Postby Holly » Fri Nov 17, 2006 10:25 pm
janb,
I found this information for to peruse as your leisure. I hope it helps!
Holly
Colonic ischemia
Definition Return to top
Ischemic colitis involves an area of inflammation (irritation and swelling) caused by interference with the blood flow to the colon (large intestine).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Interference with blood flow to the colon is the cause of ischemic colitis. The disorder mainly affects people over 50, many of whom have a history of peripheral vascular disease. Other risk factors include:
Previous aortic surgery with unintentional damage to the artery supplying the colon
History of stroke
Low blood pressure
Congestive heart failure
Diabetes
Abdominal radiation exposure
Symptoms Return to top
Abdominal pain
Fever
Vomiting
Bright redblood in the stool
Diarrhea
Signs and tests Return to top
Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy showing inflamed mucosa or ulcers in the colon
Angiography showing a vascular (blood vessel) lesion
Treatment Return to top
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) Return to top
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 Return to top
Gangrene of the bowel
Perforation (hole in the intestine)
Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen)
Sepsis
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of ischemic colitis develop.
Prevention Return to top
Awareness of risk may allow early diagnosis and treatment. Absolute prevention may not be possible.
Update Date: 5/4/2006
Updated by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.