Multifocal Small Bowel Angioectasias: Managed with Innovative, Nonresectional Surgical Procedure

Surg J (N Y). 2022 Aug 16;8(3):e169-e173. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1744151. eCollection 2022 Jul.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) angioectasias/angiodysplasias are the most frequent vascular lesions of GI tract, responsible for ∼5 to 6% of GI bleedings. It commonly involves the small bowel, making it difficult to diagnose and manage endoscopically. Though medical management has been used to prevent bleeding, it has only a limited role in acute severe hemorrhage. In such cases, surgical resection remains the only practical option. However, multiple lesions pose a unique challenge, as resection may not be advisable for long length of bowel involvement. Here, we report a case of recurrent GI bleeding due to multifocal small bowel angioectasias who was managed by a novel technique of full-thickness transmural sutures under intraoperative enteroscopic guidance. At 6 months follow-up, no new bleeding episodes were observed.

Keywords: lower GI bleeding; small bowel angioectasias; transmural sutures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports