Local Repair of a Secondary Aortoenteric Fistula in an Unstable Patient in a Resource-Poor Setting: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

The presentation of a massive upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB) due to an aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is a rare occurrence. A high index of suspicion is required to rapidly make the diagnosis and execute prompt surgical management. Despite the many surgical options described, the survival rate continues to be low. Conventional surgical management is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. However, in emergencies, patients are unsuitable for major vascular surgery and may benefit from the less invasive staged procedure. This is a case report of a secondary aortoenteric fistula (SAEF) presenting as a massive UGIB, two years after an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair using a Dacron graft. Due to a lack of endovascular service in our setting, we proceeded with an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy followed by exploratory laparotomy. A damage control approach was chosen for our patient, i.e., local repair of the graft and aorta, as our patient was on double inotropes on the table. The patient died within 24 hours as a result of massive blood volume loss.