[Ischemic colitis following AAA procedures]

Bowel ischemia following the AAA operation is a rare complication. However, it is the most common reason of death after elective AAA operation with the incidence of 5-9% and 30-60% following RAAA operation with mortality rate around 60%.

Retrospective analysis of 207 patients undergoing elective and emergent AAA operation between 1st January 2007 and 31st July 2010 was made. We evaluated clinical and para clinical symptoms leading to the observed diagnosis.

During the observed period we have treated 207 patients with the AAA. 174 (84%) patients were elective, 33 (16%) were urgent (RAAA). Postoperative mortality of the entire group was 19 patients (9.2%). The most common reason of death was found to be ischemic colitis--8 patients (42%). Ischemic colitis was diagnosed in 17 patients (8.2%) with the mortality 41.2%. Diagnosis was made by colonoscopy in 58.8% of patients, the rest was operated on following the clinical finding of an acute abdomen. In a group of patients with an early diagnosis and treatment of ischemic colitis (until the 4th post operative day) the mortality rate was 20%, increasing till 71.4% when the diagnosis was done later than on 4th postoperative day.

Nevertheless the ischemic colitis is a rare complication following AAA operation the surgeon must be proactive regarding this severe complication especially in high risk patients. Clinical symptoms are not specific, most often too early peristaltic and diarrhoea with addition of blood is apparent. Procalcitonine and D-lactate seem to be promising among the blood markers. Colonoscopy is a method of choice if there is any doubt in postoperative process. The need of relaparotomy is given by colonoscopy finding together with clinical, biochemical symptoms, signs and the clinical status of the patient. The resection of diseased part of bowel with the colostomy is mandatory.

The final diagnosis of ischemic colitis is difficult and the decision for reoperation is a matter of surgeons' experience despite of clinical and paraclinical findings. Only fast and adequate treatment can be successful. Any delay in diagnosis is fatal for the patients.