Intestinal ischemia following laparoscopic surgery: a case series

• Main Authors: Al-Khyatt Waleed, Thomas James D, Humes David J, Lobo Dileep N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2013-01-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/7/1/25

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Intestinal ischemia is a rare complication of laparoscopic surgery. Its prognosis depends on a high index of suspicion and effective early treatment.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>In the present report, we describe three cases where intestinal ischemia developed following laparoscopic surgery. Case 1 concerns a 52-year-old Caucasian man who developed large bowel ischemia following laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery. Case 2 concerns an 82-year-old Caucasian woman who developed fatal intestinal ischemia following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Case 3 concerns a 58-year old Caucasian woman who developed right-sided lower intestinal ischemia following open cholecystectomy.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Intestinal ischemia is a rare complication of laparoscopic surgery. The identification of high-risk patients is an essential primary preventive measure. A high index of suspicion is required to make an early diagnosis, which may help improve outcomes.</p>