Revision of the proximal aortic anastomosis after aortic bifurcation surgery

The implantation of an aortic bifurcation graft (ABG) for treatment of occlusive (OD) and aneurysmal (AD) aortoiliac disease is a standard technique with good long-term results and a relatively low incidence of complications. In a retrospective review of our patients from 1964 to 1993 only 36/1520 patients were identified who required reoperation at the proximal aortic anastomosis after ABG. Indications were graft occlusion (15/36) and graft stenoses (2/36), refractory to graft thrombectomy, proximal aortic anastomotic aneurysms (11/36) or graft infection (8/36). Graft occlusion or stenosis most frequently led to aortic reoperation in the OD-group (53.5%), recurrent aneurysmal disease (37.5%) and graft infection (37.5%) were the dominant indications in the AD-group. Mean time interval to reoperation was shorter in cases of graft infection (35 +/- 33 months) as compared with graft stenosis (66 +/- 58 months), graft occlusion (86 +/- 49 months) or aortic anastomotic aneurysms (152 +/- 90 months). Of the reoperations, 92% were done electively, 8% as emergency procedures. The perioperative course was uneventful in 67% of patients. Overall mortality rate after elective revisional surgery was 3% but reached 66% in emergencies. Postoperative morbidity and mortality was related to preoperative morbidity and the urgency of surgery, not with the mode of aortic intervention nor indication.