Splenic infarction after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Abstract

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a common procedure for obesity with well-defined complications. Thiscase report describes a splenic infarction observed after a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy performed in a32-year-old female patient with a body mass index of 41 kg/m2. On the postoperative second day she presented with left-sided thoracic pain and fever. Intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)revealed a splenic infarction in the upper pole. The patient was treated conservatively with antibiotics andanalgesics. She was discharged on the postoperative sixth day. One month later, patient was symptom-freeat the control visit. A follow-up CT demonstrated regression on the infarction side with minimal residue.Splenic infarction after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a rare, early surgical complication. Diagnosis ismade with confirmation of clinical signs using CT. Conservative treatment is adequate for most patients. Inour case, a retrospective review of the laparoscopic images revealed the ischemic areas after the division ofthe short gastric vasculature.