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Lymphocytic (microscopic) colitis: clinicopathologic study of 18 patients 596 Introduction Sir William Heneage Ogilvie first described acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) in 1948 in two patients with far-advanced intraabdominal malignancies [1]. He was the first to postulate an underlying imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathic innervation of the colon as the cause of this disorder. Ogilvie’s patients, however, developed subacute symptoms over the course of 2 months and thus represent an atypical presenta- tion of what we now recognize as ACPO. The hallmark features of ACPO consist of acute colonic dilation in the absence of a mechanical etiology. This condition is increasingly recognized and is associated with substan- tial morbidity and mortality. Epidemiology and predisposing factors The exact incidence of ACPO in hospitalized patients is unknown. Vanek and Al-Salti [2] analyzed 400 cases of ACPO and found that it occurred most commonly in the sixth decade and was more common in men than women. More than 90% of patients had signific- ant comorbid disease, thought to be contributing to the syndrome. About 50% of cases occurred in the post- operative state. The diverse underlying medical and surgical problems associated with ACPO are listed in Table 50.1. Pathophysiology The pathophysiology of ACPO is still not entirely under- stood but there is evidence of an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathic nervous system, which leads to a functional obstruction caused by atony of the distal colon followed by progressive dilation of the cecum and ascending colon [1,3]. Ogilvie favored the sympathetic deprivation theory, leading to unopposed parasympathic stimulation and thereby resulting in “excessive and probably incoor- dinated contraction” of the distal colon [1] mimicking obstruction. More recent theories postulate either an impairment of the sacral parasympathetic outflow [3–5] or excessive sympathetic stimulation [6,7]. The clinical presentation of ACPO resembles Hirschsprung’s disease, supporting the hypothesis of impaired parasympathetic function [5], which is also supported by the commonly observed transition point at the level of the splenic flexure. The parasympathetic innervation of the colon distal to the splenic flexure is via the pelvic splanchnic nerves whereas the more proximal colon is innervated by the vagus (Fig. 50.1). The proponents of the sympathetic stimulation theory [6,7] argue that right-sided colonic motility is impaired Chapter 50 Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction Hubert Nietsch and Michael B. Kimmey Table 50.1 Causes of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction [2,11,17,18,33,45–50]. Neurologic Parkinson’s disease Alzheimer’s disease Cerebrovascular accident Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord disease Craniotomy Cardiovascular Myocardial infarction Congestive heart failure Post cardiac arrest Respiratory Pneumonia Mechanical ventilation Acute respiratory distress syndrome Metabolic Hyponatremia Hypocalcemia Hypomagnesemia Liver failure Renal failure Hypothyroidism Infective/inflammatory Acute cholecystitis Pelvic abscess Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis Acute pancreatitis Sepsis Herpes zoster Appendicitis Neoplasia Retroperitoneal Metastatic cancer Post surgical Cardiac surgery Cesarian section Gynecologic surgery Pelvic surgery Organ transplantation Orthopedic surgery Post traumatic Pelvic trauma Spinal cord injury Femoral fracture Drugs Narcotics Tricyclic antidepressants Phenothiazines Antiparkinson agents Calcium channel blockers Benzodiazepines Clonidine Vincristine Colonoscopy Principles and Practice Edited by Jerome D. Waye, Douglas K. Rex, Christopher B. Williams Copyright © 2003 Blackwell Publishing Ltd Chapter 50: Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction 597 by excessive sympathetic inhibition. This theory is sup- ported by animal experiments performed in the 1920s and 1930s [8] showing increased colonic peristalsis after spinal anesthesia, which leads to a temporary paralysis of sympathetic input. This was the rationale for the induction of spinal anesthesia as a successful treatment of adynamic ileus in Europe in the 1920s. Clinical presentation ACPO is usually seen in middle-aged to elderly critically ill patients in the intensive care unit or postoperatively and is exacerbated by immobility and narcotic pain medications. Symptoms usually develop gradually over 3–7 days. Significant abdominal distension is seen in all patients, associated with pain (83%), vomiting (57%), constipation (51%), and fever (37%). The bowel sounds are variable and can be normal or hyperactive (40%), hypoactive (31%), high-pitched (17%), or absent (12%) [2]. If peritoneal signs are present, transmural ischemia or perforation should be suspected. Diagnosis Abdominal examination shows significant distension in all patients, with variable degrees of tenderness. The presence or quality of bowel sounds is also variable. Peritoneal signs are