Delayed reconstruction of the superior mesenteric vein with autogenous femoral vein.

A 38-year-old man underwent ligation of the superior mesenteric vein due to traumatic disruption. He developed severe bowel edema with large fluid losses through the open abdominal incision. On postoperative day 9, a superior mesenteric vein bypass was performed with autogenous femoral vein, and this resulted in prompt resolution of the bowel edema and allowed abdominal wound closure. He was able to resume a normal diet and was discharged on postinjury day 39. A magnetic resonance imaging scan performed 1 year later showed a patent graft.