Aortoenteric and Paraprosthetic-Enteric Fistulas

Abstract

The clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, and therapeutic results were surveyed in 11 cases of aortoenteric and 8 cases of paraprosthetic-enteric fistulas observed in 2,085 abdominal aortic reconstructive operations. The clinical manifestations of these lesions were exsanguinating hemorrhage or medically uncontrollable retroperitoneal sepsis. The diagnosis of aortoenteric or paraprosthetic-enteric fistulization must be assumed in every case of abdominal aortic reconstruction with late hemorrhagic or septic complications. The treatment is early and aggressive surgical intervention supported with appropriate antibiotic medication. Some operative technical details appear useful in reducing the probability of occurrence of these complications.