Worsening renal failure due to renal steal by aortoiliac bypass

Aortoiliac bypass surgery is the gold standard strategy for removing persistent ischaemia resulting from bilateral aortoiliac occlusive disease, a condition known as Leriche syndrome. However, the impact of aortoiliac bypass surgery on the blood flow of the renal artery is not fully understood. Here, we report a case of worsening renal failure caused by renal steal immediately after aortoiliac bypass for Leriche syndrome. The revascularisation of bilateral renal arteries dramatically improved the patient's renal function and allowed us to discontinue both haemodialysis and diuretics. This case demonstrates that in rare instances, haemodynamic change induced by aortoiliac bypass surgery affects the arteries feeding other organs. Careful preoperative evaluation for the corresponding branches of the aorta is indispensable. Optimal revascularisation should be performed to avoid serious complications after aortoiliac bypass if the patient is at risk of developing critical ischaemia.