Radiation, Microscopic, and Ischemic Colitis

Abstract

Colitis spans a spectrum of pathologies. This chapter focuses on colitides that affect a large number of patients but may not always be appreciated. Microscopic colitis, for example, has been found to affect up to 30% of patients over the age of 70 with chronic diarrhea and a normal colonoscopy. With the increasing use of radiation, radiation colitis and proctitis have become a common problem that colorectal surgeons need a knowledge base of to manage appropriately. Ischemic colitis is the most common cause of gastrointestinal ischemia. An appreciation of the basics of the pathophysiology and medical and surgical management gives a surgeon the ability to maximize the quality of care provided to every patient they encounter with these issues.