OGILVIE`S SYNDROME AS A COMPLICATION AFTER THE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION WITH A TRAM FLAP

Joo, Kwon; Chang, Ik Soo; Ahn, Sang Tae; Lim, Poong; Ham, Kee Sun

Abstract

Acute colonic pseudoobstruction was first reported in 1948 by Sir H. Ogilvie. It is characterized by an acute, abrupt right-sided colonic distention in the absence of physical reasons for obstruction. If untreated, it may progress to cecal perforation, peritonitis, and death. Although primary cases have been reported, 87 percent of cases were secondary results of medical or surgical conditions. The most common medical conditions were infections, cardiac disease, and neurologic problems. In surgical conditions, cesarean section has been reported as the most common cause of Ogilvie's syndrome. In 1995, the first case of Ogilvie's syndrome complicated after a cosmetic surgical procedure(abdominoplasty) was reported by Bradley et al. We report a case of Ogilvie's syndrome complicated after breast reconstruction with TRAM flap that developed in the postoperative third day in 35-year old woman. The complications are primarily related to decreased flap perfusion. No reference of intestinal pseudoobstruction was found in the literature conducted in regard to complications of TRAM flap breast reconstruction.