Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This case report describes a case of superior mesenteric and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) following laparoscopic-assisted anterior resection for a sigmoid colon carcinoma without liver metastases.
METHODS: A retrospective case review was performed.
RESULTS: A 43-year-old female, presented with altered bowel habits, bleeding per rectal, and loss of weight for the last 10 months. CT scan performed which showed a mass in the sigmoid colon which was confirmed as adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon on endoscopic biopsy. Laparoscopic-assisted anterior resection was performed. Following smooth recovery, she was discharged on the 5th post-operative day. Post-operative day 9th, she presented in the emergency room with abdominal pain, then CT scan was performed which showed thrombus involving superior mesenteric vein and portal vein. She was managed conservatively with anticoagulation.
CONCLUSION: There is scarcity in the published literature regarding this complication (portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis) associated with laparoscopic colonic resections. As the world is moving towards more minimally invasive procedures, medical professionals will encounter unknown complications.

Key words: Laparoscopic resection, anterior resection, complications of minimally invasive surgery, complications of laparoscopic surgery, rare complication