Postsurgical Vascular Complications: Radiologic Imaging and Intervention

Purpose: A variety of vascular complications can occur in the abdomen and pelvis with both routine and emergency surgeries. We will review a variety of postoperative vascular complications that can occur and explore the interventional radiology (IR) procedures that can be performed to treat these complications.

Materials and Methods: We will review multiple cases of postoperative vascular complications from two large institutions and explore how IR can best be used in their management.

Results: We explored the role of diagnostic imaging and IR in evaluation of postoperative patients. Normal postoperative appearance and potential vascular complications in the following surgeries were included: appendectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, hysterectomy, hernia repairs (inguinal and femoral), small and large bowel resections, and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Conclusions: A variety of vascular complications can occur with both routine and emergency surgeries in the abdomen and pelvis. It is important to be familiar with the most common complications with each surgery and to guide the primary team to the appropriate imaging modality to identify these common complications. If a vascular injury is suspected, it is important that the imaging modality and protocol used allow the radiologist to quickly localize the injury as well as to guide possible intervention.