Our Summary

This paper discusses a rare condition known as visceral artery aneurysms (VAA), which affects the blood vessels of the organs in the abdomen and can lead to serious health problems. VAA can often be treated with minimally invasive techniques, but general surgeons usually take care of the initial management of symptomatic VAA. Therefore, it’s important for them to know how to diagnose and treat this condition and to understand the normal and abnormal states of the blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract.

The paper presents the case of a 72-year-old man who developed a VAA after elective spinal surgery. The authors then review how VAA is diagnosed and managed clinically.

The paper concludes by emphasizing that VAA should be considered as a possible cause of sudden abdominal pain and anemia after any major surgery. General surgeons need to be familiar with the signs of VAA and when specific interventions are needed. They also need to be able to identify when the blood vessels of the gastrointestinal tract deviate from their normal state.

FAQs

  1. What is a visceral artery aneurysm (VAA) and why is it significant?
  2. How is a VAA usually treated and who typically manages this treatment?
  3. Why is it important for surgeons to recognize deviations from normal gastrointestinal vasculature?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care, physical therapy exercises, and any prescribed medications. It is important to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting in the weeks following surgery to allow the spine to heal properly. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help support the healing process and prevent future spinal issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal surgery include those with conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spinal fractures, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal tumors. These patients may be experiencing symptoms such as chronic back or neck pain, radiating pain, weakness or numbness in the extremities, difficulty walking or standing, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections may be candidates for spinal surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative assessment and evaluation by a spine surgeon
  • Patient may have diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the extent of spinal damage
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or other conservative treatments to manage symptoms before surgery

After spinal surgery:

  • Patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for any immediate post-operative complications
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the surgical site, which is managed with pain medications
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the spine
  • Patient follows up with the spine surgeon for post-operative check-ups and evaluations to monitor healing and recovery progress.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What caused the VAA to develop following spinal surgery?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of endovascular therapy for treating the VAA?
  3. What are the potential complications of surgical therapy for the VAA?
  4. How long is the recovery period expected to be after treatment for the VAA?
  5. Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes that should be made to prevent future VAA development?
  6. Will I need ongoing monitoring or follow-up appointments after treatment for the VAA?
  7. Are there any other underlying conditions that may have contributed to the development of the VAA?
  8. What is the success rate of treatment for VAA in patients who have undergone spinal surgery?
  9. What are the long-term implications of having a VAA following spinal surgery?
  10. Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms to watch out for in case the VAA reoccurs or develops complications in the future?

Reference

Authors: Smith N, Cohen R, Chetrit S. Journal: Int J Colorectal Dis. 2020 Apr;35(4):779-782. doi: 10.1007/s00384-020-03531-z. Epub 2020 Feb 10. PMID: 32040732