Experience in the management of extensive small bowel necrosis from acute superior mesenteric arterial embolism: report of 7 cases / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize our experience in the management of extensive small bowel necrosis from acute superior mesenteric arterial (SMA) embolism. MethodsSeven cases with extensive small bowel necrosis from acute SMA embolism were treated from 1991 to 1999. Results In this group small bowel of 28～ 30 cm and 70～90 cm were remained respectively in 3 and 4 cases after surgery. Two patients died of septic shock while the other 5 developed short or ultra short bowel syndrome and were finally cured by means of combined intravenous nutrition and oral feeding. 5 patients were followed up for 18～36 months, all are in good health. Conclusions Timely diagnosis and prompt operation are important to elevated survival rate. SMA embolectomy helps in preserving living intestine. For patients with short or ultra short bowel syndrome, comprehensive measures of intravenous nutrition and stepwise oral feeding in combination can quickly restore digestive and absorptive function of the residual intestine.