Acute mesenteric venous thrombosis: a better outcome achieved through improved imaging techniques and a changed policy of clinical management.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse and compare the results obtained from acute mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) patients before and after the change of the clinical management principle, to assess the factors responsible for the recent better outcome and determine the best management for this disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 41 patients treated for acute MVT admitted in our hospital between 1978 and 2003. Before 1995 (Group I), our policy was to perform surgery in patients with suspected acute MVT. After 1995 (Group II), we changed our policy to a medical approach when achievable. Each patient in this study was assessed for diagnosis, initial management (operative or non-operative), mortality, duration of hospitalisation, and outcome.

RESULTS

There were 13 in Group I, 28 in Group II. The mean duration of diagnoses made after admission was 7.3 S.D. 2.6 days for patients in Group I, and 1.5 S.D. 1.2 days for those in Group II (p<0.01, Student's t-test). Eleven patients underwent operations and two patients received non-operative treatment initially in group I, the mortality was 39%; while nine patients underwent operations and 19 patients received non-operative management in group II, the mortality was 11% (p<0.05). No death occurred in the patients with initial non-operative management. The mean duration of hospitalisation was 26 S.D. 6.8 days in Group I and 12.6 S.D. 4.6 days in Group II (p<0.01, Student's t-test). No significant difference in 2-year survival rate between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Recent improvements in imaging techniques and better understanding of the aetiology have led to a dramatic change in the principle and policy of clinical management for acute MVT, which leads to a more favourable outcome of acute MVT.