Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (false blockage) is a condition that causes symptoms like those of a bowel obstruction
(blockage). But when the intestines are examined, no obstruction is found. A problem in how the muscles and nerves in the intestines work causes the symptoms.
Pseudo-obstruction symptoms include cramps, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, fewer bowel movements than usual, and loose stools. Over time, pseudo-obstruction can cause bacterial infections, malnutrition, and muscle problems in other parts of the body. Some people also have bladder and joint problems.
Diseases that affect muscles and nerves, such as lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or Parkinson's disease, can cause
symptoms. When a disease causes the symptoms, the condition is called secondary intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Medications that affect muscles and nerves such as opiates and antidepressants might also cause secondary pseudo-obstruction.
To diagnose the condition, the doctor will take a complete medical history, do a physical examination, and take x-rays. The usual treatments are nutritional support (intravenous feeding) to prevent malnutrition and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Medication might also be given to treat intestinal muscle problems. In severe cases, surgery to remove part of the intestine might be
necessary.
What causes Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction?
The term "pseudo-obstruction" refers to a group of gastrointestinal disorders with similar characteristics that can have a variety of causes. The symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction are caused by a problem in how the muscles and nerves in the intestines work. When tests show that the dysfunction is caused by unsynchronized contractions, the disorder is classified as neurogenic (arising from the nerves). If the dysfunction is caused by weak or absent contractions, the disorder is classified as myogenic (arising from the muscles).
In some patients, pseudo-obstruction may progress throughout the digestive tract. This includes the oesophagus and stomach as well as the intestines. The bladder may also become affected.
Pseudo-obstruction in children is usually congenital, or present at birth. It may also be acquired, such as after an illness.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms of pseudo-obstruction vary in presentation and severity. The most common symptoms of pseudo-obstruction in children are nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension and pain, and constipation. Diarrhoea, early satiety (fullness), food aversion, and weight loss may also be present. Over time, pseudo-obstruction can cause bacterial infections, malnutrition, and muscle problems in other parts of the body. Many children with congenital pseudo-obstruction also have bladder disease.
DIAGNOSIS:
There is no single lab test to diagnose pseudo-obstruction. Symptoms may mimic or be similar to other gastrointestinal disorders. Pseudo-obstruction is diagnosed based on symptoms, clinical findings, and tests to rule out the presence of a mechanical obstruction. The doctor will take a complete medical history, do a physical exam, and take x-rays to see if there is evidence of physical blockage.
Further tests can be done to look at the underlying causes of the disorder. Tests may include manometry, which measures patterns and pressure within the gastrointestinal tract. Manometry can help confirm the diagnosis, help measure the extent of the disease, and help determine the proper treatment. Biopsies (tissue samples), which allow the study of both muscles and nerves under a
microscope, may be obtained if a surgical procedure is performed
TREATMENT:
The main treatment is nutritional support to prevent malnutrition and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Disorders that may coexist and worsen symptoms of pseudo-obstruction--such as gastro paresis (delayed stomach emptying), gastroesophageal reflux, or bacterial overgrowth--need to be identified and treated.
The challenges of treating chronic pseudo-obstruction are often multifaceted and involve the patient and family as well as the physician. The physician may suggest a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. A management team might include the child's paediatric gastroenterologist, a paediatric pain management specialist, a behavioural specialist, and others.
Chronic abdominal pain or the fear of pain is a common complaint in children with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and may be treated with behavioural or relaxation therapy as well as with non-narcotic medicines.
Some children are able to benefit from small, frequent meals. Others are unable or unwilling to eat because of the severity of their symptoms. For those unable to eat, nutritional support may be provided using pre-digested liquid diets that are fed through tubes placed into the stomach or intestines (enteral feeding). One method uses a nasogastric tube (NG-tube), which is placed through
a nasal passageway into the stomach. Another method uses a gastrostomy (G-tube), in which a liquid diet is fed directly into the stomach through a tube that has been surgically introduced through the abdominal wall. Gastrostomy is not effective when the obstruction occurs in the stomach. In that case, a third method involves feeding through a jejunostomy (J-tube). A jejunostomy feeding
tube is surgically placed in the small intestine (jejunum). Both the gastrostomy and jejunostomy can act as an outlet if needed to decrease pressure and pain in the bowel.
Parenteral (i.e., not enteral) nutrition is considered if gastrostomy and jejunostomy prove ineffective. Parenteral nutrition is the slow infusion of a solution of nutrients into a vein through a catheter, which is surgically implanted. This may be partial, to supplement food and nutrient intake, or total (TPN, total parenteral nutrition), providing the sole source of energy and nutrient intake for the patient. Complications associated with long-term use of TPN include infections and liver problems, which can be difficult and life-threatening.
In severe cases, surgery to remove part of the intestines might be necessary. In a sub-set of patients, when pseudo-obstruction is limited to an isolated segment of the bowel, surgical bypass may be considered. In the most severe cases, when patients receiving total parenteral nutrition experience life-threatening complications such as severe infection or liver failure, small bowel transplantation may be considered. This procedure is challenging and has many associated risks. It should only be considered when all other treatment options have been exhausted.
CONCLUSION:
Over the last several decades, awareness of pseudo-obstruction has increased dramatically within the medical community. Diagnosis and treatment have improved. Nonetheless, continued clinical and basic research is needed before the disease is fully understood, and improved treatment or ultimately a cure found.