Acute bowel ischemia after coronary bypass surgery--a catastrophic event.
Acute bowel ischemia is a rare but often catastrophic event after coronary bypass surgery. We report three cases in our department and highlight the difficulty in making the diagnosis thus delaying timely intervention. We discuss why an aggressive approach in both investigating and managing this condition is warranted. We believe that early mesenteric angiogram and directed exploratory laparotomy are the preferred methods in managing this difficult condition.
Caleb
M G
MG
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Center, Singapore.
D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000098:blood supply*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D010208:Papaverine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D010208:Papaverine