When is surgery indicated in patients with ischemic colitis?
- Surgery is indicated in patients who present with or develop peritoneal signs, massive bleeding, gangrene or perforation, evidence of toxic megacolon, or fulminant colitis.
- It should be considered even with apparent healing in patients who have recurrent bouts of sepsis and in patients who fail to respond to conservative measures over 2 to 3 weeks.
- Symptomatic colon strictures may also warrant surgical or endoscopic correction (e.g., balloon dilation or stent placement).
