Abstract

Background
/Aims: Ischemic colitis is the most prevalent form of gastrointestinal ischemia, accounting for approximately 50 to 60% of all gastrointestinal ischemic episodes. There are many conditions that predispose an individual to ischemic colitis as well as a wide variety of clinical and endoscopic presentations. This study reviewed the risk factors associated with ischemic colitis, the site of colonic involvement and the effect of antibiotics on the hospital stay. Methods: 34 inpatients with ischemic colitis during October 2001 and November 2004 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had intestinal bleeding. Results: The mean age of the patients was 56⁑14. Among the 34 cases, 15 cases had the risk factors associated with ischemic colitis. The presenting symptoms were mainly abdominal pain and diarrhea. The endoscopic findings revealed four cases with pancolitis. One case with chronic liver disease died from septic shock. The mean hospital stay was 12⁑5 days, which was reduced by early admission and colonoscopic diagnosis, bowel rest and fluid therapy. However, patient's age, clinical presentations, location of the involved colon, the presence of risk factors and the use of antibiotics did not influence the hospital stay. Conclusions: If ischemic colitis with intestinal bleeding is suspected, an early colonoscopic diagnosis and medical treatment such as bowel rest and fluid therapy can reduce the hospital stay. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2006;33:140⁣144)

• Keywords: Ischemic colitis, Colonoscopy