Diagnosis of aortic thrombus after pelvic surgery

We describe the case of a patient who was found to have an aortic thrombosis while in the recovery room after an abdominal perineal resection. If not treated early, aortic thrombosis can be a devastating complication, leading to paralysis, need for amputation, or death. Understanding the risk factors that pre-dispose patients to thrombosis can allow the anesthesiologist to make an earlier diagnosis in the recovery room. In addition, patients at high risk of intraoperative thrombosis may benefit from an anesthetic plan that includes particular attention to patient positioning and hemodynamic stability.