Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm rupture post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Stephanie M Babic1, Roshan N Ramachandran1
1Department of General Surgery, Albany Health Campus, Western Australia Country Health Service, 30 Warden Ave, Spencer Park, Western Australia, 6330, Australia.
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
|November 26, 2024
Summary
A ruptured splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (SAP) is a rare complication after bariatric surgery. Prompt recognition and emergency splenectomy are crucial for managing this life-threatening condition, especially in remote settings.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (SAP) is an uncommon vascular issue.
- Bariatric surgery is an emerging risk factor for SAP development.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old woman presented with hemodynamic instability and abdominal pain two years post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
- The patient experienced a ruptured SAP with active bleeding.
Findings:
- Emergency laparotomy was performed due to failure to stabilize the patient.
- Splenectomy was the definitive management for the ruptured SAP.
Implications:
- A high index of suspicion for SAP is vital in patients with abdominal pain and collapse post-bariatric surgery.
- Emergency laparotomy and splenectomy are critical in resource-limited settings without interventional radiology access.
