A case with hepatic portal vein gas who required delayed elective surgery. (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ikegame, Kou; Iimuro, Yuji; Furuya, Kazushige; Nakagomi, Hiroshi; Omata, Masao
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 65(2019)
• Page Start: 233
• Page End: 237
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: HPVG hepatic portal vein gas -- CT computed tomography -- APACHE II Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II; Case report -- Hepatic portal vein gas -- Delayed elective surgery -- Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2019.10.085
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Highlights: Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) is believed to be an indication for emergent surgery because it is associated with high mortality rate. The recent increase in the use of modern abdominal CT has resulted in the detection of HPVG in more benign conditions. The decision-making process whether we choose emergent surgery or conservative treatment without surgery is important for the patients with HPVG. The case with portal hepatic vein gas (HPVG) presented in this article required delayed elective surgery after conservative treatment. This case show the subtle difference comparing with the other case who were successfully treated without surgery. Abstract: Introduction: Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) is believed to be an indication for emergent surgery because it is associated with high mortality rate. However, the recent increase in the use of modern abdominal computed tomography (CT) has resulted in the detection of HPVG in more benign conditions. Therefore, the decision-making process whether we chose emergent surgery or conservative treatment without surgery is important for the patients with HPVG. Case presentation: An 84-year-old male was referred to our hospital due to the sudden onset of abdominal pain and massive hepatic portal vein gas on emergent CT. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II Score was calculated as 17; slightly elevated comparing with the other cases who were successfully treated without surgery. Although the PHVG was remained at follow up CT on the next day after the onset, the symptoms were improved. We selected conservative treatment without emergent surgery and he discharged on 9 th day after the onset. However, he was suffered from right lower abdominal pain and vomiting and admitted our hospital on 23th day. He developed ischemic intestinal stenosis and underwent a surgery of partial resection of ileum. Conclusions: The clinical finding of this case showing subtle differences from cases who were successfully treated without surgery. We hope this report will help physician's decision-making process for HPVG.