Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis Following Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Single-Center Experience

Christa L Jillard, MD, M McLawhorn, Rana C Pullatt, MD, T K Byrne, MD

Medical University of South Carolina

INTRODUCTION: Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is an uncommon yet potentially life-threatening complication. While MVT has been established in hypercoagulable states and local-abdominal processes (splenectomy, pancreatitis, diverticulitis), its incidence and pathophysiology in the setting of laparoscopic bariatric surgery alone is relatively unknown and rarely reported. From the 2543 completed laparosocpic bariatric procedures at our institution, we present two cases of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis following both laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass procedure and laparoscopic gastric band placement.

DISCUSSION: A 42-year-old non-smoking female (BMI 38) who underwent laparoscopic gastric band placement, developed vague abdominal pain one month postoperatively and was found to have acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis and jejunal wall thickening on radiographic imaging. A 53-year-old non-smoking male (BMI 46) who underwent retrocolic-retrogastric laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass procedure, also developed abdominal pain ten days postoperatively and was discovered to have 60% narrowing and thrombosis of his superior mesenteric vein with associated jejunal wall thickening. Both patients completed a hypercoagulable workup; the female patient tested positive for protein S deficiency, while the male patient did not have a hypercoagulable predisposition. Both patients were treated with hydration and systemic anticoagulation with relief of symptoms. Follow-up CT scans demonstrated SMV recannulation in both patients.

CONCLUSION: Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis is a rare complication following laparoscopic bariatric surgery. In addition to accepted risk factors of hypercoagulability and local-abdominal processes, increased intra-abdominal pressure, intraoperative manipulation, or extrinsic anatomical compression might also contribute to venous compromise. Early identification and treatment can result in successful outcomes and decreased morbidity in this population.

Session: Poster Presentation

Program Number: P557