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Colo-colonic anastomosis in a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device patient
William J Knaus1, Craig H Olson1
1University of Texas, Southwestern Dallas, TX, USA.
Asian Journal of Surgery
|March 17, 2015
Summary
This case study shows that colonic anastomoses are feasible in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Successful intestinal surgery, including colonic anastomosis, is possible even with the pulsatile flow environment of an LVAD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Increasing number of patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) require noncardiac operations.
- Limited data exists on the impact of continuous-flow LVADs on colonic vascular supply for anastomoses.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male on LVAD support for heart failure underwent multiple noncardiac surgeries.
- He successfully had a sigmoid loop colostomy and subsequent stoma closure with a stapled colonic anastomosis.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of a successful colonic anastomosis in a patient supported by a continuous-flow LVAD.
- The patient's colonic anastomosis healed without complications, despite the altered hemodynamics induced by the LVAD.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the potential for performing colonic anastomoses in select LVAD patients.
- Further research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of LVADs in patients undergoing extensive intestinal resections.
