Subcutaneous neostigmine appears safe and effective for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome)

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version

Version of Record (VoR)

Author(s)
Frankel, Adam
Gillespie, Christopher
Lu, Cu-Tai
Hewett, Peter
Wattchow, David
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2019
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

Background: Intravenous neostigmine is a well-established treatment for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO). Its use is hampered by the perceived requirement for continuous cardiac monitoring, and patients are often transferred to high-dependency units for close observation during treatment. Subcutaneous neostigmine has the potential to minimize adverse cardiovascular effects while maintaining efficacy. This study aims to assess the safety of subcutaneous neostigmine on ward inpatients with ACPO monitored with standard nursing care. Methods: This is a retrospective case series of 30 patients with ACPO who were treated with subcutaneous neostigmine between August 2008 and October 2012. Data were collected prospectively. All patients were diagnosed using clinical examination and radiology and were assessed for contraindications to neostigmine. Patients were treated on regular wards and monitored with standard nursing observations. The main outcomes were time to flatus and bowels working and complications. Results: No serious complications such as clinically evident bradycardia were encountered. Ninety-three percent of patients had clinically successful resolution of ACPO. Two patients (7%) developed caecal tenderness and proceeded to colonoscopic decompression, which was successful in both instances. Conclusions: Subcutaneous neostigmine appears to be safe for the treatment of ACPO. No clinically evident serious adverse events occurred, meaning continuous cardiac monitoring as a routine may not be necessary. In our cohort, we achieved similar success rates compared with reported rates using intravenous neostigmine.

Journal Title

ANZ Journal of Surgery

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

89

Issue

6

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2019 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Subcutaneous neostigmine appears safe and effective for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome), ANZ Journal of Surgery, 2019, 89 (6), pp. 700-705, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.15265. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Surgery

Clinical sciences

Science & Technology

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Surgery

colorectal surgery

general surgery

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Frankel, A; Gillespie, C; Lu, C-T; Hewett, P; Wattchow, D, Subcutaneous neostigmine appears safe and effective for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome), ANZ Journal of Surgery, 2019, 89 (6), pp. 700-705

Collections