Retrograde open mesenteric stenting for acute mesenteric ischemia is a viable alternative for emergent revascularization.

OBJECTIVES

Significant comorbidities and an exhausted physiologic reserve lead to high mortality rates during operations for acute mesenteric ischemia. We present our experience with retrograde open mesenteric stenting.

METHODS/

RESULTS

A total of 3 female patients (mean age = 74.1 years) with acute mesenteric ischemia underwent exploratory laparotomy. Operative technique included isolating the superior mesenteric artery for cannulation and retrograde endovascular angioplasty and stenting. One required small bowel resection. All 3 patients survived. Mean follow-up was 8.4 months (range: 1.2-16.6). All remain with a 100% primary patency rate.

CONCLUSION

Retrograde open mesenteric stenting for acute mesenteric ischemia is a viable alternative to bypass.