Laparoscopy-associated mesenteric vascular events: description of an evolving clinical syndrome

Over the past few years, several cases of acute mesenteric ischemic events following laparoscopy have appeared in the literature. To date, no formal description of this phenomenon has been provided. In this article, we summarize and analyze the features of the five reported cases to date as well as a sixth case encountered at our institution. The probable cause of this complication involves changes in splanchnic hemodynamics related to elevated intra-abdominal pressure. A review of the relevant literature is provided.