Acute pancreatitis following resection of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm.

ABSTRACT

A case of acute pancreatitis following resection of a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm is reported. The patient was a 73 year old man who underwent resection of a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. The aneurysm was repaired with a 20 mm. gelatin coated Dacron graft. Proximal control of the aneurysm was performed with supraceliac aortic cross clamping. The clamping time was 50 minutes. Postoperatively, he developed progressive abdominal distension with deterioration of renal and pulmonary function necessitating relaparotomy on the 7th postoperative day. The second operation revealed evidence of saponification and fat necrosis in the omentum. The pancreas was edematous and swollen compatible with acute pancreatitis. The aortic graft and other intraabdominal organs appeared normal. Despite intensive supportive care, the patient died 2 weeks later from multiple system organ failure. The possible causes of acute pancreatitis following aortic surgery described in the literature are 1. systemic and regional hypoperfusion, 2. atheromatous emboli to arteries supplying the pancreas and 3. direct trauma to the pancreas during the operation from retractors or surgical dissection. All of which may be the etiology of acute pancreatitis in our patient. Avoidance of such factors during aortic surgery is recommended to prevent this potentially fatal complication.