Obturator bypass in the treatment of prosthetic graft infection: Classic but still effective

Abstract

Aortic graft infection is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. In this article we report a 60-year-old man who developed bilateral groin wound infection and progressively worsening lower extremity ischemia one year after he underwent aortobifemoral bypass. The infected graft was resected and bilateral obturator bypass was performed. The obturator bypass, an extra-anatomical bypass closest to anatomical position with high patency rates, continues to be favored in revascularization of the lower extremity when the inguinal region should be avoided. Likewise, the obturator bypass is an effective surgical approach against recurrent infections.