Ogilvie's syndrome as a rare complication of lumbar disc surgery

Background: In this study we report a rare complication after lumbar surger y, Ogilvie's syndrome, that presents as acute colonic dilatation in the abs ence of mechanical obstruction. Case: A 43-year-old obese woman underwent l umbar surgery for LA-LS lumbar disc herniation. The patient complained of p ersistent abdominal distention and lack of bowel sounds. Plain radiography and ultrasonography revealed massive dilatation of the colon. Nasogastric a spiration was initiated and all analgesic drugs were withdrawn. Abdominal d istention gradually disappeared within three days. Conclusions: Only three cases of Ogilvie's syndrome following lumbar spinal surgery have been repor ted in the literature. In our case obesity, chronic constipation, and narco tic drugs were the most likely precipitating causes. Ogilvie's syndrome may resolve with conservative treatment, but if the cecal diameter continues t o increase, colonoscopy or laparotomy may be needed to prevent perforation of colon.