suggestive of transmural ischemia or perforation and mandate surgical consultation. The diagnosis is confirmed by plain abdominal radio- graphs, which typically show significant distension of the colon with predominance of the right side in the absence of mechanical obstruction (Fig. 50.2). A cut-off sign at the splenic flexure is frequently observed [5]. Initial studies suggested that a cecal diameter of greater than 12 cm increases the risk of perforation sub- stantially [9]. The case series by Vanek and Al-Salti [2] reported no cecal perforation with a cecal diameter < 12 cm, 7% perforation risk with cecal diameters of 12–14 cm, and 23% perforation risk with a cecal dia- meter > 14 cm. However, more recent reports suggest that the duration of significant cecal dilation is more predictive of ischemia than the cecal diameter per se [10]. A water-soluble contrast enema should be cauti- ously performed to confirm the functional etiology, if a mechanical obstruction (absence of rectal air) can- not be entirely excluded by the initial radiographs. Barium should not be administered, because this could Superior mesenteric ganglion T10 11 12 L1 2 T10 11 12 L1 2 Vagus nerves Celiac ganglion Inferior mesenteric ganglion Pudendal nerves S2 3 4 S2 3 4 Pelvic plexus T10-12 Fig. 50.1 Schematic diagram illustrating colonic innervation. Parasympathetic pathways (stimulatory/prokinetic): prevertebral ganglia and sacral nerves (red) and vagus (yellow). Sympathetic pathways (inhibitory): thoracic spinal cord to inferior mesenteric plexus and pelvic plexus (green). Fig. 50.2 Abdominal radiograph of patient with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction following internal fixation of a fractured femur. 598 Section 12: Clinical Use of Colonoscopy complicate surgery if perforation is present and endo- scopic decompression if this is required. Complications The dreaded complication of progressive colonic dilation is transmural ischemia followed by perforation. However, the frequency of this complication, which requires emergency colonic resection, has significantly decreased in recent case series. The risk of perforation was initially reported to be as high as 13% with a mortal- ity of 43% [11]. A summary of more recent studies shows a perforation risk of 3% [12]. The surgical mortality may be as high as 40–50%, if perforation occurs [13]. Management Supportive medical care Initial management for the first 24–48 h is conservative, with close attention to correcting any fluid and elec- trolyte imbalances that may be present. The medica- tion list should be carefully scrutinized and drugs that might delay intestinal transit, such as anticholinergics or opiates, should be discontinued if possible [14]. The abdominal examination needs to be followed carefully and daily abdominal radiographs obtained to monitor for progressive dilation and evidence of perforation. The introduction of a nasogastric tube for decompression is advisable for most patients, and in selected cases a rectal tube might also be of help. Mobilization of the patient with frequent turning might facilitate the passage of flatus. Success rates of supportive management are vari- able but can be as high as 96%, as reported in a cohort of cancer patients from Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center [15]. Pharmacotherapy When colonic dilation persists or progresses despite con- servative therapy, specific pharmacotherapy to stimul- ate the parasympathic innervation of the colon should be attempted (Table 50.2). Catchpole [16] first proposed the combined use of a sympathetic blocker (guanethidine) followed by a cholinesterase inhibitor (neostigmine) to correct the sympathetic/parasympathic imbalance. Sub- sequent small case series suggested that a majority of patients with ACPO could be effectively treated using neostigmine [17–19]. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clin- ical trial reported by Ponec and colleagues [20] con- clusively showed a dramatic improvement of clinical status and colonic distension in the majority of patients treated with intravenous neostigmine, making endo- scopic intervention unnecessary in most cases. In this study, patients were treated with 2 mg of neostigmine administered over a few minutes by slow intravenous push. Patients were monitored continuously by electro- cardiography with atropine available at the bedside, as symptomatic bradycardia is the most significant adverse effect of this treatment. Of 11 patients who received neostigmine, 10 (91%) had prompt colonic decompres- sion with a median time to response of only 4 min, whereas none of the patients receiving placebo (saline) had a clinical response. Seven patients in the placebo group and the one patient in the neostigmine group who failed initial response received open-label neostigmine 3 h after the initial infusion, with prompt colonic de- compression noted in all patients. Only two patients developed recurrent symptoms requiring colonoscopic decompression [20]. Several studies have since confirmed the safety of neostigmine for the treatment of ACPO, reporting Number of Initial