Pseudo-obstruction of the colon.

"Pseudo-obstruction of the colon" refers to a condition in which physical and radiological findings identical to those associated with mechanical obstruction of the large bowel are found but in which no organic cause for the colonic distention is present. These cases may involve progressive proximal large bowel dilatation to the point of cecal perforation or necrosis. We have collected eight cases of our own which will be presented. The various etiologic factors reported in the literature will be discussed and analyzed and we will offer an anatomicophysiologic explanation of a possible mechanism, based on sympathetic-parasympathetic neurostimulatory imbalance.