RISK FACTORS EFFECTING MORTALITY IN ACUTE MESENTERIC VASCULAR OCCLUSION

BACKGROUND Acute mesenteric vascular occlusion is an infrequent, but complicated, life-threatening condition, mostly seen in elderly patients. A typical presenting symptoms, presence of predisposing diseases, delayed surgical intervention due to diagnostic difficulties and due to delayed presentation, and in most cases, elderly patients who have cardiac problems, these maybe some of the factors for higher mortality rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS 25 patients admitted in General Surgery Department in Sivagangai Medical College with a probable diagnosis of acute mesenteric vascular occlusion was evaluated. Demographic features, serum values- leucocytes, amylase, alkaline phosphatase and urea, liver enzymes, radiologic imaging techniques, surgical techniques, complications, mortality and hospitalisation period were evaluated. Acute vascular occlusion was diagnosed on clinical examination supported with laboratory and imaging techniques. Elapsed time between the onset of symptoms and the surgery is defined as 24 hours and more than 24 hours. All patients underwent laparotomy. Patients were allocated to three groups according to bowel necrosis and resection and anastomosis done. Risk factors associated with various complications and mortality were analysed and studied. RESULTS High leucocyte level and increased elapsed time increasing effect on mortality. Mortality is directly proportional to the length of the bowel, colon gangrene. CONCLUSION Mortality is directly proportional to the length of the bowel, increased elapsed time and colon gangrene.