Iatrogenic superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula. Report of a case and review of the literature.

Bowel resection can result in the formation of an arteriovenous fistula at the point of intersection of the feeding vessels. Iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula of the superior mesenteric vessels is rare, with only 11 cases reported in the English language literature. We report a case after small bowel resection, which was done because of adhesions from a laparoscopic sterilization. An anatomic classification of the fistulas into H and U types is suggested, with its significance for management. A review of the literature is included.