Related Experiment Videos
Portal vein thrombi after restorative proctocolectomy
Feza H Remzi1, Victor W Fazio, Mustafa Oncel
1Departments of Colorectal Surgery; Radiology; and Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. remzif@ccf.org
Surgery
|October 31, 2002
Summary
Portal vein thrombi (PVT) are common after restorative proctocolectomy (RP), often presenting with symptoms like fever and pain. Undiagnosed PVT may have no serious consequences, and anticoagulation treatment leads to complete recovery.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Restorative proctocolectomy (RP) is the standard surgical treatment for ulcerative colitis.
- Portal vein thrombi (PVT) are a potential complication following abdominal surgery.
- The clinical presentation and implications of PVT after RP require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation of portal vein thrombi (PVT) in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy (RP).
- To determine the implications and outcomes associated with PVT in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients who underwent RP between January 1997 and December 2000.
- Analysis of postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans for the presence of PVT.
- Correlation of PVT diagnosis with patient demographics, symptoms, and clinical course.
Main Results:
- Of 94 patients with postoperative CT scans, 42 (45%) were diagnosed with PVT.
- PVT was frequently associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis.
- PVT occurred in 20 patients with septic complications and in 22 patients without evidence of sepsis.
Conclusions:
- Portal vein thrombi (PVT) are frequently diagnosed via CT scan in patients post-restorative proctocolectomy (RP).
- PVT often presents with common postoperative symptoms, potentially complicating diagnosis.
- Subtle PVT may resolve without significant consequences, and anticoagulation therapy is associated with complete recovery.