Treatment

Treatment for ischemic colitis depends on the severity of your condition.

Signs and symptoms often diminish in two to three days in mild cases. Your doctor may recommend:

• Antibiotics, to prevent infections
• Intravenous fluids, if you are dehydrated
• Treatment for any underlying medical condition, such as congestive heart failure or an irregular heartbeat
• Avoiding medications that constrict your blood vessels, such as migraine drugs, hormone medications and some heart drugs

Your doctor may also schedule follow-up colonoscopies to monitor healing and look for complications.

Surgery

If your symptoms are severe, or your colon has been damaged, you may need surgery to:

• Remove dead tissue
• Repair a hole in your colon
• Remove part of the colon that has narrowed because of scarring and is causing a blockage

The likelihood of surgery may be higher if you have an underlying condition, such as heart disease, atrial fibrillation or kidney failure.