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The management of mesenteric vein thrombosis: a single institution's experience
Fatih Yanar1, Orhan Ağcaoğlu, Ali Fuat Kaan Gök
1Department of General Surgery, İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey. yanar_fatih@yahoo.com
Background:
Mesenteric vein thrombosis occurs rarely and is responsible for approximately 5-15% of all cases of acute mesenteric ischemia. The aim of this report was to discuss the management of mesenteric vein thrombosis based on our experience with 34 patients.
Methods:
In the present study, 34 patients who were admitted to our emergency surgery department between January 2007 and January 2010 with a diagnosis of acute mesenteric vein thrombosis were assessed retrospectively. Patients with peritoneal signs first underwent diagnostic laparoscopy to rule out perforation or bowel gangrene. We performed a second-look laparoscopy within 72 hours of the first operation. All patients were administered 100 mg/kg of the anticoagulant enoxaparin twice daily. In the 6th and 12th months of follow up, CT angiography was performed to evaluate recanalization of the veins.
Results:
CT angiography revealed superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in 25 (73%) patients, portal vein thrombosis in 24 (70%) patients, and splenic vein thrombosis in 12 (35%) patients. Eleven patients with peritoneal signs underwent diagnostic laparoscopy; eight of the patients underwent small bowel resection, anastomosis, and trocar insertion. During second-look laparoscopy, small bowel ischemia was found in two patients and re-resection was performed.
Conclusion:
Early diagnosis with CT angiography, surgical and non-surgical blood flow restoration, proper anticoagulation, and supportive intensive care are the cornerstones of successful treatment of mesenteric vein thrombosis.
Insights
Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is rare but serious. Early diagnosis via CT angiography and prompt treatment including anticoagulation and surgical intervention are key for successful management and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is an uncommon cause of acute mesenteric ischemia, accounting for 5-15% of cases.
- This report details the management of MVT based on a cohort of 34 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the management strategies for mesenteric vein thrombosis.
- To evaluate the outcomes of a specific treatment protocol for MVT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 34 patients diagnosed with acute MVT between January 2007 and January 2010.
- Diagnostic laparoscopy for peritoneal signs, followed by second-look laparoscopy within 72 hours.
- Treatment included enoxaparin anticoagulation and follow-up CT angiography at 6 and 12 months to assess venous recanalization.
Main Results:
- CT angiography identified superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in 73%, portal vein thrombosis in 70%, and splenic vein thrombosis in 35% of patients.
- Eleven patients with peritoneal signs underwent laparoscopy; eight required small bowel resection and anastomosis.
- Two patients needed re-resection due to ischemia identified during second-look laparoscopy.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis using CT angiography is crucial for effective MVT management.
- Successful treatment relies on a combination of surgical/non-surgical revascularization, anticoagulation, and intensive supportive care.
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