Management of synchronous infrarenal aortic disease and large bowel cancer: a North-east of Scotland experience

Abstract

Objectives: to review our experience of combined aortic and colonic surgery.

Design: retrospective review.

Methods: synchronous aortic and colorectal procedures were identified from prospective computerised audit and archival vascular records. Clinical parameters were used as surrogates for measuring clinical outcome.

Results: six patients (F:M=2:1), median age 75.6 years (range 70-80 years) were identified with infrarenal aortic pathology (5 aneurysms, median AP diameter 6 cm, 1 occluded aortoiliac segment) and colonic carcinoma. All carcinomas were Dukes stage B and moderately well differentiated. Synchronous aortic and colonic resections were performed in five cases, bypass for aortoiliac occlusion was deferred in preference to colonic resection in one case. Operating time ranged between 3-6.5 hours (median 4 h), transfusion requirements 2-5 units (median 3 units). One anastomotic dehiscence was reported. With follow-up between 6 months to 6 years all patients remain alive; no patient has re-presented with graft sepsis or symptomatic tumour recurrence.

Conclusion: synchronous resections of aortic and colonic lesion may be a treatment option in selected cases.