Post-Operative Complications Following Vascular Bypass Surgery

Case Overview

This case involves a patient who underwent left external iliac artery to superior mesenteric artery bypass surgery. On the second postoperative day (POD #2), the patient experienced increased pain and complications, prompting a CT angiogram of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

A testifying diagnostic radiology expert was sought to review and interpret these images.

Questions to the expert and their responses

How often do you review CT imaging related to superior mesenteric vascular bypass surgery for visualizing the duodenum and other GI structures affected by bypass surgery?

As a board-certified and clinically active diagnostic radiologist with over 20 years of experience, I frequently review various post-operative CTA examinations in my clinical practice. This includes those from active vascular surgery and interventional radiology divisions performing diverse intravascular interventions such as mesenteric (abdominal vessel) bypass, grafting, shunts, and stents.

All abdominal viscera and/or organs, including the duodenum—especially when the superior mesenteric artery is involved—are all visualized/reviewed as part of those exam interpretations where intestinal perforation or ischemia are real concerns

Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If yes, please elaborate

Yes, I have reviewed similar cases involving post-operative complications following vascular bypass surgery. These cases often involve assessing for potential complications such as intestinal perforation or ischemia. These complications can be identified through careful interpretation of CT angiograms.

About the expert

This expert is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist with over 20 years of experience, including a fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging. They have an extensive academic background, having authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and two book chapters, and previously served as an assistant professor of radiology at a renowned medical school. Currently, they hold leadership roles in the combined diagnostic services department, imaging service, and radiology residency program at a major health system. Their expertise is particularly relevant to cases involving diagnostic radiology and post-operative complications following vascular bypass surgery.