Ischemic colitis complicating reconstruction of the abdominal aorta.

A review of 23 patients with ischemic colitis after surgical treatment of the abdominal aorta disclosed a pathogenetic heterogeneous finding. Ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery, abolished collateral blood supply or nonocclusive low flow state, or both, was a common feature. An incidence of 0.5 per cent was revealed for full-thickness necrosis. The mortality was 70 per cent since diagnosis was made first since perforation and peritonitis had occurred. On the basis of these findings vital prophylactic measures and diagnostic possibilities are discussed herein.