The aim of the review was to describe the evolution of scientific ideas about the syndrome of pseudo-obstruction of the large intestine (Ogilvie syndrome), taking into account the etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, the incidence of the disease, the state-of-art in diagnosis and treatment. The paper presents an analysis of the literature on the pseudoobstruction of the colon (Ogilvie syndrome) – the acute dilatation of the colon in the absence of any mechanical obstruction. The essence of the concept, the correctness of the notation, definitive criteria, terminology, pathophysiological and pathogenetic aspects of the disease according to the literature are described. The diagnostic and treatment algorithms are correctly described with an assessment of their effectiveness in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine. Despite the large number of publications devoted to Ogilvie syndrome and the increased awareness of doctors of various specialties on this pathology, its diagnostics is still difficult and often untimely.