Surgical Management of Ogilvies Syndrome Post Caesarean Section

Abstract

Ogilvies syndrome or acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is a rare condition, occurring mainly in elderly people with multiple co-morbidities. It is characterised by abdominal distension and dilation of the colon in the absence of a mechanical cause. Predisposing factors include infection, metabolic disturbance, cardiac disease and previous surgery. We present a case of Ogilvies syndrome post caesarean section in a 41-year-old patient who was successfully treated with surgical management involving a temporary caecostomy. We emphasise the need for increased awareness, early diagnosis and prompt management of this syndrome to minimise the high associated morbidity and morbidity.




J Med Cases. 2013;4(2):99-101
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc961w