$Unique_ID{BRK00175}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{What is a Dead Bowel?}
$Subject{mesenteric block artery death}
$Volume{I-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is a Dead Bowel?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  A few weeks ago I lost a sister.  The doctor said she had a dead
bowel.  Please tell me what this is and what causes it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Although there is not much to go in in your letter, I selected it for
two reasons.  The first is to underline the importance of obtaining
explanations from your physician that you understand.  All of us are just a
bit embarrased to admit that some word or phrase has slipped past us that just
didn't make sense.  But without a clear, simple description of the medical
situation, we can be left confused and frustrated, and more important
incapable of using this important information in our own health care.
     Now to try to answer your question, and I am not at all sure that it is
correct in this case, but its the best I can offer.  I think your sister
suffered from a blocking of the main artery that supplies blood and
nourishment to the bowels or intestines.  Its medical name is "superior
mesenteric artery occlusion" and it is a true medical emergency.  It starts
with severe, unrelenting abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
It rapidly prpogresses into shock.  In a very short time, gangrene develops,
followed by death.  The only possible treatment is immediate surgery, but even
then the chances are very slim for a positive outcome.
     The disease is most common in the elderly, and is a result of hardening
of the arteries or atherosclerotic arterial disease.  Sometimes this causes a
condition called abdominal angina, and when that occurs, careful diagnosis
using angiography (a special x-ray technique that can display the condition of
blood vessels) can be arrived at before the acute condition strikes, and then
surgery can provide more help.
     With all this information, perhaps you can discuss what happened to your
sister with her doctor, and find out what really happened.  And please let me
know if I came close to the diagnosis.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
