In situ rifampin-soaked grafts with omental coverage and antibiotic suppression are durable with low reinfection rates in patients with aortic graft enteric erosion or fistula.

OBJECTIVE

We previously reported that in situ rifampin-soaked grafts (ISRGs) were safe in select patients with aortic graft infections, with the best results in those with aortic graft enteric erosion or fistula (AGEF). This study evaluates the late results of ISRG for AGEF.

METHODS

From 1990 to 2008, 183 patients were treated for aortic graft infections (121 primary and 62 AGEF). We reviewed 54 patients treated for AGEF with a standard protocol, which included excision of the infected part of the graft, intestinal repair, ISRG with omental wrap, and long-term antibiotics. We excluded 8 patients with AGEF (13%) treated with axillofemoral grafts (AXFG, n = 5) or in situ femoral vein (n = 3) due to excessive perigraft purulence. Endpoints were early morbidity and mortality, late survival, reinfection, and graft-related complications.

RESULTS

There were 45 male patients and 9 female patients with a mean age of 69 ± 9 years. Presentation was gastrointestinal bleeding in 33 patients, fever in 25 patients, and hemorrhagic shock in 10 patients. Other features were perigraft fluid in 29 patients and purulence in 9 patients. Forty-two patients (80%) had infections isolated to a portion of the graft body or limb, with the remainder of the graft well incorporated. Total graft excision was performed in 31 patients and partial excision in 23 patients. Total operating time was 6.2 ± 1.9 hours. Postoperative complications occurred in 28 patients (52%), and there were 5 deaths (9%). Operative mortality was 2.3% in stable patients (1 of 44) and 40% in those with hemorrhagic shock (4 of 10; P < .001). The hospital stay was 20 ± 18 days. Mean follow-up was 51 months (range, 3-197 months). Five-year patient survival, primary graft patency, and limb salvage rates were 59 ± 8%, 92 ± 5%, and 100%, respectively. There were no late graft-related deaths. There were two (4%) graft reinfections, one that was treated with axillofemoral bypass, and the other with perigraft fluid aspiration and oral antibiotic suppression.

CONCLUSION

ISRGs with omental wrap and long-term antibiotics are associated with low reinfection rates in patients with AGEF who do not have excessive perigraft purulence. Graft patency and limb salvage rates are excellent.