[Plea for the terminal anastomosis of aortic prostheses. Theoretical and practical impact]

End-to-end anastomosis of an aortic prosthesis was used during reconstructive surgery in 100 patients. The advantages of this method are analyzed and compared with those of end-to-side implantation, the former procedure providing improved hemodynamic and long-term results: absence of anastomotic dilatation, regularity of aortic blood flow distribution, lack of competitive or superfluous flow, a guaranteed pelvic circulation and simplicity of later repeat surgery following thrombosis. Tactical indications for this method of anastomosis are defined and depend mainly upon the type of lesions at the iliac bifurcation. The greater complexity of this method would appear to be acceptable in view of the possible improved long-term permeability when compared with the conventional procedure.