Splenic infarction as a complication of laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy. Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is currently the most performed bariatric surgery worldwide. Although it is an effective and safe procedure major complications can occur. In the present manuscript we report a case of splenic infarct and abscess as a rare complication of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, finally requiring a splenectomy as a definitive treatment. Case report: A 22 years old woman with grade I obesity underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with good hospital evolution and 48 hours discharge. On the 4th postoperative day she return because fever, abdominal pain, tachypnea and tachycardia. By means of a computed tomography a splenic infarct was diagnosed. She received medical treatment with initial remission of symptoms, which reappear at the third week. Medical treatment was restarted, this time without success, and with progression to splenic abscess. We decided a splenectomy as definitive treatment achieving a complete patient recovery. Conclusion: Splenic infarction is a rare complication after sleeve gastrectomy. The treatment is non surgical, reserving the splenectomy for the non responded cases.