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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2018; 31(02): 099-107
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1609024
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction

Authors

  • Khalil El-Chammas

    1   Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Manu R. Sood

    2   Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    3   Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 February 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is defined by either continuous or intermittent symptoms of bowel obstruction in the absence of fixed lumen excluding lesion. CIP includes a heterogeneous group of disorders which result either from diseases affecting the enteric neurons and smooth muscle lining or those involving the autonomic innervation of the bowel. Symptoms associated with CIP are nonspecific, which can sometimes contribute to the delay in recognizing the condition and making the correct diagnosis. The diagnostic workup should include imaging and manometry studies and, occasionally, full-thickness bowel biopsies for histopathological examination may be required. Multidisciplinary team approach for the management of these patients is recommended, and the team members should include a gastroenterologist, surgeon, chronic pain specialist, clinical nutritionist, and a psychologist. The treatment goals should include optimizing the nutritional status and preventing or delaying the development of intestinal failure. The majority of the patients require enteral or parenteral nutrition support, and chronic pain is a common and distressing symptom. Small bowel transplantation may be required if patients develop liver complications due to parenteral nutrition, have difficult central line access, or have poor quality of life and worsening pain despite aggressive medical management.

Keywords

chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction - bowel motility - antroduodenal manometry