Role of supraceliac aortic bypass in visceral artery reconstruction.

Twelve patients underwent transabdominal, supraceliac aortomesenteric bypass for celiac and superior mesenteric artery occlusive disease. Nine patients had bypass for intestinal ischemia (five acute, four chronic), and one patient each had bypass for arcuate ligament syndrome, thoracoabdominal aneurysm, and an infected aortic stump "blowout." Three aortoceliac, 9 aortohepatic, and 10 aortosuperior mesenteric artery bypasses were performed. Prosthetic grafts were used for the bypasses in 11 of the 12 patients. One death occurred in a patient with preexisting hepatic necrosis and renal failure secondary to acute mesenteric ischemia. During a mean follow-up of 26 months, one graft thrombosis occurred and required revision for recurrent symptoms. Supraceliac aortomesenteric bypass appears to be a safe and effective procedure for visceral revascularization.