Managing unsuspected tumour invasion of the superior mesenteric-portal vein during surgery for pancreatic head cancer. A case report

JOP. 2009 Jul 6;10(4):448-50.

Abstract

Context: In some cases, synchronous superior mesenteric-portal vein resection can be performed during pancreatic resection for cancer. The reconstruction technique is usually primary anastomosis; in only a few cases is an autologous vein graft needed.

Case report: We report a case of reconstruction of the superior mesenteric-portal vein with a splenic vein autograft in a patient affected by pancreatic head adenocarcinoma who underwent a total pancreatectomy.

Conclusions: The reconstruction of the superior mesenteric-portal vein with a splenic vein autograft should be performed in selected cases. It allows a reduction of operating time, it is a less invasive approach than reconstruction using an internal jugular vein autograft and it can be an oncologically correct approach.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesenteric Veins / pathology
  • Mesenteric Veins / surgery*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Pancreatectomy / adverse effects
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Portal Vein / pathology
  • Portal Vein / surgery*
  • Splenic Vein / transplantation*
  • Transplantation, Autologous
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Diseases / etiology
  • Vascular Diseases / surgery