Aortic balloon control of a traumatic aortoenteric fistula after damage control laparotomy: a case report.
Aortoenteric fistula is a rare complication of abdominal trauma. We present a case of a patient with multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen and thorax in whom control of injury required staged operations. An aortoenteric fistula developed, presenting a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The operative control of aortic bleeding was by a retroperitoneal approach to the aorta and facilitated by the use of percutaneous aortic balloon catheters. The patient survived to leave hospital. This case highlights a rare trauma complication, the use of "damage control" for the severely injured abdomen and the technique of intra-arterial balloon control of bleeding from inaccessible locations.
Schwab
C W
CW
Division of Traumatology and Surgical Critical Care, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
McMahon
D J
DJ
Phillips
G
G
Pentecost
M J
MJ
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D002404:Catheterization; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery*