Ischemic colitis problems of diagnosis and treatment

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the characteristics of colonic ischemia and to identfy clinicobiological factors. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 20 patients in whom the diagnosis was made intraoperatively and confirmed pathologically, between 2010 and 2015. We classified ischemic colitis into reversible and irreversible types (gangrenous colitis). The influence of factors such as medical history, symptoms, physical examination, laboratory abnormalities, perioperative issues, complications and mortality was evaluated. Results Irreversible ischemic colitis (gangrenous ischemic type) was found in 5 patients. Pancolitis was most commonly observed for fulminant gangrenous colitis. Analysis of the clinicobiological factors indicated four predictive factors for gangrenous colitis: abdominal tenderness, absence of hematochezia, absence of diarrhea and albumin level. Conclusion Absence of hematochezia and diarrhea, presence of abdominal tenderness and hypoalbuminemia could be predictive factors for gangrenous changes of ischemic colitis. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2018; 7(2.000): 59-64]