Percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy in the treatment of recurrent colonic pseudoobstruction − a case report of the first procedure in the Czech Republic

We present the case of an 89-year-old polymorbid female patient with recurrent acute colonic pseudo-obstruction who was treated by performing percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy as the first procedure of its kind in the Czech Republic. The patient presented repeatedly with ileous conditions without evidence of an organic cause. Surgical colostomy was proposed with a possibility of subtotal colectomy as an ultimum refugium due to an insufficient effect of maximum conservative management and a need for repeated endoscopic decompression. In this particular patient, however, any kind of surgical intervention posed a major risk and was eventually abandoned. Finally, percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy was proposed as an alternative to resolve the situation. The procedure was carried out without complications and with an immediate effect. The patient has been free of the symptomatology of intestinal obstruction in the long term having the option of intermittent intestinal decompression as needed.

Ogilvie’s Syndrome following Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation

Acute colonic pseudoobstruction, also known as Ogilvie’s syndrome, is characterized by distension of the colon in the absence of a mechanical obstruction as evident by abdominal radiography. This syndrome is usually treated conservatively; however, medical or surgical therapies can be employed in refractory cases. Ogilvie’s syndrome has been reported following cardiac events, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiac bypass surgeries. We report the first case of Ogilvie’s syndrome following synchronized electric cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.