Deep venous thrombosis after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma: a case report

World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Feb 21;15(7):885-7. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.885.

Abstract

The treatment of gastric carcinoma consists of neoadjuvant chemoradiation, partial gastrectomy, subtotal gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, extended resection, and postoperative chemotherapy. Currently, gastrectomy and extended lymphadenectomy is the optimal choice for late gastric carcinoma. Postoperative complications are common after total gastrectomy including hemorrhage, anastomotic leakage, fistula, and obstruction. However, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is an uncommon complication after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. We describe a case of a 68-year-old female patient with DVT after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. The patient was treated with anticoagulants and thrombolytics and subjected to necessary laboratory monitoring. The patient recovered well after treatment and was symptom-free during a 3-mo follow-up. We conclude that correct diagnosis and treatment of DVT are crucial.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery*
  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Gastrectomy / adverse effects*
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Stomach Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Thrombolytic Therapy
  • Ultrasonography
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Venous Thrombosis / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight