Chronic mesenteric vascular syndrome. Results of reconstructive surgery

Since 1961, 14 patients at the University Hospital of Leiden, the Netherlands, have undergone reconstructive surgery for treatment of chronic mesenteric vascular syndrome. Of the 42 mesenteric arteries, 31 were severely obstructed (mean, 2.2 stenotic arteries per patient). A total of 23 mesenteric arteries were repaired. Long-term follow-up data were available for all 13 surviving patients (mean follow-up, 11.8 years). Symptoms were relieved immediately after surgery, and relief was maintained during follow-up. Digital subtraction angiography at long-term follow-up evaluation was performed in eight patients (13 reconstructions) with these results: 11 (85%) of the 13 reconstructions were patent and severe stenoses were found in eight (33%) of the 24 mesenteric arteries (mean, 1.0 stenotic artery per patient). We conclude that reconstructive surgery for patients with chronic mesenteric vascular syndrome promptly relieves symptoms, provides excellent patency, and has long-lasting beneficial results.