Visceral artery syndromes and reconstructions.

Acute and chronic visceral ischemia are now well recognized clinical entities and extensive progress has been made in both the evaluation and treatment of patients with these lesions. The visceral vessels and the nature of their collateral pathways can also be of critical importance when dealing with other intra-abdominal pathology. Poor anastomotic healing, or the formation of strictures and intestinal fistulas may result when the mesenteric circulation is slowly compromised. Hence, it is imperative that the visceral arteries, their lesions, and their collateral pathways be understood by all surgeons operating in the abdominal cavity.