Superior mesenteric and portal vein thrombosis following laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy. Report of a case.

PURPOSE: This article describes a case of superior mesenteric and portal vein thrombosis following laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective case review was performed.

RESULTS

Data continue to grow regarding safety and technical feasibility of laparoscopic-assisted colectomy. As this minimally invasive alternative to open colonic resection becomes more popular, it is inevitable that information on benefits and complications associated with it will continue to expand. We report a case of superior mesenteric and portal vein thrombosis following laparoscopic-assisted colon resection. To our knowledge, this represents a complication of laparoscopic colon resection not previously reported in literature.

CONCLUSION

Careful patient selection for this procedure is important. Additionally, the incision for extracorporeal resection and anastomosis in laparoscopic-assisted colectomy must be planned appropriately and carefully monitored intraoperatively to avoid potential complication of vascular trauma leading to mesenteric vein thrombosis.