Colonic Ileus

Abstract

Colonic ileus is an atypical form of adynamic ileus that may closely simulate mechanical obstruction or vascular impairment of the colon on abdominal roentgenograms. Five cases occurred in association with pelvic surgery, electrolyte imbalance, lumbar spine trauma, acute appendicitis, and acute pancreatitis. No unifying concept as to cause or definite conclusion as to pathogenesis could be formulated. As with colonic obstruction, spontaneous cecal perforations may occur with colonic ileus. (JAMA230:1008-1009, 1974)