Diagnosis and treatment of acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion / 中华普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the manifestations, diagnosis and management of acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion (ASMAO). Methods The clinical data of 15 cases of ASMAO admitted in our hospital between 2000 and 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. Results The causes of ASMAO were mesenteric artery embolism in 11 patients and mesenteric artery thrombosis in 4 patients. All cases underwent emergency laparotomy, in which 2 cases underwent removal of the embolus, 11 cases were subjected to resection of necrotic bowel after removal of the embolus, and 2 cases gave up definite surgery. Postoperative heparin anticoagutherapy was used in all patients. The overall mortality rate was 27% (4 cases). Conclusions Acute superior mesenterie artery occlusion should be suspected in a patient with sudden abdominal pain, especially in those who have organic cardiac disease. Early diagnosis and prompt embolectomy are the key to save the patients.