Open thrombectomy for mesenteric vein injury and acute thrombosis. Is it the right way? A case report and review of literature

Mesenteric vein thrombosis following injury to the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) during abdominal surgery is rare but it is associated with poor outcome. Late detection of mesenteric vein thrombosis results in extensive bowel gangrene resulting in poor patient outcome. Thrombectomy is rarely attempted at the time of re exploration even if the SMV is found to have a thrombus. But evidence suggests that performing thrombectomy at the time of re exploration will reduce the length of bowel resection. In addition venous thrombectomy will also result in better patient outcome. This case describes a patient who developed superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in the immediate post laparotomy period following SMV injury. She was managed successfully with open thrombectomy and bowel resection.