Distal intestinal obstruction in CF patients

Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) - the incomplete of complete intestinal obstruction by intestinal contents in the ter- minal ileum and proximal colon- is frequently seen in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Diagnosis is based on suggestive symptoms of ab- dominal pain in the right lower quadrant, a palpable mass on ex- amination and signs of obstruction on plain radiography. Treat- ment consists of intensive laxative treatment with oral laxatives and enemas. Surgery only serves as the last resort for patients not responding to medical therapy, because of the well-known high rate of peri- and postoperative morbidity of surgery in CF patients. In this article we present 3 cases of DIOS, followed by a review of the relevant literature. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2015, 78, 49-52).