Investigation and management of ischemic colitis.

The colon is the most common site of gastrointestinal ischemia. The condition resolves completely with conservative treatment in most cases, but late diagnosis or severe ischemia can be associated with high rates of complications and death. Once ischemic colitis is diagnosed, serial physical examinations and colonoscopies are helpful to follow the condition. Prompt surgery is required for severe episodes, when conservative measures fail, and for patients with chronic symptoms.