Mesenteric artery ischemia

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Mesenteric Vascular Disease

Acute mesenteric artery ischemia is an emergency. Surgery is performed to remove the clot. In some cases, the surgeon must also create a bypass around blockage.

Surgery for chronic mesenteric artery ischemia involves removing the blockage and reconnecting the arteries to the aorta. A bypass around the blockage, usually with a prosthetic plastic tube graft, is an alternative procedure.

As an alternative to surgery, sometimes a stent may be inserted to enlarge the blockage of the mesenteric artery or deliver medicine directly to the affected area. This is a rather new technique and should only be done by experienced health care providers.

In the case of chronic mesenteric ischemia, the outlook after a successful surgery is good. However, if appropriate lifestyle changes (such as a healthy diet and exercise) are not made, any problems with hardening of the arteries will generally get worse over time.

Persons with acute mesenteric ischemia usually do poorly, since death of the intestine often occurs before surgery is done. However, when diagnosed and treated right away, patients with acute mesenteric ischemia can be treated successfully.

Infarction (tissue death from lack of blood flow) of the intestines is the most serious complication of mesenteric ischemia.

Call your health care provider if you have any severe abdominal pain, fevers, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.

Review Date: 07/14/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.