Published in:
01-04-2017 | Brief Communication
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Complicated by Portomesenteric Vein Thrombosis: a Case Series
Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 4/2017
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Background
Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, complication following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
Cases
Here, we discuss three cases of LSG complicated by the development of PMVT post-operatively. All patients presented within the first 20 days post-operatively with complaint of non-specific abdominal pain. All patients were successfully treated with therapeutic anticoagulation during hospitalization and discharged home with long-term anticoagulation.
Discussion
As the number of LSG performed annually continues to increase, a high index of suspicion should remain for PMVT in patients presenting with abdominal pain post-operatively. We suspect that the development of PMVT in patients undergoing LSG is secondary to manipulation of short gastric vessels, tributaries of the portal venous system, in combination with local inflammation and dehydration.