Failed Minimally Invasive Staged Treatment of a Giant Symptomatic Aortic Perigraft Hygroma after Open Aortic Repair.

BACKGROUND: Perigraft hygromas or seromas are an unusual finding and/or complication after open aortic repair.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We present a case of an 82-year-old man with a previous urgent aortic bifurcated graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. He received several treatments due to abdominal compartment syndrome, requiring a Bogota Bag and colostomy derivation. He was finally discharged home and lost on follow-up. Eight years after this procedure, he presented to the urgency department with an abdominal mass and pain. Urgent computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a giant bilobed aortic sac, corresponding with a huge hygroma. A 3-stage minimally invasive procedure was scheduled due to hostile abdomen. Six months after successful treatment, patient came with fever and abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with graft infection and aortoenteric fistula and was treated with explantation and silver in situ repair.

CONCLUSIONS: Aortic hygroma or seromas after open repair should be treated by open means whenever possible. Endovascular techniques could be a valid option in selected patients; however, further evidence is needed.