Anastomotic iliac artery aneurysms: A delayed but dangerous complication

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Levi, N.^; | Schroeder, T.V.

Affiliations: Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet, The National University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark

Note: [] Correspondence to: Niels Levi MD, Vermlandgade 77, Copenhagen 2300 S, Denmark.

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess our experience with anastomotic iliac artery aneurysms and to assess the blood transfusion requirement in patients undergoing surgery for iliac artery aneurysms. Materials and methods: The case records of 6 patients who underwent 6 arterial reconstructive procedures for anastomotic iliac aneurysms from January 1989 to December 1995 were identified in our prospective vascular database and reviewed. Result: Five patients presented with a painful abdominal mass and one patient was asymptomatic. The average delay between the original operation and the development of the anastomotic aneurysms was 14 years. Aneurysmorrhaphy with graft interposition was the most common procedure. The one week perioperative mortality was two out of six. Out of 6 patients, 6 patients (100%) were transfused with a total of 51 units (average 8 units per operation, range from 6 to 12 units). The average measured intraoperative blood loss was 3400 ml (2000 to 5300 ml). The average pre‐operative haemoglobin was 7.8 mmol/l (range 6.6 to 9.1 mmol/l). The average post‐operative haemoglobin was 6.5 mmol/l (range 5.5 to 7.1 mmol/l). Conclusions: Anastomtic iliac aneurysm is a late but dangerous condition with a high perioperative mortality. Large volumes of blood should be avaible.

Journal: International Journal of Risk and Safety in Medicine, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 93-97, 1998