Control of major hemorrhage from the spleno-mesenteric vein junction during pancreaticoduodenectomy: Successful use of an occlusion balloon catheter

Background/Aims: Vascular disruption is sometimes associated with intractab le hemorrhage due to either vessel fragility or increased blood flow rates in patients with chronic pancreatitis during surgical operation. This paper describes the successful use of an occlusion catheter for repairing a majo r laceration at the splenomesenteric vein junction. Methods: A 14-Fr Fogart y occlusion balloon catheter was directly inserted into the splenic vein th rough the site of venous laceration and inflated to stop blood flow from th e splenic vein. Results: This procedure perfectly controlled massive hemorr hage from the spleno-mesenteric vein junction. The injured site was repaire d with a continuous suture in 5 min. Conclusion: The direct insertion of a balloon catheter to the injured site is simple and expeditious to control m ajor hemorrhage from the spleno-mesenteric vein junction when the situation is otherwise unmanageable. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.