Ischemic bowel disease

Ischemic bowel disease results from a lack of blood flow to the intestines that occurs when an artery that supplies blood to the intestines becomes blocked or narrowed. It often causes abdominal pain, especially after eating, and sometimes bleeding from the rectum.

Ischemic bowel disease most often occurs in older people. It can be difficult to diagnose. Although mild ischemic bowel disease may improve without treatment, emergency surgery may be needed for severe cases.