Prophylactic revascularization of the gut.

Reconstitution of the mesenteric vascular circulation, in our experience, is advisable when advanced occlusive disease is noted on the preoperative arteriogram of patients selected for aortoiliofemoral, renal artery, or aortic aneurysm surgery. A lateral aortogram is mandatory, and the presence of an anastomotic meandering mesenteric artery on frontal arteriogram is especially valuable in signaling significant disease. This is the first report of prophylactic concomitant revascularization of compromised mesenteric vessels during aortic reconstructive procedures on selected patients. It is our opinion that such an approach can be a significant deterrent to subsequent catastrophic bowel infarction from mesenteric arterial occlusive disease.