Colonic pseudo-obstruction following obstetrical surgery. A review.

Colonic pseudo-obstruction denotes an apparent intestinal obstruction occurring in the absence of a demonstrable lesion or luminal occlusion. This syndrome is distinct from adynamic ileus, and parturition accounts for a major category of reported cases. The purpose of this paper is to 1) review the literature on the subject, 2) emphasize the severity of this condition and the need for early diagnosis and prompt management and, 3) to outline guidelines for the improved management of this disorder.