Renal artery graft-to-duodenum fistula: unusual presentation of a recurrent flank abscess

Perhaps the most devastating complication of a prosthetic vascular graft is the formation of an aortoenteric fistula. Most reports have dealt with fistulas between the aortic graft and the duodenum, although any revascularized vessel with prosthetic material can be the site of an enteric fistula. We report an unusual case in which a renal artery previously revascularized with a silk prosthetic graft developed a fistula to the duodenum 16 years later. Whether the prosthetic graft is in the aortic position or to a visceral vessel, when a fistula develops the only acceptable treatment is complete removal of the graft and revascularization with autogenous tissues, if necessary.