CHRONIC mesenteric ischemia is a vascular disease affecting two or more mesenteric vessels.
Generally characterised by postprandial abdominal pain, it starts within 15 to 30 minutes of eating and lasts for up to several hours.
Chronic mesenteric ischemia is associated with significant weight loss and you are at increased risk if you smoke.
Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a condition which can present to both physicians and surgeons and one which is often difficult to diagnose and requires a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis to be made.
It is a condition which is missed and failure to institute treatment can result in high mortality and morbidity.
Successful management of the condition involves close clinical co-operation between physicians, surgeons and interventional radiologists in order for the best outcome for the patient.
So if you experience any of the symptoms then please go and see your GP.
PETER WARD Runcorn
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