Inferior vena cava graft-enteric fistula after extended hepatectomy with caval replacement

J Vasc Surg. 2012 Jan;55(1):226-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.05.118. Epub 2011 Oct 5.

Abstract

A case of an inferior vena cava (IVC) graft-enteric fistula manifesting with recurrent sepsis 11 years after a right hepatectomy extending to segments I and IV, the extrahepatic bile duct, and IVC followed by chemotherapy and external-beam radiation therapy is described. A preoperative workup revealed graft thrombosis with air bubbles inside the lumen. Laparotomy found a chronic fistula between the graft and the enteric biliary loop. Removal of the graft without further vascular reconstruction, a take-down of the biliary loop, and a redo hepaticojejunostomy were performed successfully. The diagnostic challenges, possible etiology, and therapeutic implications of this case are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Device Removal
  • Female
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / diagnosis
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / etiology*
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / surgery
  • Hepatectomy / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Fistula / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology*
  • Intestinal Fistula / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Phlebography / methods
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation
  • Sepsis / etiology
  • Thrombosis / diagnosis
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Thrombosis / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Fistula / diagnosis
  • Vascular Fistula / etiology*
  • Vascular Fistula / surgery
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / diagnostic imaging
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / surgery*