Arterio-intestinal fistula as a complication following insertion of an aorto-iliac bifurcation graft. A case report.

A patient who had been treated with insertion of an aorto-iliac bifurcation dacron prosthesis for atherosclerosis 6 years previously, developed a fistulous communication between a false aneurysm at the distal anastomosis to the left iliac artery and an ileal loop. Intestinal haemorrhage and signs of infection were the main symptoms. Successful surgical treatment consisted of suturing the intestinal defect, removal of the left limb of the graft and vascular reconstruction by means of a subcutaneous femorofemoral vein bypass.