decompression Recurrence Medication Reference patients (%) (%) Erythromycin Armstrong et al. [27] 2 100 0 Bonacini et al. [28] 1 100 0 Rovira et al. [29] 2 100 0 Cisapride MacColl et al. [7] 1 100 0 Pelkmans et al. [30] 2 0 0 Mazloum et al. [31] 1 100 0 Neostigmine Hutchinson & Griffiths [17] 11 72 0 Stephenson et al. [18] 12 83 16 Turegano-Fuentes et al. [19] 16 75 0 Ponec et al. [20] 21 81 11 Paran et al. [21] 11 82 0 Trevisani et al. [22] 28 93 0 Abeyta et al. [23] 8 87 0 Van der Spoel et al. [24] 24 79 0 Table 50.2 Reports of pharmacotherapy of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Chapter 50: Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction 599 successful colonic decompression in 79–93% of cases. Several different neostigmine infusion protocols have been used, including 2-mg and 2.5-mg intravenous boluses and 2.5 mg administered over 60 min [21–24], all with similar success rates. Recurrence of colonic distension following successful decompression using neostigmine occurs in up to 16% of patients. In these situations, neostigmine can be safely readministered, leading to colonic decompression in approximately two-thirds of cases [21,23]. The observed adverse effects of neostigmine, like other cholinesterase inhibitors, include excessive saliva- tion (38%), vomiting (9%), abdominal pain (62%), brady- cardia (9%), and bronchospasm. Patients must therefore be closely monitored during drug administration with continuous electrocardiography and atropine available at the bedside [20]. Symptomatic bradycardia responds to administration of atropine, but this also leads to a re- versal of any benefit of neostigmine in relieving colonic dilation. The coadministration of glycopyrrolate, an antimuscarinic anticholinergic agent, seems to decrease the incidence of bradycardia without reducing neostig- mine’s efficacy [25,26]. Suitable candidates for neostigmine administration are hence patients with ACPO who have no evidence of mechanical bowel obstruction, a resting heart rate greater than 60 beats per minute with a systolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg, and no active bron- chospasm [14,20]. Neostigmine is contraindicated in patients on β-blockers and those who have significant acidosis or recent myocardial ischemia, because of the risk of inducing cardiac arrhythmias [18]. Anecdotal case reports with other prokinetic agents show variable success rates in the treatment of ACPO. Intravenous erythromycin, which acts as a motilin re- ceptor agonist, showed some success in a total of five reported cases [27–29]. The efficacy of intravenous cisap- ride, no longer available in the USA, was highly variable in case reports of five patients [7,30,31]. The new 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT 4 receptor agon- ists (tegaserod, prucalopride) might be theoretically useful for stimulating colonic motility in the setting of ACPO, but no data are yet available with the use of these medications in ACPO [14]. Colonoscopic decompression Pharmacologic treatment of ACPO has markedly re- duced the need for urgent colonoscopic decompression. While previously considered to be the treatment of choice for progressive colonic dilation, it is now usually reserved for patients who have failed treatment with neostigmine (Fig. 50.3). No randomized comparative studies of colonoscopic decompression with neostigmine or other treatment modalities are available. A sum- mary of 11 retrospective studies involving 264 patients shows a high initial success rate for colonoscopic decom- pression (64–100%), with an average recurrence rate of 23% (range 13–65%) (Table 50.3). Complications were reported in 3% [32,33]. The largest single-center series from the Mayo Clinic shows a similar experience in 50 patients, with an overall success rate of 88% complicated Conservative measures (NG, rectal tube, stop narcotics, mobilize patient) Success Stop Fail Bradycardia, active bronchospasm, renal failure? Yes No Colonoscopic decompression Fail Neostigmine 2.0 mg IV Fig. 50.3 Algorithm for management of acute colonic pseudo- obstruction. Number of Initial Complications Reference patients success Recurrence (death) Surgery Kukora & Dent [51] 6 5 (83%) 0 0 1 (17%) Nivatvongs et al. [5] 22 19 (86%) 4 (21%) 0 4 (18%) Strodel et al. [35] 44 32 (73%) 5 (13%) 5% (2%) 9 (20%) Starling [52] 17 17 (100%) 3 (18%) 12% 0 Bode [55] 22 20 (91%) 4 (20%) 5% (5%) 3 (14%) Nakhgevany [53] 10 9 (90%) 0 0 1 (10%) Fausel & Goff [54] 12 11 (91%) 3 (25%) 0 2 (17%) Nano et al. [47] 17 13 (76%) 6 (46%) 0 0 Gosche et al. [32] 19 17 (89%) 11 (65%) 5% 2 (11%) Jetmore et al. [33] 45 29 (64%) 13 (29%) 0 5 (11%) Geller et al. [34] 50 39 (78%) 9 (18%) 2% (2%) 1 (2%) Total 264 83% 23% 3% (1%) 11% Table 50.3 Reports of colonoscopic decompression of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. 