Fluoroscopy-guided trans-anal decompression tube placement in the treatment of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction: a single center experience

PurposeAcute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO or Ogilvie's syndrome) is a rare but often fatal disease; timely colonic decompression may be essential for successful treatment. This study describes a technique of placing a trans-anal tube via fluoroscopy-guiding and investigates the effect of colon decompression on ACPO.MethodsPatients undergoing colonic decompression via fluoroscopy-guided trans-anal tube placement from April 2015 to May 2017 were included. The technical and clinical successes of this procedure were evaluated. Clinical features and long-term outcomes are described.ResultsDecompression was successful in 72.73% (16/22) of the patients; the procedure was considered a clinical success in 50% (11/22) of the patients. 31.82% (7/22) of the patients underwent elective surgery, and only 18.19% (4/22) of the patients need emergency surgery.ConclusionsFluoroscopy-guided trans-anal decompression tube placement was an easy and efficient method for treating ACPO. Additionally, ACPO once required emergency surgery, but now may only require elective surgery in certain instances.