The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Mesenteric Ischemia

A life-threatening emergency requiring urgent intervention caused by occlusion of the mesenteric vessels supplying the bowel.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Genel Cerrahi department. Book Appointment →

What is Mesenteric Ischemia?

Mesenteric ischemia is the failure of intestinal tissue to receive sufficient oxygen due to occlusion of the superior or inferior mesenteric arteries supplying the small and large intestines, or impairment of venous drainage. There are three main types: acute arterial occlusion, non-occlusive ischemia (low-flow state), and mesenteric venous thrombosis.

Acute mesenteric ischemia is one of the highest-mortality conditions among general surgical emergencies; delayed diagnosis results in bowel gangrene and septic shock. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is characterized by recurrent post-prandial abdominal pain (mesenteric angina).

Contrast-enhanced CT angiography is the principal imaging modality for diagnosis; it demonstrates vascular occlusion, bowel wall thickening, and findings of necrosis such as pneumatosis intestinalis.

Symptoms

Sudden onset severe diffuse abdominal pain (pain disproportionate to physical findings)
Nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea
Abdominal swelling and distension
Fever, tachycardia, hypotension (in advanced stages)
In chronic form: abdominal pain starting 15-60 minutes after meals and weight loss
Leukocytosis and lactic acidosis on laboratory findings

Risk Factors

Atrial fibrillation and cardiac embolic sources
Atherosclerotic vascular disease and advanced age
Cardiogenic shock or septic shock
Hypercoagulable states (thrombophilias)
Congestive heart failure and low cardiac output
Following major abdominal or cardiac surgery

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden onset abdominal pain disproportionate to examination findings
  • Abdominal pain in a patient with known atrial fibrillation
  • Bloody diarrhea with tachycardia and hypotension
  • Recurrent post-prandial abdominal pain and weight loss
  • Severe abdominal pain together with findings of acidosis

Treatment Methods

01
Emergency CT angiography for diagnostic confirmation and identification of occlusion level
02
Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and aggressive fluid resuscitation
03
Endovascular revascularization: catheter-directed thrombectomy or thrombolysis
04
Open surgical embolectomy: in cases where endovascular intervention is not feasible
05
Bowel resection: when necrotic segments are detected; second-look laparotomy if needed
06
Long-term anticoagulation therapy (after venous thrombosis or embolism)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Genel Cerrahi department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Genel Cerrahi Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Appendicitis

Genel Cerrahi

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix causing severe pain in the lower right abdomen. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are life-saving.

Inguinal Hernia

Genel Cerrahi

Inguinal hernia is the protrusion of intestine or fat into the inguinal canal due to weakness in the abdominal wall. It can be permanently corrected with surgical treatment.

Umbilical Hernia

Genel Cerrahi

Umbilical hernia manifests as a soft swelling around the navel. While it often resolves spontaneously in infants, surgical treatment may be required in adults.

Gallstones and Cholecystectomy

Genel Cerrahi

Gallstones cause severe pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after fatty meals. They are safely treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Genel Cerrahi

Hemorrhoids result from swelling of the veins in the anus; they present with blood on toilet paper, itching, and pain. Various treatments are available, from lifestyle changes to surgery.

Anal Fissure

Genel Cerrahi

Anal fissure is a tear in the thin skin of the anal canal. It presents with sharp pain and bleeding and can be healed with medical or surgical treatment.

Pilonidal Sinus

Genel Cerrahi

Pilonidal sinus consists of tunnels and tracts prone to chronic infection, formed by hair becoming embedded under the skin in the tailbone area. Surgical treatment provides a permanent solution.

Thyroid Surgery

Genel Cerrahi

Thyroid surgery involves the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland for indications such as benign nodules, goiter, and thyroid cancer.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.