Duodenal obstruction following reconstruction of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Two patients developed duodenal obstruction, believed to be due to collagenous adhesions between the duodenum and the Dacron graft itself, following repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The diagnosis was suspected because of a continuous copious bile stained nasogastric aspirate and was confirmed by upper gastrointestinal barium studies. Conservative management for several days with nasogastric aspiration and intravenous hyperalimentation led to resolution of the obstruction. We believe this complication is probably under-reported but will generally resolve with conservative measures.