Intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Intestinal pseudo-obstruction
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation
Complications	Bowel perforation, sepsis, malnutrition
Onset	Any age
Duration	Variable
Types	Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
Causes	Neuromuscular disorders, medications, infections, surgery
Risks	Elderly, hospitalized patients, neurological disorders
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, imaging studies, manometry
Differential diagnosis	Mechanical bowel obstruction, ileus, megacolon
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Supportive care, prokinetic agents, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on underlying cause
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Cross-sectional CT scan showing intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a clinical syndrome caused by severe impairment in the ability of the intestines to push food through. It is characterized by the signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction without any lesion in the intestinal lumen. Clinical features are diverse, depending on the specific type and segment of the gut involved. They include recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and distension, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Causes

The causes of intestinal pseudo-obstruction are diverse and can be classified into primary or secondary. Primary causes are due to inherent defects in the smooth muscle or the nerves of the intestines. Secondary causes are due to other diseases that affect the intestines such as diabetes, scleroderma, and Parkinson's disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of intestinal pseudo-obstruction is challenging and often requires a combination of clinical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and sometimes, biopsy of the intestinal wall. The goal is to rule out mechanical obstruction and to identify any underlying diseases that may be causing the condition.

Treatment

Treatment of intestinal pseudo-obstruction is primarily supportive and aimed at relieving symptoms. This may include dietary modifications, medications to improve gut motility, and in severe cases, surgery to bypass or remove the affected segment of the gut.

See also

• Gastroenterology
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Digestive system

References

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