Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Ask the Expert

Dr. Cross’s Bio Image

Get answers to your Inflammatory Bowel Disease questions by
e-mailing Dr. Cross.

Dr. Cross’s Bio | Q&A Archive

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

Related Content


 

Ischemic colitis

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:

Calling your health care provider:

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

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com