Emergency Surgery in a High-Risk Cirrhotic Patient: A Case of Precision and Teamwork

We recently managed a highly complex case that showcases the importance of swift decision-making, surgical skill, and multidisciplinary care.

A 75-year-old male with known Liver Cirrhosis presented to our emergency department with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and a distended abdomen. On clinical examination and imaging, he was diagnosed with a strangulated ventral hernia — a condition where a part of the intestine is trapped, leading to loss of blood supply. Given his liver condition, this made the case extremely high-risk.

Critical Intervention: Emergency Surgery

Despite the significant surgical risk posed by his liver disease, timely intervention was crucial. After rapid preoperative stabilization, the patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. During the surgery, the affected bowel was found to be non-viable, necessitating a small bowel resection with primary anastomosis.

Multidisciplinary Support: The Key to Recovery

Perioperative care was the cornerstone of successful recovery. The patient was managed in the ICU with:

  • Intensive hemodynamic monitoring
  • Albumin infusion and nutritional support
  • Antibiotics and fluid-electrolyte balance
  • Close observation for hepatic decompensation and sepsis

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our surgeons, hepatologists, anesthesiologists, and critical care team, the patient recovered smoothly, tolerated oral intake well, and was discharged in a stable condition.

Why This Case Matters

Surgical emergencies in patients with Cirrhosis of the Liver are often fraught with complications. However, this case proves that with the right expertise, infrastructure, and team-based approach, even high-risk surgeries can have excellent outcomes.

On Dr Dharmesh Dhanani

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