Bowel Necrosis

The term "dead bowel" usually refers to intestinal ischemia, a situation in which a segment of the intestine stops receiving enough blood and its tissue begins to be damaged. It is a serious condition that requires urgent attention.

Common symptoms:

• Intense, sudden abdominal pain, sometimes out of proportion to the physical exam.
• Nausea, vomiting, or bloating.
• The presence of blood in bowel movements.

Common causes: It can be caused by clots that block the arteries or veins of the intestine, very low blood pressure, or adhesions and hernias that compromise blood flow.

When to see a doctor? With severe and persistent abdominal pain, it is best to seek immediate care, since every hour counts.

Which specialist treats it? The evaluation usually falls to the general surgeon, with support from the general practitioner in the emergency and, when there are associated tumors, from the oncologist or the proctologist. If you have these signs, the wisest thing is for a professional to evaluate your case without delay.