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Ischemic colitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Colonic ischemia

Treatment:

Mild, transient ischemic colitis is treated by maintaining good blood pressure. This can be done with medicines and avoiding dehydration. Antibiotics are sometimes used.

Chronic ischemic colitis leading to stricture formation (areas of narrowed colon) is treated by surgical removal of the stricture.

Severe ischemic colitis leading to gangrene is treated with replacement of blood volume, antibiotics, and surgical removal of the affected bowel area.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most cases of ischemic colitis are mild, self-limited, and do not require therapy. The death rate is high when gangrene occurs as a result of inadequate blood supply.

Complications:

• Gangrene of the bowel
• Perforation (hole in the intestine)
• Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen)
• Sepsis

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of ischemic colitis develop.

• Review Date: 5/4/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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