Options For Treating Mesenteric Ischemia

Mesenteric ischemia is a condition that mainly affects the digestive system where blood flow to the intestines becomes restricted. The three arteries that provide oxygen-rich blood to the small and large intestines are called mesenteric arteries. When these arteries become blocked or narrowed, the amount of oxygen-rich blood traveling to the digestive tract is reduced. When this occurs, a section of the intestines cannot get an adequate amount of oxygen. Insufficient supply of oxygen causes cell death and permanent damage to intestinal tissues. Mesenteric ischemia can be caused by cardiovascular disease, blood clots, blood vessel surgery, or misuse of certain substances. There are two types of mesenteric ischemia. Acute ischemia is typically caused by blood clots, and symptoms appear suddenly. Chronic ischemia develops gradually, and it is usually caused by atherosclerosis. Common symptoms of mesenteric ischemia include diarrhea, nausea, fever, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Multiple options are available to treat mesenteric ischemia. Learn about these now.

Bowel Resection

A bowel resection is a surgical procedure used to remove any part of the bowel, including the rectum, large intestine, and small intestine. A bowel resection is also commonly known as a partial colectomy. When acute mesenteric ischemia occurs, a bowel resection is used to remove any scar tissue, blood clots, and regions of the dead intestine. There are three main ways a bowel resection can be performed. Open resection is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon uses traditional incisions and surgical tools to remove a section of the intestine manually. Laparoscopic resection is a surgical procedure in which a laparoscope is inserted into and used with a series of small incisions to remove a part of the intestine manually. A robot-assisted laparoscopic resection is a surgical procedure where a surgeon-controlled robot performs the surgical procedure with robot attached instruments. When areas of intestinal scarring or dead tissues are not removed, the bowel may become further obstructed, or toxicity can occur.

Uncover more details on the ways in which mesenteric ischemia can be treated now.

Surgical Revascularization

Surgical revascularization may be used to treat mesenteric ischemia in individuals who have the chronic form of the condition. Revascularization means the restoration of normal blood flow to the area of concern. A mesenteric artery bypass is a procedure in which an alternate route is constructed for oxygenated blood to flow from the aorta to the mesenteric artery. This alternative route allows the blood to bypass the part of the mesenteric artery that has become blocked or narrowed. The alternate route may be constructed using one of the patient's existing veins, or it is made with lab-created prosthetic material.

Another method of surgical revascularization is called balloon angioplasty and stenting. This minimally invasive procedure opens the obstructed mesenteric artery to restore blood flow to the intestines. During angioplasty and stenting, a catheter or small hollow tube is threaded from an incision in the groin to the affected mesenteric artery. Once the catheter is in place, a balloon is passed through it into the mesenteric artery. The balloon is then inflated to widen the interior diameter of the affected artery. A mesh tube or stent is then used to hold the artery open and restore adequate blood flow.

Continue to reveal more options for treating mesenteric ischemia now.