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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffIn most cases, ischemic colitis resolves on its own within one to two days. In more advanced cases of ischemic colitis, complications may include:
- Gangrene. Untreated ischemic colitis could lead to tissue death (gangrene) in your colon. Gangrene may develop three to four weeks after the initial impairment of blood flow to your colon and can result in death if you don't receive timely treatment.
- Bleeding. Ischemic colitis can also cause a hole (perforation) in your intestine or persistent bleeding.
- Pain and blockage. Even as healing occurs, ischemic colitis can lead to colon scarring and narrowing. This can cause chronic abdominal pain and blockage.
- Colon cancer. In rare cases, ischemic colitis is the first sign of colon cancer.
- Other rare complications. These may include the accumulation of pus in the colon (abscess) and an inflammation of the membrane of the abdominal wall (peritonitis).