600 Section 12: Clinical Use of Colonoscopy by one procedure-related perforation. The overall hos- pital mortality is 30% [34]. Colonoscopic decompression is technically more chal- lenging compared with routine colonoscopy since the colon is unprepared and the patients are often critically ill, necessitating performance of the procedure in an intensive care unit. Enemas are not very helpful in pre- paration for colonoscopy and should be done gently, if at all, due to the risk of perforation. Liquid stool must be suctioned and irrigated at the time of colonoscopy in most cases. Air insufflation should be kept to a minimum to prevent further cecal dilation, which could potentially precipitate perforation. It is important to reach the hepatic flexure in order to achieve significant decompression, although cecal intubation is not required [35]. Jetmore and colleagues [33] reported that colonic decompression was almost twice as successful if the ascending colon was reached (initial success 71% vs. 37%). If mucosal changes suggestive of acute ischemia are encountered, the procedure should be terminated and the patient referred for emergency colectomy. The overall decrease in cecal diameter following colonoscopic decompression is generally quite modest, with an average reduction of only 2 cm [36]. Up to 40% of patients develop recurrence of colonic distension after initial successful colonoscopic decom- pression. This led to the introduction of decompression tubes, which are inserted at the time of the initial proced- ure. Harig and colleagues [37] performed a randomized trial in 20 patients comparing endoscopic decompres- sion alone vs. additional insertion of a modified enter- oclysis catheter and demonstrated a reduction in the recurrence of colonic dilation from 44% to 0%. Decom- pression tubes remained in place for an average of 3–4 days without any reported complications. The two most commonly used decompression tubes are a modified enteroclysis catheter, with additional side holes at the tip or a 14F colon decompression kit (Wilson-Cook Medical, Winston-Salem, NC). A flexible guidewire is placed through the endoscope channel and the tip is directed into the cecum under fluoroscopy. The endoscope is then slowly withdrawn leaving the wire in place. Fluoroscopy is helpful in keeping the wire straight during complete withdrawal of the colonoscope. The decompression tube is then advanced under fluoro- scopic guidance, using traction on the wire to keep it straight while the tube is advanced. The decompression tube is than taped to the patient’s buttock and connected to low intermittent suction. It is advisable to flush the tube with water every 4 h to prevent clogging with stool. Fig. 50.4 (a) Abdominal radiograph of patient with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction following bone marrow transplantation for leukemia. (b) Abdominal radiograph of same patient immediately following colonoscopy at which time a 14F decompression tube was placed. (a) (b) Chapter 50: Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction 601 The patient’s clinical status should be followed care- fully with daily abdominal radiographs (Fig. 50.4). The catheters are usually left in situ for 2–4 days, until colon decompression is complete and underlying reversible contributors to ACPO are reversed. Use of larger tubes up to 40F in diameter (Levacuator, Mallinckrodt Medical, St Louis, MO) has been described in case reports, with more rapid decompression and less tube clogging [38]. A minority of patients may not respond to these measures and if there is suspicion of acute ischemia or perforation the patient should be referred for immediate surgery. Percutaneous cecostomy In the absence of ischemia or perforation, percutaneous cecostomy (PCC) should be considered as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery in those critically ill patients where induction of general anesthesia poses a significant risk. Both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches for PCC have been described [39–41]. The early work by VanSonnenberg and colleagues [42] showed the technical feasibility and safety of PCC tubes. The theoretically safer retroperitoneal approach did not lead to a lower risk of peritonitis than the anterior trans- peritoneal approach [42]. The technique was recently refined by using additional T-fasteners, which allow for better colonic apposition to the abdominal wall, thereby potentially reducing the risk of fecal soilage of the abdominal cavity [43]. No studies comparing the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy, endoscopic intervention, radiographically guided PCC, and surgery are available. Surgery Peritoneal signs or free air on abdominal radiography are clear indications for laparotomy and colectomy [2]. The definitive surgical management depends on the viability of the cecum and ascending colon at the time of exploration. Partial colectomy is indicated for trans- mural ischemia and perforation but carries a high mortality in these critically ill patients. Surgical decom- pression in the absence of perforation, through an open or laparoscopic cecostomy, is an alternative to colectomy if the local expertise is not available to perform com- puted tomography-guided PCC [44]. Prognosis The overall mortality of ACPO remains approximately 30%, despite the recent advances in its management [2,34]. This reflects the severity of the underlying disease process leading to ACPO and is not directly related to the colonic complications. The impact of pharmacologic therapy on the outcome of patients with ACPO has not yet been fully assessed. References 1 Ogilvie H. 