Acute Complete Colonic Obstruction due to Ischemic Colitis: A Reported Case Requiring Surgery

Abstract

                   Diagnosis of ischemic colitis is challenging and base upon high index of suspicious. Most of ischemic colitis can resolve with non-operative treatment. Permanent stricture causing complete obstruction due to this disease was rare. We reported an eighty-seven years old Thai male presented with complete obstruction of colon that required emergency surgical treatment. Pre-operative investigation was only acute abdomen series film. The provisional diagnosis was malignant colonic obstruction. Intra-operative findings revealed colonic obstruction at splenic flexure. Left hemicolectomy with Hartmann pouch was performed. Pathological report revealed ischemic colitis causing complete stenosis. In conclusion, the more incidence of ischemic colitis may lead to larger number of colonic obstruction that requires emergency surgery. Recognition of ischemic colitis may reduce the morbidity and mortality from the complications.