How to Treat Ischemic Bowel Disease?

Ischemic bowel disease is a severe condition that typically occurs when arteries become blocked or hardened, leading to insufficient blood supply to the intestinal arteries. Failure to treat it promptly can have severe consequences on the body. The primary patient population for ischemic bowel disease is middle-aged and elderly individuals. Symptoms of ischemic bowel disease include abdominal pain and bloating, and in severe cases, intestinal obstruction may also occur. Therefore, it is crucial to seek timely treatment once ischemic bowel disease is diagnosed.

The commonly used treatment method for ischemic bowel disease is conservative medical treatment, namely drug therapy. Specific methods include:

1. Control of primary diseases: Managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, vasodilatation, and active treatment of the primary disease;
2. Vasodilatation therapy: Targeting the diseased vessels to restore blood supply to the affected area;
3. Anticoagulant therapy: This aspect is clinically controversial and should be selectively administered based on a comprehensive analysis of the patient's clinical manifestations and auxiliary examinations;
4. Interventional therapy: Inserting a catheter into the diseased vessel and locally applying anticoagulants or vasodilators;
5. Surgical treatment: This is indicated for patients with intestinal necrosis, stenosis, obstruction, or perforation.

Ischemic bowel disease primarily affects the small intestine or colon. Vascular lesions supplying the small intestine or colon can lead to reduced blood supply, ultimately resulting in intestinal necrosis and a range of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, bloody stool, nausea, and vomiting. It commonly occurs in the elderly population, especially those with underlying diseases, who are prone to atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and embolus detachment, causing reduced or blocked blood supply. Long-term use of contraceptives by some young women can also increase the risk of ischemic bowel disease. A typical presentation is the appearance of bloody stool 12-24 hours after abdominal pain onset. Endoscopic examination reveals clearly defined mucosal damage, erosion, and ulceration.