Systematic review on the treatment of ischaemic colitis

Aim  Ischaemic colitis is uncommon. Aetiological factors include abdominal aortic surgery, drugs (especially inotropics) or rheumatoid diseases, such as Takayasu’s or Buerger’s diseases. However, there is often no triggering factor, and it may be part of multifactorial cardiac, respiratory, renal or metabolic failure. Method  A systematic review of the current literature on the management of ischaemic colitis was carried out. Results  Ten retrospective trials (841 patients) were included. No randomized controlled or prospective trial of the management of ischaemic colitis was found. Conclusion  There is very little evidence base for the management of this condition.