Colonic Bleeding and Ischemia

Colonic bleeding is common, has multiple etiologies, and is a significant cause of hospitalization and mortality in adult patients. Most episodes of acute colonic bleeding resolve spontaneously with conservative management. The urgency of diagnostic workup and therapeutic intervention is dependent on acuity and severity of hemorrhage. Colonic ischemia results from colonic hypoperfusion and is a relatively rare condition. It can be roughly classified as occlusive and nonocclusive. Clinical presentation varies widely depending on the degree of ischemia. Diagnosis of colonic ischemia requires a combination of diagnostic techniques. Treatment is dependent on severity of disease and ranges from supportive care to surgical resection.