NSAID-induced colopathy: case report and review of the literature.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed in different conditions. NSAIDs are well known to induce gastroduodenal damage as well as more distal small bowel and large bowel damage. NSAID-colopathy (ulceration or stricture formation) usually involves the right colon, but the rectum may be involved too. Patients may present with diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, weight loss or obstruction. Inflammatory bowel diseases and malignancy must be ruled out before establishing the diagnosis. Discontinuation of the NSAID is the rule. Balloon dilatation has been shown to be effective in the treatment of colonic and ileo-colonic strictures. Surgery is reserved for multiple strictures or complications.