Anastomotic aneurysms

Although the incidence of anastomotic false aneurysms decreased precipitously with the cessation of usage of silk sutures for vascular anastomoses, the prevalence of these aneurysms has undoubtedly increased in keeping with an ever-increasing volume of peripheral vascular operations. Most aneurysms occur at femoral anastomoses and are easily diagnosed, since most patients present with a groin mass. Anastomotic aneurysms cannot be considered innocuous. Some may rupture and others have been associated with limb ischemia due to acute thrombosis or embolism. Thus, surgical correction is indicated for most anastomotic aneurysms. Patients at high risk with small aneurysms in accessible locations may, however, be followed if they are asymptomatic and there is no evidence of enlargement of the aneurysm [5].