Portal vein thrombosis in laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy – laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case series

Grade III obesity is defined as excessive accumulation of fat in the body in a person with a BMI>40kg/m(2) and is related to a series of comorbidities. It is therefore of fundamental importance that appropriate treatment is adopted to reduce its harmful effects on health. Laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy is well-established for treatment of grade III obesity. Although rare, portal vein thrombosis is one of the most serious of possible postoperative complications. In our study, eight cases are analyzed of laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy patients who developed portal vein thrombosis as a postoperative complication. In our series, we observed an increase in the incidence of portomesenteric venous thrombosis, especially among patients who did not follow the recommendations for oral hydration in the postoperative period. Most patients with this complication respond positively to anticoagulation, with complete or partial recanalization of the portal vein. Treatment with anticoagulants is effective and should be considered the first option. Vigorous hydration has also been shown to be an essential conduct in the postoperative period of these patients, and should always be encouraged.