Arch Surg Chicago
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Psuedo-obstruction of the colon is a potentially lethal condition. The diagnosis should be suspected in a patient with derangement of a major extra-abdominal organ system in whom abdominal distention develops. ⋯ If the diameter of the cecum is less than 12 cm, conservative therapy is indicated but persistence of the distention or cecal diameter greater than 12 cm is an absolute indication for cecostomy. Perforation must be treated by cecostomy or colectomy depending on the amount of colon necrosis.