Secondary aortoenteric fistula: a narrative review of the view of the surgeon.

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is defined as the abnormal communication between the aorta and the gastrointestinal tract. AEFs are divided into primary and secondary usually after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) recovery and are a rare but quite dangerous cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that the general surgeon may face during his/her career. Secondary AEF was first described in 1953 to a 44-year-old woman 3 months after an AAA operation. This review presents the role of the surgeon in the management of secondary aortoenteric fistulas. AEFs are a rare but fatal gastrointestinal bleeding cause that the general surgeon may be asked to manage. Diagnosis requires the combination of strong clinical suspicion and the presence of a history of AAA surgery. Although a vascular surgery case, general surgeons play a role in choosing the technique of restoring the intestinal tract, which seems to be significantly related to subsequent morbidity and mortality.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with varicose veins in Albania: a retrospective, single-centre analysis.

Introduction: Chronic venous disease (CVD) constitutes a frequently underdiagnosed pathological condition that progressively diminishes patients' quality of life and imposes an escalating strain on healthcare resources. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the epidemiological landscape of varicose vein disease, examining age group distributions, gender patterns, residence influences, marital status correlations, weight considerations, educational impacts, and various aspects related to varicose veins. Material and methods: This was a single-centre retrospective analysis, in Albania from May 2018 to September 2023. Data were collected retrospectively through hospital records. Data collection involved administering a structured questionnaire to study participants, categorically organised into three sections. The first section focused on collecting demographic information, the second section involved self-perception of identifying risk factors associated with varicose veins, and the final section included inquiries about the history of variceal surgery. Results: The CEAP classification distribution in our cohort revealed a predominant presence of C2 (varicose veins) in 53.3% of patients, followed by C3 (oedema) at 29.2%, and C4 (changes in skin and subcutaneous tissue secondary to CVD) at 10.5%, whereas C5 (healed venous ulcer) and C6 (active venous ulcer) were less frequent. Based on the body mass index (BMI) scale, data from patients indicated that 9.7% were in the category of underweight, 54.8% had a normal BMI, and 35.5% were categorised as overweight. Conclusions: The study's thorough exploration of patient perspectives, risk factors, and treatment choices contributes to a holistic understanding of varicose vein management, emphasising the importance of personalised approaches that account for demographic variations and individual beliefs.

Vacuum-Assisted Thrombo-Aspiration for Paradoxical Embolism in Left Renal Artery: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Paradoxical embolism through the foramen ovale is a rare and devastating event requiring urgent treatment. Herein, we present the case of a 23-year-old male who presented with a pulmonary embolism complicated by a left renal artery paradoxical embolism. Urgent vacuum-assisted thrombo-aspiration restored normal perfusion of the left kidney within 5 hours. The patient had a patent foramen ovale and heterozygous thrombophilia. However, a radioisotopic scan performed 2 years later revealed an unexpected decrease in left renal perfusion. Therefore, despite the angiographic success, functional evaluation using a renal scan should be performed to assess renal function.

Endotension as a Rare Complication to Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Endotension remains an enigmatic rare cause of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair failure leading to aneurysm growth and/or rupture. We present a patient with a long-standing endotension treated with open reconstruction and graft explantation. We also provide a unique clinical video, which gives a key view of the intrasac operative findings.

Myasthenia Gravis and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Rare Combination.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) is extremely rare. We present a 64-year-old male with MG and an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm treated endovascularly. After extubation, he suffered a cardiac arrest due to an acute myocardial infarction. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and a primary coronary angioplasty led to a satisfactory outcome. Special care is needed due to higher rates of postoperative complications in these patients.

Re-Rupture 2 Years after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Rupture.

Re-rupture 2 years after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) rupture is an extremely rare event and limited data exist in the literature. We present an interesting case of a patient with an abdominal aortic rupture that had undergone 2 years before an endovascular repair for rupture after EVAR due to a type IA endoleak. The patient underwent a successful embolization of the type IA endoleak. Onyx was used to seal the gutter between the aortic wall and the endograft and the 1-month post-embolization CT showed complete sealing with no contrast in the sac. Two years after the rupture, he was presented again with clinical signs of hemodynamic shock and instability. An urgent CT Angiograph showed again rupture due to a type IA endoleak. The patient underwent an emergency open laparotomy. We analyze the re-rupture after EVAR while taking data from the literature into account.

