# Pancreatic necrosis as a rare complication of left hemicolectomy—case report

## TL;DR

A 77-year-old woman developed rare pancreatic necrosis after a left hemicolectomy, leading to her death despite treatment.

## Contribution

This case report highlights pancreatic necrosis as a rare and severe complication of left hemicolectomy.

## Key findings

- Pancreatic tail necrosis was identified during surgical re-exploration after a left hemicolectomy.
- The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly despite conservative treatment.
- The case underscores the importance of considering pancreatic complications post-colorectal surgery.

## Abstract

A 77-year-old female patient was hospitalized due to acute renal failure, during which a colonoscopy was performed because of constipation. The examination revealed an adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. A left hemicolectomy was performed without intraoperative complications. Three days after surgery, the patient reported severe abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Initially, subileus with an anastomotic leak was suspected. A surgical re-exploration of the abdominal cavity was performed. During the procedure, a sealed anastomosis and necrosis of the pancreatic tail were found. Conservative treatment was initiated; however, the patient died 4 days later.