[Syndrome of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome). Study of 13 cases].

: Acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon involves acute colic distension without mechanical obstruction or stercoroma in a previously healthy colon. Our study is of 13 patients, all of whom presented a pre-existing extradigestive disorder, for which 12 were taking medication. Nine patients were treated by mechanical ventilation, and five of these had previously presented meteorism. Colic dilatation was maximal in the cecum, the diameter of which measured 9 to 14.5 cm. Two patients were treated by decompression colonoscopy, which completely cured meteorism in one case. Two patients treated by digestive aspiration died due to extra-abdominal causes. Operations were carried out on 6 patients: once for peritonitis due to cecal perforation five times for deterioration of meteorism. Five patients died due to postoperative complications. These observations show that the diameter of the cecum should be monitored daily. When it exceeds 9 cm, decompression colonoscopy must be performed. Surgery should only be envisaged when there are setbacks, due to the seriousness of the operation and the possibility of postoperative complications.