Acute Aortic Thrombosis Following Anterior Resection - A Rare Complication

Anterior resection is a commonly performed surgery for rectal cancer worldwide. It is associated with a wide spectrum of complications which include haemorrhage, pelvic sepsis, wound infection, anastomotic breakdown, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral nerves injury, impotence and urological dysfunction. However acute aortic thrombosis post anterior resection is a very rare complication.

We report a rare case of aortic thrombosis in a 67 year old gentleman following anterior resection for rectal cancer.

We also discuss its possible causes as there are many postulations to the cause of this devastating complication. Prolonged surgery, abnormal blood coagulation in cancer patient, lithotomy position and the presence of peripheral vascular disease are predisposing factors contributing to this rare acute aortic thrombosis in our patient. A standard routine neurovascular examination of the extremities should be done in the postoperative period to help detect early any neurovascular complication. The use of prophylactic anticoagulant such as fondaparinux, low molecular weight heparin or low dose unfractionated heparin are strongly recommended in high risk surgery patients undergoing a major surgery which helps prevent thromboembolic episode following surgery.