A Case Report of Preoperative Placement of Vena Cava Filter for The Ascending Colon Cancer Complicated by Internal Iliac Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

A 53-year-old woman was admitted complaining of right lower abdominal pain. Colonoscopy and a computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed a tumor of the ascending colon. Enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed a thrombus in the right internal iliac vein. We considered that a prophylactic strategy was necessary for the prevention of a pulmonary embolism before the resection of the advanced ascending colon cancer. Under preoperative placement of the inferior vena cava (IVC) filter, a right hemicolectomy was performed. Intra- and post-operative courses were uneventful. There was no recurrence of the tumor and further development of the venous thrombi 10 months after the operation. Internal iliac vein thrombosis is a rare disease, but it causes a pulmonary embolism. In patients who have an iliac vein thrombosis before major abdominal surgery, it may be useful to insert the IVC filter preoperatively for prevention of a pulmonary embolism.