Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Therapy

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare and severe condition characterized by a marked impairment of gut propulsive motility mimicking a mechanical obstruction in the absence of any demonstrable mechanical cause of luminal constriction of the gastrointestinal tract. Abnormalities of the enteric neuromuscular control systems may account for the gut dysmotility observed in CIPO. Patients with CIPO usually experience disabling symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications which may go unrecognized. Nutritional support is often required and is a cornerstone of the management of patients with CIPO. Medical and surgical therapeutic options are generally unsatisfactory and long-term outcome is poor in most cases.