Aortic graft-enteric fistula.

Fifteen years' experience with 20 patients undergoing 24 operations for intestinal bleeding from aortic graft-enteric fistula at the Mayo Clinic has been reviewed. A review of the English language literature permits analysis of an additional 127 patients who underwent surgical intervention for this condition. Associated operative mortality in our experience and in that of others has been high--55% and 46%, respectively. Long-term survival in both groups remains low--approximately 15%. Consideration has therefore been given to aspects of prophylaxis, diagnosis, and intervention which may minimize future morbidity and mortality.