SUPERIOR MESENTERIC VEIN-THROMBOSIS AFTER THE WHIPPLE PROCEDURE - AN AGGRESSIVE, COMBINED TREATMENT APPROACH

It is new recognized that occlusion of the mesenteric veins not only m ay complicate a number of disease processes but may occur as a life-th reatening complication after abdominal surgery. A 32-year-old woman ha d mesenteric venous thrombosis after resection of a duodenal inflammat ory pseudotumour by pancreatoduodenectomy. She recovered fully after t reatment, which consisted of thrombectomy, flushing with urokinase and intravenous administration of heparin. Papaverine infused for 4 days substantially improved bowel viability. Current concepts in mesenteric vein occlusion and the principles of clinical management are reviewed .