Information on Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction labels a rare group of diseases that may lead to failure of gut functions. Intestinal pseudoobstruction is the decreased ability of the intestines to push food through, and often causes dilation of different parts of the bowel. It can be a primary condition or caused by another disease. This disorder may be seen at any age, but is most common in children and the elderly. In this disorder, the bowels (small or large intestines) become very quiet and lose their ability to contract and push food, stool, and air through the gastrointestinal tract.

There is some risk factors intestinal pseudo-obstruction, such as being bedridden, taking narcotic medications, or having cerebral palsy or other neurologic disorders. Symptoms of pseudo-obstruction vary in presentation and severity. Symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction include abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Many children with congenital pseudo-obstruction also have bladder disease. Treatment may comprise medications, such as antibiotics to treat bacterial infections and pain medication.

People with intestinal pseudo-obstruction often need nutritional support to prevent malnutrition and weight loss. Special diets are usually ineffective, although vitamin B12 supplements may be used for patients with vitamin deficiency. Intravenous fluids will replace fluids lost from vomiting or diarrhea. A medication called neostigmine may be used to treat pseudo-obstruction of the large intestine. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to divert or decompress the bowel. In a sub-set of patients, when pseudo-obstruction is limited to an isolated segment of the bowel, surgical bypass may be considered.