Ischemic Colitis Research Paper

The condition I have written about is ischemic colitis. Ischemic colitis (IC) is inflammation of the large intestine (colon). Ischemic colitis occurs when there is reduction of blood flow to part of the large intestine (colon), because the blood vessels (arteries) have narrowed or blocked, which then decreases the amount of oxygen to the cells in the digestive system. IC is also known as mesenteric artery ischemia, mesenteric vascular disease, or colonic ischemia. The most dangerous complication of IC is gangrene, or tissue death after insufficient blood flow to the colon, which may need surgery to remove the dead tissue. Others complications include a perforation in the intestine, peritonitis, and widespread sepsis infection.

The causes …show more content…
The diagnosis of IC uses medical history and diagnostic tests, but is mistaken for inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.The tests include: an ultrasound or CT scan for visual images of the blood vessels and intestines, a mesenteric angiogram to visualize inside the arteries and find the blockage site, and a blood test to check for a white blood cell count to show severity of IC.
The treatment of IC is differently based on the conditions of the cases. If there are mild cases of IC treatment includes: using antibiotics to prevent infection, a liquid diet for adequate colon function, intravenous (IV) fluids for hydration, and pain medication. If it is acute IC, then it will be a medical emergency since tissue death may have occurred. The required treatment may include thrombolytics, which are medicines that dissolve blood clots; vasodilators, which are medicines that can widen the mesenteric arteries; and a surgery to remove the blockage in the arteries. If it is chronic IC, treatment may only be surgery if other treatments