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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Case report

Anastomotic leak management after a low anterior resection leading to recurrent abdominal compartment syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

Authors: Kostas Toutouzas, Eleftheria S Kleidi, Panagiotis G Drimousis, Margarita Balla, Metaxia N Papanikolaou, Andreas Larentzakis, Dimitrios Theodorou, Stylianos Katsaragakis

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Introduction

Low anterior resection is usually the procedure of choice for rectal cancer, but a series of complications often accompany this procedure. This case report describes successful management of an intricate anastomotic leak after a low anterior resection.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with a low rectal adenocarcinoma. He underwent a low anterior resection but subsequently developed fecal peritonitis due to an anastomotic leak. He was operated on again but developed abdominal compartment syndrome, multi-organ failure and sepsis. He was aggressively treated in the intensive care unit and in the operating room. Overall, the patient underwent four laparotomies and stayed in the intensive care unit for 75 days. He was discharged after 3 months of hospitalization.

Conclusion

Abdominal compartment syndrome may present as a devastating complication of damage control laparotomy. Prompt recognition and goal-directed management are the cornerstones of treatment.
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Metadata
Title
Anastomotic leak management after a low anterior resection leading to recurrent abdominal compartment syndrome: a case report and review of the literature
Authors
Kostas Toutouzas
Eleftheria S Kleidi
Panagiotis G Drimousis
Margarita Balla
Metaxia N Papanikolaou
Andreas Larentzakis
Dimitrios Theodorou
Stylianos Katsaragakis
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-125

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