FACTORS INFLUENCING FLUOROSCOPY TIME IN ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT OF ABDOMINAL ANEURYSMS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Patients who undergo endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) may require prolonged radiation exposure affected by several factors. The objectives of this study were to document fluoroscopy time (FT) during EVAR and identify possible factors that influence it. A retrospective analysis of a 180 patients' database with abdominal infrarenal aortic aneurysms submitted to EVAR during a 7-y period was performed. The FT is evaluated regarding risk factors and comorbidities, graft type and patient-related, clinical and technical parameters. FT's median (interquartile range) was 1011 (698-1500) s. Excluder and C3 Excluder were associated with significantly lower FT values when compared with other grafts. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, age ≥ 70 y, maximum aneurysm diameter ≥ 6 cm and procedure duration ≥2 h resulted in higher FT values. A significantly lower FT was found for the operations performed in the 7th y of the study's period compared with the previous 6 y, mainly because of the use of Excluder or C3 Excluder grafts. However, these grafts did not show any significant difference in FT values during the 7 y. A significant correlation between FT with age and procedure duration was found. Nevertheless, procedure duration is a poor FT predictor in linear and logistic regressions, although is significantly correlated with FT. Dyslipidemia, procedure duration and graft type are independent predictors of FT larger than the median, whereas only the procedure duration is a predictor for FT larger than the 75th percentile value. The identified factors regarding radiation protection issues should be considered when contemplating abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, however, without compromising the procedure's efficacy. Further work is necessary to identify more potential anatomical, clinical and technical factors affecting procedures' complexity and FT and patient radiation dose during EVAR interventions.

Successful Management of Recurrent Tunneled Dialysis Catheter Infections with the Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow Graft Device.

The hemodialysis reliable outflow (HeRO) graft was designed for patients with failed arteriovenous accesses caused by an obstructed central venous outflow or patients who have exhausted all upper arm options. We describe a patient with severe stenosis of the superior vena cava (SVC) who experienced recurrent episodes of infection of permanent tunneled catheters, resulting in repeated hospitalizations. We successfully used the HeRO graft after angioplasty of the SVC. This indication for placing the HeRO graft has not been emphasized and mentioned previously in the literature. We also reviewed the literature regarding comparisons of this technique with other options.

Correlation between gynecological tumors and atherosclerotic diseases.

Gynecological cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with malignancies of the ovary, uterus, fallopian tube, cervix, vagina, and vulva making up 10-18% of all cancers diagnosed in women globally. Gynecological cancer and atherosclerosis are two of the most frequent medical entities that afflict women worldwide; thus the possible correlations between them ought to be explored. Vulvar, cervical, vaginal, endometrial, and ovarian cancers have been found to have common points with atherosclerosis regarding their pathogenesis and predisposing factors. Obesity and metabolic syndrome, HPV infection, vitamin D deficiency, and increased telomere length constitute common ground between these two afflictions, which this article aims to analyze.

Prevalence of stroke-related risk factors in Albania: a single-center experience.

Introduction: Stroke, a prominent global cause of mortality and disability, is broadly categorized into ischemic and hemorrhagic types. An epidemiological survey of stroke and its risk factors can help identify individuals at higher risk and therefore promote stroke prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to estimate the current prevalence of stroke and evaluate stroke-associated risk factors in Albania. Material and methods: This was a single-center retrospective analysis conducted in Albania for the period from May 2015 to September 2021. Data were collected retrospectively through hospital records. Stroke was defined as sudden onset of a nonconvulsive and focal neurological deficit, and ischemic stroke was diagnosed using brain computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, or both. We examined patient history characteristics encompassing demographics, stroke history, conventional vascular risk factors, and lifestyle-related risk factors. Results: The mean age of the 3860 patients was 74.6 ±10.4 years, and 73.5% were men. The prevalence of carotid stenosis, arrhythmia, obesity, and hypertension was significantly higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). Out of the 3860 patients in the study cohort, 641 (16.6%) subjects died, while 335 (8.7%) patients achieved complete recovery. Hemiparesis was observed in 386 (10%) patients and hemiplegia in 868 (22.4%) patients. Conclusions: Our analysis underscores the male predominance (2.2 : 1) in stroke cases. Carotid and vertebral artery stenosis is a significant factor, emphasizing the life-saving potential of early intervention. Social and economic factors in Albania pose challenges, demanding comprehensive strategies. Prospective trials are crucial to explore intervention efficacy, and timing, and address socioeconomic impacts on timely stroke management.

Endovascular Repair of an Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Combined with a Congenital Pelvic Kidney: Case Report and Literature Review.

The coexistence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a congenital pelvic kidney is extremely rare. We present a 66-year-old male with an inflammatory aneurysm and an aberrant origin of the superior mesenteric artery. The inflammatory infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with a congenital left pelvic kidney was successfully treated with endovascular repair. Coverage of one out of the two renal ectopic arteries was performed, without clinical evidence of renal function impairment.

Treatment options for dialysis access steal syndrome.

Vascular access-induced limb ischemia is a known complication of arteriovenous fistulas and grafts. Many techniques have been adopted to prevent steal in high-risk patients and to treat steal in cases of moderate ischemia not controlled with conservative management. A major factor guiding treatment is access flow volume. Management is different when ischemia is combined with the excessive flow in contrast to the combination with normal flow. We describe the most popular techniques encountered in the English literature as a part of a stepwise approach to treating dialysis access steal syndrome. In absence of ischemia, when cardiac issues emerge due to extreme access flow volumes, some of these techniques are also used to decrease flow and protect the heart. Patient's history, focused clinical examination, color duplex ultrasound examination, pulse oximetry and an angiogram are essential tools to approach this entity.

A rare combination of tibial artery aneurysm and traumatic arteriovenous fistula: a case report.

