Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction (Acute Megacolon, Ogilvie Syndrome)

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie syndrome) is a rare, acquired condition marked by disorders affecting the colon's natural, rhythmic peristalsis contractions. Food and other materials are moved through the digestive system by peristalsis due to the cooperation of muscles, nerves, and hormones. Frequently, the colon is greatly enlarged (dilated). Most patients who experience it are older adults with numerous underlying comorbidities, although it can also appear in apparently healthy patients after suffering a traumatic injury or following surgery. Although colonic dilatation can infrequently reach the rectum, acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie syndrome) mostly affects the cecum and right hemicolon. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie syndrome) is an uncommon postoperative complication that affects 0.6% of patients who undergo cardiac surgery and 0.7 to 1.3 % of patients who have burns or undergo orthopedic surgery. Symptoms in surgical patients typically appear five days after surgery on average.