Bowel Syndrome, Radiation Enteritis, and MELAS Syndrome.
Roberto De Giorgio is in Ferrara, Italy. De Giorgio is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction. He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction, Short Bowel Syndrome, Mitochondrial Neurogastrointestinal Encephalopathy Disease, and MELAS Syndrome.
Most cases of acute pseudo-obstruction get better in a few days with treatment. In chronic forms of the disease, symptoms can come back and get worse over many years.
Complications may include:
Call your provider if you have abdominal pain that does not go away or other symptoms of this disorder.
Published Date : April 30, 2020
Published By : Bradley J. Winston, MD, board certified in gastroenterology and hepatology, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Camilleri M. Disorders of gastrointestinal motility. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 127.
Rayner CK, Hughes PA. Small intestinal motor and sensory function and dysfunction. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 99.