Ischemic colitis

Fifteen patients with ischemic colitis were treated; in every case the diagnosis was made at operation or autopsy. Abdominal pain, tenderness, and distention were the most common findings. Five patients had the transient form of the disease, two stricturing, and eight gangrenous. Five patients were operated upon, two because of stricturing disease, three because of gangrene of the colon. Both of the former patients survived, one of the latter. Diagnosis of transient ischemic colitis can be made by barium enema studies. This form of the disease is self-limiting and recovery should be expected. Stricturing ischemic colitis may be diagnosed by barium enema, but doubtful cases will require laparotomy and resection. It is difficult, if not impossible, to differentiate the gangrenous form of the disease from other abdominal catastrophes without operation. When the condition is found at celiotomy, bowel resection without anastomosis is recommended.