1. Introduction

Intestinal ischemia occurs when, as a result of inadequate systemic blood flow or local vascular abnormalities, the metabolic demand of the tissue supersedes the delivery of oxygen. In older patients inadequate vascular supply is frequent, and thus ischemic bowel disease occurs most often in the elderly. It may also be seen in young patients suffering from vascular abnormalities - e.g., collagen diseases, vasculitis, diabetes - or in those taking vasoconstrictor drugs. Clinical manifestations are varied, depending on the site of the vascular occlusion and the extent of the bowel necrosis.