대한대장항문학회

Pseudo-obstruction of the colon, first described by Ogilvie1 in 1948 and usually referred to<br>as Ogilvie's syndrome, is a specific variety of adynamic ileus. It is characterized by massive<br>colonic dilatation with a clinical and radiologic findings very similar to mechanical large<br>intestinal obstruction, except that there is no organic obstruction. The cecum is usually the<br>site of greatest dilatation, though the whole large bowel may be involved, from the terminal<br>ileum up to the rectosigmoid junction. The dilatation is rapidly progressive and, if untreated,<br>may even cause cecal necrosis and perforation, with highly increased mortality rate. The<br>syndrome has been associated with various metabolic and organic dysfunctions, and has been<br>observed following gynecologic as well as simple surgical procedures; yet its occurrence has<br>been rather uncommon. The followings are two case reports with this syndrome.<br>