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[...]... dilation of multiple NSAID-induced colonic strictures: case report and review of literature on NSAID-related colopathy Gastrointest Endosc 1999; 50: 120–3 Weinstock LB, Hammoud Z, Brandwin L Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced colonic stricture and ulceration treated with balloon dilatation and prednisone Gastrointest Endosc 1999; 50: 564–6 622 Section 12: Clinical Use of Colonoscopy 26 Smith JA,... self-expandable metallic stents before scheduled surgery Results of a multicenter study Radiology 1999; 210: 65 – 9 44 Binkert CA, Ledermann H, Jost R, Saurenmann P, Decurtins M, Zollikofer CL Acute colonic obstruction: clinical aspects and cost-effectiveness of preoperative and palliative treatment with self-expanding metallic stents A preliminary report Radiology 1998; 206: 199–204 45 Martinez-Santos... are similar, pediatric colonoscopy is different from colonoscopy in adults in many aspects, such as preparation, sedation, technique, and spectrum of therapeutic manipulations Indications for colonoscopy Indications for diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy are listed in Table 53.1 Although colon cancer is not one of the usual indications for colonoscopy in children, colonoscopy and biopsy are performed... therapeutic endoscopic procedures and SEMS placement to assist with these procedures Nonfluoroscopic-guided stent placement Non-TTS stent placement For distal left-sided lesions, the area may be accessed entirely under endoscopic guidance [60] If the endoscope cannot be passed through the lesion, the stricture Fig 52.4 Endoscopic view of through-the-scope placement of self-expandable metal stent for palliation... usually involves clear liquids and milk of magnesia Milk of magnesia 1.0 ml/ kg of body weight is given two nights before the procedure and mid-day the day before the procedure Magnesium citrate may also be used in children above 1 year of age This may be divided in two doses and given 24 and 12 h before the colonoscopy It is best given cold and over ice, or mixed with lemon/lime-type soft drinks Some individuals... Full and continuous monitoring is necessary during the procedure Sedation is begun after baseline vital signs are obtained The most commonly used sedation for colonoscopy includes use of tranquilizers for relief of anxiety and narcotics for sedation-analgesia The narcotic of choice is fentanyl, which is rapid acting with a short half-life and minimal side effects It rarely causes nausea and vomiting and. .. useful to perform a colonoscopy in children safely and effectively: 1 The intubated colon adopts configuration and shape according to manipulations and movements with the colonoscope, and the pattern of these changes are predictable, as well as the direction in which the colonoscope tip should be moved Chapter 53: Pediatric Colonoscopy Table 53.3 Steps to ensure complete and successful colonoscopy in children... occur to the mucosa with the passage of the instrument, and if abnormalities are not identified beforehand, one is always left wondering whether what one sees is due to colonoscopy, versus the underlying pathology Risks and complications of colonoscopy The potential risks and complications of colonoscopy include bleeding, perforation, infection, and difficulties with sedation (such as paradoxical reaction... an air-filled dilated proximal bowel, the catheter is advanced over the guidewire through the lesion After removal of the guidewire, water-soluble radiographic contrast is injected (b) 620 Section 12: Clinical Use of Colonoscopy (a) (b) (c) (d) Fig 52.5 Endoscopic placement of a through-the-scope stent using fluoroscopic guidance: (a) endoscope is advanced to the site of the lesion and a guidewire and. .. in patients with longstanding inflammatory bowel disease Patients who have undergone small intestinal transplantation may need to undergo ileoscopy and or colonoscopy to obtain specimens from transplanted bowel to look for rejection and evidence of lymphoproliferative disease When diagnostic colonoscopy is not indicated Colonoscopy is not indicated in patients with: • acute self-limited diarrhea; • gastrointestinal . friable, and regress within days of the pro- cedure (Fig. 49.20). References 1 Reinus JF, Brandt LJ. Diarrhea. In: Raskin, JB, Nord, HJ, eds. Colonoscopy: Principles and Techniques. New York: Igaku- Shoin,. Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management, 7th edn. Phil- adelphia: WB Saunders, 2002: 1864–913. 43 Bhargava DK, Tandon HD, Chawla TC, Shriniwas Tandon BN, Kapur BM. Diagnosis of ileocecal and colonic tubercu- losis by colonoscopy. Gastrointest. recognized and is associated with substan- tial morbidity and mortality. Epidemiology and predisposing factors The exact incidence of ACPO in hospitalized patients is unknown. Vanek and Al-Salti