Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis following Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a rare but lethal disease. Mesenteric venous thrombosis (VAMI) is a subtype of AMI. Morbid obesity is usually accompanied by hypertension, hyperlipidemia or diabetes mellitus, which are risk factors associated with AMI. Case presentation: We present a 28-year-old man with mesenteric venous thrombosis post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). He was first misdiagnosed with intestinal obstruction. Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis was confirmed after computed tomography angiography (CTA). Laparotomy, resection of necrotic small bowel and ostomy were performed immediately. Conclusion: Patients with morbidly obese accompanied by hypertension, hyperlipidemia or diabetes mellitus have a high risk of AMI. Abdominal pain with sudden onset should be considered as AMI. Anticoagulation therapy post sleeve gastrectomy might help to reduce the incidence of AMI.