Interposition of a prosthetic patch to prevent aorto-enteric fistula

Aortoenteric fistula is an uncommon but disastrous complication of aortic reconstruction with prosthetic grafts. Therefore, prevention of enteric erosion when using a vascular prosthesis must be a primary concern. A flap of greater omentum can provide an adequate coverage of the graft when retroperitoneal tissue is insufficient. If the omentum is not available due to atrophy or previous abdominal surgery, interposition of a prosthetic patch represents another means of preventing duodenal erosion. Polytetrafluoroethylene is our choice of material because of its softness, elasticity, and thickness.