Background: The purpose of this study was to review our experience in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) and to identify prognostic factors associated with hospital mortality.
Methods: Clinical data of patients with AMI were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. A total of 67 patients (34 female, overall mean age 66 years) were evaluated in the study.
Results: Small bowel necrosis was detected in all patients, while colonic involvement was present in 21 (31.3%). Necrosed small bowels were resected in 59 (88%) in the first intervention. Embolectomy was also performed in 2 (3%) of these cases. Anastomosis was established in 22 (32.8%). Second-look operation was performed in 31 (46.3%) and primary resection and re-resection were performed in 8 (11.9%) and 11 (16.4%) patients, respectively. Hospital mortality rate was 56.7% (n=38). Logistic regression analysis showed prolonged symptom duration (>24h) (p=0.000), sepsis (p=0.022) and colonic necrosis accompanied with small bowel necrosis (p=0.002) as the independent prognostic factors in hospital mortality.
Conclusion: AMI has a high hospital mortality rate due to late diagnosis and sepsis. Another risk factor is colonic involvement. Early evaluation in high-risk patients and resection for necrosed intestinal segments as soon as possible prior to sepsis may reduce the hospital mortality rate.