Surgical management of chronic mesenteric venous thrombosis--a case report

Although mesenteric venous thrombosis is an uncommon disease, it is a diagnostic dilemma and if left untreated results in significant morbidity and mortality. The clinical presentation of mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is varied and depends on the etiology. Prompt recognition and treatment is important as this may limit the progression of thrombosis. Even though medical management is the current mainstay of therapy, there have been reported cases of clinical improvement with operative management. The authors describe an improved outcome following mesenteric-systemic shunting in a symptomatic patient with acute-on-chronic MVT affecting the proximal superior mesenteric vein.