A case of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction following total hip arthroplasty

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction or Ogilvie syndrome refers to the occurrence of colonic obstruction without the presence of any mechanical cause. A 71-year-old male patient developed abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and pain on the second postoperative day of total hip arthroplasty. Radiographs showed bowel dilatation. Oral intake was immediately ceased and nasogastric decompression was performed, after which all the symptoms and signs disappeared within four days. This syndrome should be borne in mind following major orthopedic interventions and be diagnosed and treated without delay.