Portomesenteric venous thrombosis in a prophylactically anticoagulated obese patient after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case report

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, so weight reduction is important. Bariatric surgery is a well-tolerated approach for reducing body weight, with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy commonly performed. An uncommon and potentially fatal sequela of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is portomesenteric vein thrombosis, which may result in severe bowel ischemia. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old Middle Eastern obese man (body mass index 33) presented to the emergency department with severe, generalized abdominal pain 2 weeks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed extensive acute on chronic portosplenic and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis with associated small bowel ischemia. Laparoscopic exploration was converted to midline laparotomy and an extensive ischemic small bowel resection. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy carries a risk of both morbidity and mortality. Venous thromboembolism is a well-known risk of bariatric surgery, but portomesenteric vein thrombosis is also a rare but sometimes serious complication. A high index of suspicion for portomesenteric vein thrombosis to prompt early detection is essential in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy to minimize complications and optimize outcomes. Uncertainty still remains around the optimal dose and duration of anticoagulation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.