Improved Perioperative Mortality after Secondary Aorto-enteric Fistula Repair and Lessons Learned from a 20-year Experience.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nSecondary aorto-enteric fistula (SAEF) are rare but represent one of the most challenging and devastating problems for vascular surgeons. Several issues surrounding SAEF treatment remain unresolved including optimal surgical reconstruction and conduit choice. We performed an audit of our experience with SAEF and highlight aspects of care that have affected outcomes over time with the intent to identify factors associated with best outcomes.\n\n\nMETHODS\nWe performed a single center, retrospective review of all consecutive SAEF repairs (1999-2019), defined as presence of a false communication between an enteric structure and pre-existing aortic graft. The primary end-point was 30-day mortality. Secondary end-points included incidence of complications and overall survival. Time-dependent outcome comparison was performed. Cox proportional-hazards modeling and life-table analysis estimated risk and freedom from end-points.\n\n\nRESULTS\n57 patients (63% male; n=36) presented with SAEF (median age-69 [IQR 61-74] years). Median follow-up time was 10 [IQR 3-21] months. The most common presenting symptoms were gastrointestinal bleeding (60%, n=34) and abdominal pain (56%, n=32). For the overall cohort, 30% (n=17) underwent extra-anatomic bypass (EAB) with aortic ligation, 30% (n=17) rifampin-soaked Dacron graft, 26% (n=15) femoral vein (e.g. NAIS), and 14% (n=8) cryopreserved aortic allograft. The enteric communication involved the duodenum in 85% (n=48) and a double layer hand-sewn primary repair was most commonly employed (61%, n=35). 30-day mortality was 35% (n=20) with no significant difference between 90- (39%, n=22) and 180-days (42%, n=24). Morbidity was 70% (n=40) with gastrointestinal (30%, n=17; leak [9%]), pulmonary (25%, n=14), and renal (21%) complications being most common. Incidence of re-operation for any vascular and/or gastrointestinal-related complication was 56% (n=32). One-year and 3-year survival was 54±6% and 48±8%, respectively. Over time, 30- and 90-day mortality improved (OR 0.1, 0.4-0.5; p=.002) despite no change in patient factors, operative strategy, conduit choice or morbidity rate. Pre-hospital history of gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with worse survival (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-3.9; p=.06); however, reconstruction strategy (in-situ vs. EAB), postoperative gastrointestinal and/or vascular complication, omental flap use and preoperative EVAR history were not associated with outcome.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nIn conclusion, we observed improved short-term mortality despite no significant change in patient presentation or postoperative complications. This highlights increasing institutional experience in selecting the optimal surgical strategy and improved ability to rescue patients experiencing adverse postoperative events. An individualized approach to reconstruction and conduit choice can lead to best outcomes after SAEF management when patients are treated at a high-volume aortic surgery center.