OGILVIES-SYNDROME - A NEW APPROACH TO AN OLD PROBLEM

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the value of intravenous neostigmine in achieving adequate colonic decompression in patients w ith Ogilvie's syndrome. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken in 12 consecutive patients (median age, 60 (range, 38-98) years) with co ntrast enema-proven Ogilvie's syndrome (median duration, four (range, two-nine) days) RESULTS: Satisfactory clinical decompression of large bowel distention was attained in II patients, although one required co lectomy for subsequent recurrence and ischemia. CONCLUSION: These resu lts support the theory that many cases of Ogilvie's syndrome are the r esult of excessive large bowel parasympathetic suppression rather than sympathetic overactivity.