[Ogilvie's syndrome: results of endoscopic exsufflation in a series of 29 cases].

The aim of this study was to assess the value of endoscopic decompression of the colon in a series of 29 patients affected with Ogilvie's syndrome. During the first period (1980-1982), 14 patients were treated by colonoscopic decompression alone. During the second period (1982-1985), 15 endoscopic decompressions were systematically completed by intubation of the colon. The tube was removed after 2 to 13 days. Whatever the procedure, endoscopic decompression was successfully achieved in all cases. The death rate (8/29) and number of cecostomies (2/29) were similar in the two groups of patients. Only one death was directly related to Ogilvie's syndrome itself, whereas 7 patients died from other severe underlying diseases. However, colonic dilatation recurred in 6 patients in the first group and in one patient in the second group (p less than 0.05). No complications due to the endoscopic procedures occurred in this series. It may be concluded that endoscopic treatment of Ogilvie's syndrome is a safe and effective procedure. Our results also suggest that colonoscopic intubation should be used prophylactically in order to avoid recurrences, frequently observed after simple endoscopic decompression.