Cardiovascular system >>>> Why is intestinal ischemia dangerous?

Why is intestinal ischemia dangerous?

The intestine, like any other internal organ, is supplied with blood. The role of blood transporters to the intestine is performed by the splanchnic or mesenteric arteries that branch off from the aorta (the upper artery departs from the aorta as part of the celiac trunk; the lower artery has an independent branch).

When, for any reason, the blood flow through these arteries is disturbed, then they speak of a lack of blood supply to the intestine or mesenteric ischemia of the intestine . As a rule, with mesenteric ischemia, the small intestine is involved in the process, but there are cases of impaired blood flow in the large intestine.

The causes of mesenteric intestinal ischemia lie in the narrowing of the lumen or blockage of the mesenteric arteries. This phenomenon occurs as a result of thrombosis, atherosclerosis of the mesenteric arteries, rupture of the aortic aneurysm, trauma to the mesenteric arteries, and a decrease in blood pressure.

Depending on the rate at which the symptoms of intestinal ischemia increase, acute mesenteric ischemia and chronic mesenteric ischemia are distinguished.

Acute mesenteric intestinal ischemia occurs suddenly when the lumen of the artery is blocked by a thrombus - intestinal thrombosis. This blockage causes necrosis of cells in the intestinal wall, contributes to the development of peritonitis and is manifested by acute pain in the abdominal region. An extreme case of intestinal thrombosis is fatal.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia of the intestine manifests itself with increased intestinal peristalsis (for example, after a meal), when sufficient blood flow to the intestine is required, and it is difficult due to atherosclerotic plaque on the walls of the mesenteric arteries. Chronic intestinal ischemia is also characterized by pain, but they are tied to the moment of eating and occur after a quarter of an hour (half an hour, an hour) after a meal.

The signs of intestinal ischemia are:

in the form of painful attacks after a meal, which can last up to two hours, gradually disappear and occur again after the next meal (similar to appendicitis);
weight loss associated with avoiding frequent meals due to pain;
dyspeptic disorders;
in the form of signs of intoxication of the body;
possible temperature rise;
the disappearance of intestinal peristalsis;
the development of symptoms of peritonitis.

Treatment of intestinal ischemia involves surgery to restore blood flow by embolectomy, or reconstruction of the main arteries using bypass grafting and, if necessary, resection of the necrotic part of the intestine. The success of the operation depends on the time the patient calls for help, so it is extremely important to pay attention to the described symptoms and immediately contact a medical facility, this will help prevent intestinal thrombosis (or intestinal infarction ) and save life.