Rare Case of Infected Iliocaval Stents from Uterine Cancer
Publication Title: The multidisciplinary management of a patient with infected iliocaval stents and uterine cancer invasion
Summary
- Question
- This case report explores the management of a rare and complex medical situation involving infected iliocaval stents in a patient with recurrent uterine cancer. The study focuses on how a multidisciplinary team addressed complications from thrombosis (blood clot formation) and infection in stents placed to alleviate venous obstruction caused by cancer invasion into major pelvic veins.
- Why it Matters
- This research highlights a critical challenge in treating cancer patients with venous stents, particularly when complications like thrombosis and infection arise. These complications can lead to persistent infections, impaired blood flow, and life-threatening conditions. The study underscores the importance of coordinated care between medical specialists to achieve both infection control and cancer treatment. It also provides insights for clinicians managing similar cases, offering strategies for addressing these rare but severe complications.
- Methods
- The researchers managed a 61-year-old woman with recurrent uterine cancer that invaded the pelvic veins, causing stent thrombosis and infection. A two-stage surgical approach was used. In the first stage, the team performed a bypass surgery to reroute blood flow around the affected vessels. In the second stage, they removed the infected stents, along with portions of the tumor and surrounding tissues, through an open surgical procedure. Post-surgical care included antibiotics and resumption of cancer therapy.
- Key Findings
- The patient successfully underwent the two-stage surgery, which controlled the infection and improved symptoms in her leg caused by poor blood flow. The cancerous mass, which had invaded nearby structures, was also removed. While the patient initially recovered well and resumed cancer treatment, she later experienced complications related to her overall health and cancer progression, leading to hospice care approximately one year after surgery.
- Implications
- This study demonstrates that a multidisciplinary approach combining vascular, oncological, and surgical expertise can effectively manage complex cases involving cancer-related stent complications. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored treatment plans to address both infection and cancer progression. For clinicians, this case provides a framework for managing similar situations and highlights the need for careful post-surgical monitoring.
- Next Steps
- The authors suggest further research into the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing aggressive surgical interventions for infected venous stents. They also recommend studies to identify strategies for preventing stent infections and thrombosis in cancer patients.
- Funding Information
- This research was supported by the Yale Department of Surgery, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), the American Venous Forum (AVF), CT Innovation, the Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE), the National Institutes of Health, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, EnVVeno Medical, and Inari Medical. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Full Citation
Said S, Gu E, Li A, Loh S, Mojibian H, Azodi M, Chaar C. The multidisciplinary management of a patient with infected iliocaval stents and uterine cancer invasion. Journal Of Vascular Surgery Cases And Innovative Techniques 2026, 12: 102128. PMID: 41674915, PMCID: PMC12886536, DOI: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2026.102128.
Authors
Shreef Said
First AuthorMasoud Azodi, MD
Last AuthorEmeritus Faculty
Cassius Iyad Ochoa Chaar, MD, MPH, MS, RPVI
Last AuthorAssociate Professor of Surgery (Vascular)