Management of chronic mesenteric ischemia. The role of endovascular therapy.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia is an uncommon disorder manifested most commonly as abdominal pain. Surgical revascularization has traditionally been the treatment of choice. Endovascular management of this entity was originally attempted as an alternative for high-risk patients. Improvements in stent technology, refinement in technique, and increased efficiency of antiplatelet regimens have, over time, increased the popularity of this minimally invasive approach. We present a review of the available series on endovascular treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia, with emphasis on short- and long-term outcome and morbidity and mortality results. Principles of operative technique and controversial issues and topics of interest are also discussed.