Ogilvie's syndrome in the obstetric patient

Summary

Introduction

Ogilvie's syndrome or acute colonic pseudoobstruction is a rare but potentially lethal complication in the obstetric patient who presents with large bowel obstruction. It is more commonly seen after delivery by caesarean section. Treatment is initially conservative but surgical decompression may be required. If serious sequelae are to be avoided, early diagnosis and careful clinical monitoring of the condition is required.