Nicorandil-induced colonic ulceration.

A 76-year-old woman with significant cardiovascular comorbidities was investigated under general surgery for weight loss and change in bowel habit. Endoscopic investigations revealed a large ulcer extending from the ileocaecal valve to the ascending colon. Histology of the biopsies from this site revealed chronic inflammation and reactive changes. However, considering the history and suspicious radiological and endoscopic findings, decision was made at a multidisciplinary meeting to offer laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Owing to complications, the procedure was converted to an open surgery. Postoperatively, histology of resected bowel revealed chronic inflammation and no evidence of malignancy. In light of an 8-year history of nicorandil therapy, the histological changes were thought to represent nicorandil-induced colonic ulceration. 2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.