Ischaemia

Abstract

The frequency of vascular accidents in the intestine is far less than that observed in the heart, brain or limbs, but it is important to recognize and treat these conditions. Mid-gut necrosis is almost always fatal, and survival figures have not improved over the years in spite of advances in patient support and in operative technique. Chronic arterial stenosis of true clinical importance is hard to find though radiological lesions are common. Focal ischaemia, particularly in the colon, occurs quite frequently, and should be borne in mind in the differential diagnosis of enterocolitis of unexplained origin, particularly in the elderly patient.