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Arterial vasopressin for control of bleeding from a stapled intestinal anastomosis

Report of two cases

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Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Abstract

Postoperative bleeding from a stapled intestinal anastomosis is a rare complication. In previously reported cases, the bleeding either ceased spontaneously or required reoperation for direct control. We report two cases in which the bleeding was controlled using an intra-arterial vasopressin infusion. To our knowledge, this technique has not been previously reported for management of this problem. We had initial concerns about creating ischemia at the anastomosis, which could lead to disruption. Neither patient demonstrated subsequent problems with the anastomosis. Intra-arterial vasopressin infusion appears to be an effective method for controlling bleeding from a stapled intestinal anastomosis and can avert the need for reoperation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, New Jersey

    Umur Atabek M.D., Mark J. Pello M.D., Richard K. Spence M.D., James B. Alexander M.D. & Rudolph C. Camishion M.D.

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  1. Umur Atabek M.D.
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  2. Mark J. Pello M.D.
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  3. Richard K. Spence M.D.
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  4. James B. Alexander M.D.
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  5. Rudolph C. Camishion M.D.
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Atabek, U., Pello, M.J., Spence, R.K. et al. Arterial vasopressin for control of bleeding from a stapled intestinal anastomosis. Dis Colon Rectum 35, 1180–1182 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02251974

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02251974

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