Complex Mesenteric Reconstruction

Mesenteric vessels are those leading to the intestines. Mesenteric artery ischemia results from a narrowing or blockage of one or more of these arteries.

It is usually caused by either narrowing of the vessels due to buildup of plaque or by a blood clot. We provide care from minimally invasive procedures to major bypass surgeries according to each individual patient's needs. Typically, we perform a bypass operation, which is an open surgical procedure with a larger incision, or use a stent, which is a minimally invasive procedure with a smaller incision.

Bypass operation

Your physician makes an incision in the abdomen or the chest.
A length of vessel from another area is obtained.
The graft is attached to either the iliac artery near the waist or the aorta. It is then attached to the mesenteric arteries.
If thoracic aortic bypass is chosen, the graft is attached to the aorta in the chest before it passes behind the diaphragm and is connected to the mesenteric arteries.

Stent procedure

If the physician decides to do a mesenteric stent because age or other considerations make open surgery hazardous:

A small incision is made in the arm.
A catheter is inserted and run from the arm into the vessels that go to the intestines.
A balloon is used to reopen the artery.
A small lattice-like stent is put in to keep the artery open.

What to expect
Before the procedure

Visit your doctor to make sure any medical problems are being treated and controlled.
You may be asked to stop taking drugs that make it harder for your blood to clot.
Ask your doctor which medicines you should take on the day of your surgery.
Let your doctor know about any cold, flu, fever, or other illness you may have before your surgery.
The day of your surgery, do not drink anything, including water, after midnight.
Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.

After the procedure

What happens after your surgery depends on which surgery you had.