Acute large-bowel obstruction in the absence of an
obvious mechanical cause. Colonic dysmotility probably results, in part,
from an imbalance in the autonomic innervation of the colon. This syndrome
most commonly follows pelvic surgery, trauma, normal pregnancy, or cesarean
section, but it has also been described in association with many conditions,
including myocardial or mesenteric ischemia, most types of surgery,
intraabdominal sepsis, pneumonia, metabolic disturbances, drugs (e.g.,
antidepressants), and multiple sclerosis. Marked dilatation of the colon may
cause localized ischemia of the serosa, resulting in splitting of the
serosa, herniation of the mucosa, and ultimately bowel perforation.