[Aortointestinal fistula--a serious complication of surgery on aortic and pelvic arteries]

Aortoenteral fistula (AEF) is a rare, but a serious complication in the vascular surgery. It may occur as a primary or a secondary fistula. The principal sign of the condition is bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which, depending on its severity, may present with various symptoms (anemia, melena, hematemesis). The authors describe three cases of patients who experienced AEF. In all the cases, signs of massive GIT bleeding were present with a rapid development of hemorrhagic shock. In a single case, the primary fistula was concerned, in two cases the fistula was secondary. The perioperative mortality rate reached 66%. The surgical management approach is discussed in the article, and early diagnosis and prevention of the complication is emphasized.