A Case Series of Secondary Aortoenteric Fistula after Open Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Timing and Technique of Surgery

Abstract

Secondary aortoenteric fistula (sAEF) is a rare but serious complication after open aortic aneurysm repair (OAR). Although there is no consensus on the treatment strategy for sAEF, acute management of bleeding and infection control greatly affect the outcome. We report five cases of sAEF following OAR from 2016 to 2021. One patient died of sepsis following graft infection, whereas the others had relatively good outcomes. No recurrence of infection or fistula has been observed over an average follow-up period of 29.8 months. Timely management of bleeding and infection with surgical intervention resulted in favorable outcomes in our patients.