Ischemic colitis occurs when blood flow to part of the large intestine (colon) is reduced, usually due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels (arteries). The diminished blood flow doesn't provide enough oxygen for the cells in your digestive system.
Signs and symptoms of ischemic colitis can include:
• Pain, tenderness or cramping in your belly, which can occur suddenly or gradually
• Bright red or maroon-colored blood in your stool or, at times, passage of blood alone without stool
• A feeling of urgency to move your bowels
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
Based on your signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend these imaging tests:
• Ultrasound and abdominal CT scans, to provide images of your colon that can be helpful in ruling out other disorders, such as IBD.
• Stool analysis, to rule out infection as a cause of your symptoms.
• CT or MRI angiography, to provide detailed images of blood flow in your small intestine and to look for blocked arteries. This test is usually used only if ischemia is suspected in your small bowel as well as in your colon.
• Colonoscopy. This test, which provides detailed images of your colon, can be helpful in diagnosing ischemic colitis. Colonoscopy can also be used to check for cancer, and to see how well a treatment work
Treatment for ischemic colitis depends on the severity of your condition.
Signs and symptoms often diminish in two to three days in mild cases. But your doctor may recommend:
• Antibiotics, to prevent infections
• Intravenous fluids, if you are dehydrated
• Treatment for any underlying medical condition, such as congestive heart failure or an irregular heartbeat
• Avoiding medications that constrict your blood vessels, such as migraine drugs, hormone medications and some heart drugs
Doctor at Aadil Hospital will schedule follow-up colonoscopies to monitor healing and look for complications.
Surgery
While most cases resolve on their own, if your symptoms are severe, or your colon has been damaged, you may need surgery to:
• Remove dead tissue
• Repair a hole in your colon
• Bypass a blockage in an intestinal artery
• Remove part of the colon that has narrowed because of scarring and is causing a blockage
The likelihood of surgery may be higher if you have an underlying condition, such as heart disease or low blood pressure.
Consult at Aadil hospital for medical and surgical procdure.
