Background: Ogilvie's syndrome is described in the adult population, but rarely seen in children. Case presentation: We present a case of a girl who suffered acute colonic pseudo-obstruction after laparoscopic appendectomy. Conclusions: Ogilvie's syndrome, although rare in the pediatric population, should be considered as possible diagnosis after a surgical procedure in presence of persisting subocclusive symptoms and radiological signs of massive colonic dilatation without mechanical obstruction.