Arterial occlusion after surgery for ovarian malignancy: A case report

BACKGROUND: Inherent in the risks of pelvic surgery is the postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure. The gynecologic oncology patient presents further risks for several reasons, including a relative state of hypercoagulability. Anticipation of the problem and early recognition are the keys to decreasing the long-term sequelae of a complication. A well-recognized complication of gynecologic oncology surgery is venous thromboembolism. Advances allow the prophylaxis, recognition and treatment of this problem. Acute arterial occlusion is a much less common but potentially devastating complication. CASE: A woman underwent surgery for ovarian malignancy and developed bilateral arterial occlusion of the lower extremities postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Understanding the various genetic defects that predispose certain individuals to hypercoagulability will help identify patients with a particularly high risk of developing acute arterial occlusive disease.