Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome following Sigmoid Colon Cancer Surgery—A Case Report—

Abstract

A 58-year-old woman was diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer and underwent high anterior resection. Her postoperative oral intake was good, but frequent vomiting developed on Day 8. Abdominal computed tomography showed that a branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was sharply flexed, and the horizontal limb of the duodenum was compressed, with fluid retention in the stomach and duodenum. SMA syndrome was diagnosed. The patient improved after conservative treatment comprising decompression via a nasogastric tube and intravenous nutrition. SMA syndrome following left colorectal cancer surgery is believed to occur when the angle of the SMA branch becomes sharply flexed and compresses the duodenum due to tension generated by the caudal traction of the mesentery during anastomosis. It should be borne in mind as a cause of early postoperative ileus following left colorectal cancer surgery, and if a diagnosis of SMA syndrome is confirmed, then conservative treatment is the first choice.