Intermediate
Technical
IVT
ischemic bowel
Intestinal tissue damage resulting from inadequate blood supply to the bowel wall.
Full Definition
Ischemic bowel refers to intestinal injury caused by insufficient blood flow, which can be acute or chronic. Acute mesenteric ischemia is a surgical emergency that may result from arterial embolism, thrombosis, or venous occlusion. Chronic ischemia typically presents as postprandial pain and weight loss. Surgical intervention may involve embolectomy, bypass grafting, or bowel resection depending on the extent of tissue viability. Early recognition is crucial as delayed treatment can lead to bowel necrosis and perforation.
In Context
- "Intraoperative findings revealed ischemic bowel involving 60 cm of small intestine." — Operative report
- "The patient's symptoms were consistent with chronic ischemic bowel disease." — Consultation note
Also known as
mesenteric ischemia
bowel ischemia
Don't confuse with
inflammatory bowel disease
infectious enteritis