Aortoenteric fistula as a late complication of thrombolysis and bare metal stenting for perioperative occlusion of aortofemoral bypass

We previously described the case of a 47-year-old man who experienced perioperative graft occlusion after infrarenal aortic endarterectomy and aortobifemoral expanded polytetrafluoroethylene bypass graft for occlusive disease. The patient was treated with local graft thrombolysis and stenting of an intimal flap at the level of the endarterectomized aorta next to the aortic anastomosis. An urgent laparotomy performed 6 years later showed aortic wall perforation by the stent with a large aortoenteric fistula. Surgical treatment included removal of the stent and the aortobifemoral graft, bowel repair, and extra-anatomic lower-limb revascularization by axillofemoral and cross-femoral bypass grafting. The patient was discharged 12 days later with no early complications. Although local thrombolysis and stenting may be a technically feasible technique instead of reoperation in early aortofemoral graft thrombosis, long-term results of this procedure may be affected by perigraft hematoma due to perioperative thrombolysis, increased risk of infection due to the prolonged intragraft cannulation, and risk of stent-related aortic injury, especially if an endarterectomy has been performed. All these issues may increase the risk of late aortoenteric fistula. More experience with hybrid, open/endovascular procedures, and more contemporary stent-based devices is needed to assess the efficacy and safety of this alternative treatment. © 2006 The Society for Vascular Surgery.