Aneurysms of the tibial arteries are rare, and they most commonly occur due to trauma of the lower extremities. Acquired arteriovenous fistulas of the tibial arteries are a recognized complication of trauma of the lower extremity and they are related to the mechanism of the injury. Although the natural history of stable arteriovenous fistula is relatively benign, the aneurysms of the tibial arteries should be repaired with autologous vein bypass grafts, if there is distal ischemia. Endovascular repair has been reported as an effective alternative treatment for traumatic tibial artery aneurysms. The case of a 60-year-old male with the rare combination of a tibial artery aneurysm and traumatic arteriovenous fistula of the left lower extremity is reported in view of its rarity and the modern holistic endovascular approach used for treatment. A covered stent graft in the anterior tibial artery was used for the treatment of both the aneurysm and the arteriovenous fistula. The patient was discharged under dual antiplatelet treatment for three months, continued by clopidogrel as monotherapy. At the six-month follow-up, the patient has restored palpable peripheral pulses and no sign of recurrence or complication was recognized. A total endovascular approach can be an effective treatment for these complicated traumatic aneurysms.

Chronic Limb Ischemia due to Thrombosis of an Aneurysmal Degeneration of the Autogenous Vein Graft: A Case Report.

Nonanastomotic aneurysmal degeneration of a great saphenous vein graft is an unusual condition, despite the common use of this conduit in arterial reconstructions. Vein grafts are at risk of degenerative changes, but the real cause remains unknown. Postoperative graft surveillance with duplex ultrasound scanning is important for maintaining patency of the venous graft. We present a rare case of chronic limb ischemia due to partial thrombosis of an aneurysm of the great saphenous vein graft.

Endovascular Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using the ALTO Abdominal Stent Graft System: The First Case Series.

The ALTO abdominal stent graft system (Endologix Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) is a latest-generation polymer-based device used to treat patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. The present study describes the first case series of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms, including two patients with juxtarenal aneurysms, treated using the ALTO stent graft system. Six males were treated using the ALTO device at a single public center. All procedures were uneventful, and the dosimetric results recorded in terms of kerma-area product and fluoroscopy time were similar to those reported in previous studies. At the 1-month follow-up, computed tomography angiography showed no evidence of endoleak, device migration, thrombosis, or structural graft failure. This clinical series demonstrates that the use of the ALTO stent graft system is associated with promising patient outcomes. Lifelong postoperative imaging surveillance may highlight possible late failures and suggest potential graft improvements.

A case report of surgical repair of a post-catheterization radial pseudoaneurysm.

We report an 83-year-old patient with a huge post-catheterization right radial pseudoaneurysm, presented 17 months after a coronary angiography. Cases of radial post-catheterization pseudoaneurysms with a similar size are scarce in the literature. Delay in presentation led to painful skin ischemia due to tension, a sign of imminent rupture, which is also rare in the literature. Symptomatology included severe wrist pain and clinical signs consisted of a pulsatile painful mass in the right distal forearm. Management consisted of surgical excision and ligation of the radial artery in an urgent base. This case emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and management of post-catheterization pseudoaneurysms as delay may lead to severe enlargement with skin necrosis and imminent rupture. Ligation of the radial artery is an acceptable option when reconstruction of the artery is troublesome, provided that the palmar arch remains patent.

Patient Transfer with Kocher Forceps on the Axillary Artery: A Rare Case of Ongoing Iatrogenic Vascular Injury.

Iatrogenic trauma of the axillary artery by non-vascular surgeons can occur during various general surgical procedures such as resection of soft tissue tumors or axillary lymph node clearance. Prompt recognition, appropriate initial management, and rapid transfer to a tertiary vascular surgery service, if needed, are key steps to ensuring patient safety. Here we present a case of iatrogenic axillary artery injury during the resection of a recurrent soft tissue tumor in a local hospital. The desperate application of a Kocher clamp on the bleeding axillary artery by the operating general surgeons controlled the bleeding but led to further arterial damage. The patient was transferred to our tertiary hospital, where the arterial injury was repaired using a vein interposition graft. Apart from the encountered intraoperative technical challenges, this case highlights the need for broader training of nonvascular specialist surgeons on the core principles of basic vascular surgical techniques and oncovascular surgery.

Treatment of Dialysis Access Steal Syndrome with Concomitant Vascular Access Aneurysms.

Limb ischemia is a known complication of vascular access that may appear early postoperatively or after years. Over the last few decades, various techniques based on different physiological mechanisms have been used for treatment. A standardized treatment does not exist, and must be individualized based on the flow volume, and the type and location of the access. True and false vascular access aneurysms are another common complication of arteriovenous fistulas, which develop because of venous hypertension or repeated needling. Evidence in the literature regarding treatment of patients with steal syndrome and concomitant true arteriovenous aneurysms is scarce. A female with a brachiocephalic fistula complicated by steal syndrome and vascular access aneurysms was treated successfully with tapered graft placement and aneurysm exclusion.

Complete agenesis of the infra-renal aorta.

Complete agenesis of the infra-renal aorta is an extremely rare anatomical variant, and its presence can complicate the accurate interpretation of the aortic sonographic assessment.