Celiac axis compression syndrome – diagnostic and surgical treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Celiac axis compression syndrome is one of the causes of chronic abdominal ischemia. The authors describe their experience with the surgical treatment of Dunbar syndrome in 12 patients. The purpose of the authors was a retrospective analysis of the surgical treatment of celiac axis compression syndrome.
Method: Between 2007 and 2016, we treated 12 patients for the celiac axis compressive syndrome. Each patient has performed abdominal sonography, CT-angiography, or angiography. The method of choice in these patients was surgical treatment. In 4 patients we resected median arcuate ligament and nerve fibers of celiac axis. In 8 patients we had to resect the stenotic or occluded celiac axis. We reconstructed the blood supply to the celiac axis by the aorto-celiac bypass, using prothetic or venous grafting or patch plastic of celiac axis stenosis. Results: There were no significant complications and deaths in the post - operative period. In one patient signs of chronic abdominal ischemia postoperatively persist.
Conclusion: Surgery is the method of choice of celiac axis compression syndrome. Indications for surgical reconstruction are symptomatic patients with arterial stenosis over 50%. Proper diagnosis and early surgical treatment are essential for treating chronic visceral ischemia and reducing surgical complications.