Portomesenteric venous thrombosis in a prophylactically anticoagulated obese patient after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case report

Background Obesity is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, so weight reduction is important. Bariatric surgery is a well-tolerated approach for reducing body weight, with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy commonly performed. An uncommon and potentially fatal sequela of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is portomesenteric vein thrombosis, which may result in severe bowel ischemia. Case report A 32-year-old Middle Eastern obese man (body mass index 33) presented to the emergency department with severe, generalized abdominal pain 2 weeks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed extensive acute on chronic portosplenic and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis with associated small bowel ischemia. Laparoscopic exploration was converted to midline laparotomy and an extensive ischemic small bowel resection. Conclusion Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy carries a risk of both morbidity and mortality. Venous thromboembolism is a well-known risk of bariatric surgery, but portomesenteric vein thrombosis is also a rare but sometimes serious complication. A high index of suspicion for portomesenteric vein thrombosis to prompt early detection is essential in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy to minimize complications and optimize outcomes. Uncertainty still remains around the optimal dose and duration of anticoagulation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Portomesenteric Vein Thrombosis after Bariatric Surgery: An Online Survey

Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT) is a rare post-operative complication of bariatric procedures, occurring in between 0.3% and 1% of cases. A structured questionnaire consisting of 27 items was available online to members of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) to investigate the occurrence of PMVT. A total of 89 bariatric surgeons from 61 countries participated. Twenty-six (29.21%) reported at least one case of PMVT (46.15% males; 53.84% females). The surgery most associated with PMVT occurrence was sleeve gastrectomy (84.6%), followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (7.69%), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) (7.69%). The time gap between surgery and PMVT was 19.28 ± 8.72 days. The predominant symptom was abdominal pain in 96.15% of patients, followed by fever in 26.9%. Complete occlusion of the portal vein was reported in 34.6% of cases, with involvement of the portal system in 69%, extension to the superior mesenteric district in 23%, and extension to the splenic vein in two patients (7.7%). Our survey, which is the largest regarding PMVT to date, revealed a diffuse lack of standardization in the choice, duration, and dosing of prophylaxis regimens as well as treatment modalities, reflecting the literature gap on the topic.

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in the Treatment of Acute Portomesenteric Vein Thrombosis After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background: Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT) following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is an uncommon but potentially debilitating complication. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) has an evolving role in recanalizing the venous flow and preventing thrombus propagation. It can be used as an alternative or in combination with systemic anticoagulants in selected patients. We report two cases of trans-hepatic and trans-splenic CDT of acute PMVT developed in post LSG. The patient's clinical details, radiological findings, safety, and efficacy are reported.Cases presentation: Two patients presented to the emergency department (ED) within 14 days of surgery. The presenting complaints were generally nonspecific. The diagnosis of PMVT was established in both patients based on abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). The two patients received a combined therapy of intravenous (IV) heparinization and CDT using trans-hepatic approach in case 1 and trans-splenic approach in case 2, determined by the extent of thrombosis. Subsequent post-procedure venograms and CECT were performed and showed significant thrombus resolution. Both patients received long-term anticoagulant therapy upon discharge with a successful overall recovery. Conclusion: PMVT is an infrequent and severe post LSG complication. Various approaches for re-establishing the portal venous flow have been described according to the severity of venous thrombosis. This article describes CDT therapy as a safe and effective option for treating PMVT in symptomatic patients.

Placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in addition to recanalization of acute and chronic portomesenteric vein occlusions – a retrospective evaluation

Background Portomesenteric vein thrombosis may be life-threatening due to bowel ischemia caused by venous stasis, or variceal bleeding caused by portal hypertension. Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of recanalization combined with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in acute and chronic portomesenteric vein thrombosis in patients with and without liver cirrhosis. Material and Methods 21 consecutive patients (5 women, 16 men; mean 48 years) with portomesenteric vein thrombosis (8 acute, 13 chronic) treated at the Interventional Radiology department between March 2014 and September 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The main portal vein was completely obliterated and the portomesenteric vein thrombosis extended into the superior mesenteric vein in all patients. The portomesenteric vein thromboses were recanalized transhepatically, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was inserted, thrombectomy was performed in acute portomesenteric vein thrombosis, and angioplasty with or without additional stenting was performed in chronic portomesenteric vein thrombosis. Results Recanalization was successful in 8/8 patients (100%) with acute portomesenteric vein thrombosis, and in 11/13 patients (85%) with chronic portomesenteric vein thrombosis. In 12 patients, blood flow was restored in one session. Several sessions were more frequently needed in patients with acute portomesenteric vein thrombosis compared to those with chronic portomesenteric vein thrombosis ( p = 0.003). Re-occlusion occurred and was recanalized in 10/19 patients and was more frequent in patients with chronic ( n = 8/11) than on those with acute ( n = 2/8) portomesenteric vein thrombosis ( p = 0.04). Adverse events occurred in five patients. There was no 30-day mortality. Conclusion Recanalization and insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is safe and effective in patients with acute and chronic portomesenteric vein thrombosis with or without cirrhosis. Recanalization was more likely to stay patent in acute compared with chronic portomesenteric vein thrombosis.