Review of Colonic Pseudo-obstruction

Authors

• Jacob Applegarth, Corewell Health East Resident
• Jacob Mesiti, Corewell Health East Resident
• Danielle Hurst, Corewell Health East Resident
• Tyler Kowalczyk, Corewell Health East Resident
• Matthew Ziegler, Corewell Health East

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2026

Publication Title

The Surgical clinics of North America

Abstract

Colonic pseudo-obstruction is often secondary to disturbances in the enteric nervous system and can be difficult to treat definitively. Treatment options primarily focus on conservative measures and medical management with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Surgeons should feel comfortable with endoscopic decompression when necessary. Rarely, acute colonic pseudo-obstruction will require surgery because of impending perforation, and it is imperative that surgeons recognize indications for operative intervention.

Volume

106

Issue

1

First Page

153

Last Page

168

Recommended Citation

Applegarth J, Mesiti J, Hurst D, Kowalczyk T, Ziegler M. Review of colonic pseudo-obstruction. Surg Clin North Am. 2026 Feb;106(1):153-168. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2025.08.014. PMID: 41241450.

DOI

10.1016/j.suc.2025.08.014

ISSN

1558-3171

PubMed ID

41241450