Computerized tomography following abdominal aortic surgery.

Computerized tomography (CT) is an accurate, noninvasive method for direct imaging of the retroperitoneal space. We have evaluated its effectiveness in diagnosing postoperative aortic graft complications. CT provides an excellent display of the prosthetic graft material. Graft infections, graft hematomas, graft occlusions, anastomotic aneurysms, and true aneurysms can be detected with CT. We believe CT is the diagnostic screening procedure of choice for most patients with suspected aortic graft complications.