Sarah M. Wartman

Outcomes after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair requiring a suprarenal cross-clamp

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to analyze the early and late outcomes of patients who require a suprarenal aortic cross-clamp during elective open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS Patients from 1998 to 2012 who required a suprarenal aortic cross-clamp during elective open AAA repair were reviewed. Data abstracted included demographics and comorbidities; preoperative, perioperative, and late renal function; late interventions related to AAA repair; and late mortality. A decrease in renal function was defined as a >30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared with the preoperative value. Primary outcomes included renal function, intervention-free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS During the study period, 211 patients underwent open elective or urgent AAA repair; 69 required a suprarenal cross-clamp. The mean age was 71 years, and 80% were men. The mean preoperative creatinine concentration was 1.2 mg/dL, and the mean preoperative eGFR was 66 mL/min/1.73 m2. Location of the aortic cross-clamp was suprarenal (37), supramesenteric (21), and supraceliac (11). Perioperatively, 21 patients (30%) experienced a significant decrease in eGFR; four patients required hemodialysis. Six patients had full recovery of renal function by discharge. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were 35% and 4%, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 3 years, seven patients had an eGFR significantly less than the preoperative value. Late interventions related to the AAA repair were required in eight patients. Indications included wound complication (3), anastomotic aneurysm (2), incisional hernia (1), anastomotic graft stenosis (1), and proximal aortic dilation (1). Overall 5-year intervention-free survival was 62% and overall survival 77%. Intervention-free survival was enhanced by antiplatelet use (P = .04), whereas overall survival was decreased by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = .003) and perioperative pneumonia (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS More than a quarter of patients requiring a suprarenal cross-clamp during open AAA repair experience renal dysfunction. Late graft-related complications are few, with preoperative and perioperative pulmonary function negatively affecting overall patient survival.

Infective Endocarditis Associated Superior Mesenteric Artery Pseudoaneurysm

BACKGROUND Since William Osler first described mycotic aneurysms in the setting of endocarditis in 1885, few pseudoaneurysms (PAs) of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) have been reported in the literature. We report 2 cases of SMA PA related to infective endocarditis that were managed with open surgery. RESULTS Here we report 2 cases of SMA PAs treated with different surgical techniques. A 59-year-old male with a history of intravenous drug use presented with abdominal pain and was found to have Streptococcus viridans endocarditis and an SMA PA. A laparotomy was performed, and proximal and distal control of the SMA PA was obtained. After ensuring that Doppler signals were still present in the distal mesentery and the entirety of the bowel was viable, the SMA was ligated proximal and distal to the PA. The patient recovered uneventfully. The second case is a 35-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain and was found to have Streptococcos gordonii endocarditis and an SMA PA for which the patient was initially observed. After several weeks, the patients condition deteriorated and the patient underwent open ligation of the SMA, proximal and distal to the PA, with a bypass from the infrarenal abdominal aorta to a distal unnamed SMA branch and resection of 3 ft of ischemic small bowel. The patient continued to have recurrent bowel ischemia over the next several weeks and ultimately died. CONCLUSIONS SMA PAs associated with infective endocarditis are rare, but carry a high risk of rupture and associated morbidity and mortality. Delay in surgical management may increase this risk.

Management of a Large Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Conjunction with a Massive Inguinal Hernia

The majority of inguinal hernias that are concomitant with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are clinically insignificant. However, management of AAA associated with a complex hernia can be challenging. We report a case of a 72-year-old male with a 7-cm AAA and a massive inguinal hernia involving loss of abdominal domain. Using a multidisciplinary approach, a staged hybrid endovascular and open repair of the AAA was performed followed by hernia repair.

Considerations in Pediatric Hemodialysis Access

The International Pediatric Fistula First Initiative was established in 2005 with the aim of addressing the lack of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) use in the pediatric population. Currently, the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-KDOQI) recommends placing permanent hemodialysis access in all patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) aged 0–19 who are greater than 20 kg and are not expected to receive kidney transplantation within one year. Thus anyone who is expected to be on dialysis greater than one year and meets the age and size criteria should have a permanent arteriovenous fistula placed.

Vascular Injuries in the Abdomen

Management of abdominal vascular injuries presents significant challenges to the operating surgeon. One of the tenets to successful treatment of the injured abdominal vessel is rapid exposure and vascular control. This chapter outlines surgical maneuvers to provide expedient care of these complex injuries.