[Secondary aorto-enteric fistula].

On the basis of five case histories, the causes, symptoms, investigations, diagnosis and treatment of secondary aorto-enteric fistulae are reviewed. In a patient in whom reconstruction in the aortoiliac segment has been undertaken, recurrent haematemesis and melaena, pyrexia and septicaemia and abdominal pain should lead to investigation for aorto-enteric fistula by means of oesophagogastro-duodenoscopy and radiological investigations if the condition permits this. Otherwise, emergency laporotomy with thorough examination of the intestine should be undertaken. The condition is associated with a considerable mortality but the prognosis is improved by rapid intervention. In cases where aorto-enteric fistula is suspected, the patient should be referred to a department for vascular surgery.