Conservative Treatment of Mesenteric and Hepatic Portal Venous Gas Caused by Gut-Derived Infection After Ileostomy: A Case Report

Introduction Hepatic portal venous gas is an extremely rare symptom of gas accumulation in the portal venous system. This disease has an acute onset, a rapid progression, and an extremely high mortality rate. This report describes a patient with mesenteric and hepatic portal venous gas caused by intestinal microbiota disturbance–induced gut-derived infection after ileostomy. The patient recovered and was discharged after conservative treatment. Nursing management of patients with mesenteric and hepatic portal venous gas is discussed. Clinical Findings A 76-year-old patient developed septic shock, paralytic intestinal obstruction, and mesenteric and hepatic portal venous gas after undergoing ileostomy. Diagnosis Mesenteric and hepatic portal venous gas was diagnosed on the basis of abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings. Interventions The treatment plan included early control of infection, early identification and nursing care of gut-derived infection caused by intestinal microbiota disturbance, early identification of paralytic intestinal obstruction, relief of intestinal obstruction and prevention of intestinal ischemia, and early nutritional support. Outcomes On day 18 of hospitalization, the patient was transferred to the general ward and resumed eating, producing gas, and defecating. His abdominal signs and infection indicator levels were normal. On day 27, the patient was discharged home. Conclusion This case provides an in-depth understanding of the care of patients with mesenteric and hepatic portal venous gas and emphasizes the important role of bedside nurses in evaluating and treating these patients. This report may help nurses care for similar patients.