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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Laparoscopy associated mesenteric vascular complications
Bryan K Richmond1, Liza Thalheimer
1Department of Surgery, West Virginia University/Charleston Division, Charleston, West Virginia 25304, USA. brichmond@hsc.wvu.edu
Abstract:
Since the first reported case in 1994, a small but significant number of patients have developed major mesenteric arterial and venous thromboses after laparoscopy, usually with catastrophic outcomes. The basic science data in both animal and human models suggest that these events were due in part to specific predisposing patient factors, combined with the physiologic changes in splanchnic hemodynamics that occur during induction and maintenance of pneumoperitoneum. The following manuscript examines the science of this phenomenon in detail and the features of the reported cases to date, with the goal being to increase awareness of this serious and likely underreported phenomenon.
Insights
Laparoscopic surgery can lead to serious mesenteric thrombosis due to patient factors and pneumoperitoneum. Increased awareness is crucial for recognizing and managing this rare but catastrophic complication.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Complications
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Mesenteric thrombosis is a rare but severe complication following laparoscopic procedures.
- First reported in 1994, these thrombotic events often have catastrophic outcomes.
- Predisposing patient factors and physiological changes during pneumoperitoneum are implicated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the science behind mesenteric thrombosis after laparoscopy.
- To review reported cases and their features.
- To increase awareness of this underreported phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Review of basic science data from animal and human models.
- Analysis of documented patient cases of mesenteric thrombosis post-laparoscopy.
Main Results:
- Laparoscopy-associated mesenteric thrombosis is linked to patient-specific risk factors.
- Physiological hemodynamic shifts during pneumoperitoneum contribute to thrombosis.
- Outcomes are frequently catastrophic, highlighting the severity of the condition.
Conclusions:
- Mesenteric arterial and venous thromboses are serious potential complications of laparoscopy.
- A combination of patient factors and pneumoperitoneum-induced hemodynamic changes likely contributes.
- Enhanced awareness and understanding are necessary to improve patient outcomes.
