Causes, diagnosis, and management of duodenal obstruction after aortic surgery

While ileus is common after repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm, small bowel obstruction is uncommon and duodenal obstruction is rare. We report a case of high-grade, mechanical obstruction of the third and fourth portions of the duodenum that required operative intervention. A review of the literature is included, with emphasis on the causes, diagnosis, and management options for duodenal obstruction associated with aortic reconstructive surgery.