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Colonic ischemia
Mild, temporary ischemic colitis is treated by maintaining good blood pressure. This can be done with medicines and by avoiding dehydration. Antibiotics are sometimes used.
Chronic ischemic colitis leading to areas of narrowed colon (strictures) is treated by removing the narrowed areas with surgery.
Severe ischemic colitis that leads to gangrene is treated with:
Most cases of ischemic colitis are mild and will improve on their own. They do not need treatment.
The death rate is high when gangrene occurs because there is not enough blood supply.
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of ischemic colitis.
Hauser SC. Vascular diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 146.