Portal vein thrombosis after robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Abstract

Portal vein thrombosis after gastric bypass has been rarely described in medical literature. It is a multifactorial occurrence, one related to surgical technique as well as predispositions to thrombosis in the patient. Nonetheless, it is one with deadly consequences if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The patient exhibited vague abdominal symptoms at presentation and was diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis via abdominal computed tomography. Herein, we discuss a case of a 40-year-old female, with an undiscovered Leiden V mutation and positive lupus anticoagulant, presented with portal vein thrombosis two weeks after robot-assisted laparoscopic gastric bypass and successful discharge. A clinician managing a postoperative laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patient should be aware of the possibility of portal vein thrombosis, and the precipitating factors predisposing patients to this condition.