Acute superior mesenteric artery syndrome with complete foregut obstruction following Nissen fundoplication

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare but severe condition characterized by acute angulation of the aortomesenteric axis. It can result in compression and obstruction of the third part of the duodenum leading to life-threatening dilation and perforation of the proximal duodenum and stomach.

We report a rare case of a patient with postural abnormality secondary to multiple sclerosis and a borderline but normal aortomesenteric axis who developed SMAS following a paraesophageal hernia repair with Nissen fundoplication complicated by massive gastric dilation and perforation secondary due to a closed-loop-like foregut obstruction. The patient was managed with emergent damage control surgery and washout with delayed duodenojejunostomy for SMAS.

SMAS with partial obstruction can mimic common complications after Nissen fundoplication such as gas-bloat syndrome. SMAS with complete obstruction is a life-threatening surgical emergency. Postoperative weight loss, large hiatal hernia reduction, gas-bloat syndrome and postural changes in this patient may have contributed to an altered aortomesenteric axis and promoted the development of SMAS. Identifying possible predisposing factors should heighten vigilance and prompt radiological evaluation and surgical management to prevent life-threatening complications.

SMAS after Nissen fundoplication is a potentially life-threatening complication that presents with non-specific symptoms mimicking common complications like gas-bloat syndrome. A high index of suspicious should prompt early radiological evaluation in patients with predisposing factors.