Spontaneous Evacuation of a Vascular Metallic Stent through a Graft-Duodenal Fistula with Concomitant Non-Surgical Fistula Closure

Abstract

We report a patient who developed ileus caused by vascular stent migration into the duodenum with periprosthetic retroperitoneal abscess. The patient previously underwent removal of an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm with concomitant axillobifemoral arterial reconstruction. An occlusion of the graft leg was treated by a unilateral aortoiliac bypass where endovascular surgery with a metallic stent was later needed. The abscess and ileus were vigorously drained. Following the spontaneous evacuation of the metallic stent via the digestive tract, the abscess was completely drained and fistula closure was achieved without surgical intervention. The patient has remained healthy 6 years thereafter.