Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
Published on: March 15, 2024
[Successfully treated case of postoperative mesenteric panniculitis]
Gábor Bognár1, Bence Forgács, Gábor István
1Semmelweis Egyetem, II sz Sebészeti Klinika, Budapest, Hungary. bgabor@kut.sote.hu
Abstract:
Mesenteric panniculitis can develop in every patient after abdominal surgery. The clinical and pathological signs are usually vague, so different therapeutic approaches are recommended at various stages of the disease. While some authors suggest that these stages are different manifestations of the the same disease, others claim that the various stages represent the progression of a single entity. We report a case of a 65 year-old male patient with mesenteric panniculitis and fibrosis, which developed after laparoscopic sigmoid resection first, and required a Hartmann's procedure finally. The disease developed once again after the elective reconstruction of the colon. This time surgical intervention was not possible and he was treated conservatively with intravenous steroids, antibiotics, parenteral nutrition and continuous nasogastric tube. The patient gradually recovered in three weeks time. We report this successful treatment, and review the relevant literature.
Insights
Mesenteric panniculitis, a post-abdominal surgery complication, can recur. This case highlights successful conservative management with steroids and supportive care for recurrent disease after colon reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the mesentery.
- Its etiology and progression remain incompletely understood, with varying clinical presentations.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male developed mesenteric panniculitis and fibrosis post-laparoscopic sigmoid resection.
- The condition recurred after subsequent colon reconstruction, precluding further surgery.
Findings:
- The patient achieved recovery within three weeks through conservative treatment, including intravenous steroids, antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, and nasogastric tube feeding.
- This case demonstrates the efficacy of non-surgical management in recurrent mesenteric panniculitis.
Implications:
- Conservative management can be a viable option for recurrent mesenteric panniculitis when surgery is not feasible.
- Further research into the distinct stages and therapeutic strategies for mesenteric panniculitis is warranted.
