Alternative Names
Colonic ischemia
Definition of Ischemic colitis
Ischemic colitis is a sudden swelling (inflammation) of part of the large intestine (colon) that occurs when there is a temporary loss of, or reduction in, blood flow to the colon.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Ischemic colitis mainly affects people over 50. Many of them have a history of .
Treatment
Treatment for mild ischemic colitis often involves:
Expectations (prognosis)
Most cases of ischemic colitis are mild and will improve on their own. They do not need surgical treatment.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Mediicne, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 1/20/2010
