Two Cases of Refractory Diarrhea Subsequent to Vascular Reconstruction for Infective Superior Mesenteric Artery Aneurysms

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) aneurysm and their surgical interventions are rare, leading to infrequent reports of postoperative complications. This report describes 2 cases of refractory diarrhea following vascular reconstruction for infectious SMA aneurysms. Both patients underwent aneurysm resection and SMA reconstruction but experienced persistent diarrhea despite treatment with anti-diarrheal medications. Postoperative diarrhea, a complication observed after resection of the nerve plexus around the SMA in gastrointestinal surgery, may be attributed to intraoperative injury to the nerve plexus in our cases. Though palliative therapy is partially effective, more efficacious management strategies are desirable to address this persistent complication.