What is an aortocaval fistula?

The uncommon aortocaval fistula is a disorder in which the vena cava and aorta join, limiting blood flow. Aortocaval fistula repair refers to the surgical operation conducted to seal the hole and normalize the flow of blood. It can save lives, but it has hazards and a high death rate. This page describes the process, success rates, and when to seek it.

What is Aortocaval fistula repair?

Aortic fistulas tend to require emergency surgery because there can be a risk to life with these fistulas. The surgeons can opt for either an endovascular or a conventional open approach when operating.

In the past two decades, the treatment for aortocaval fistula has transitioned from open surgical surgery to endovascular repair. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Open surgery

Open surgery is a surgical procedure through which your fistula is treated through an incision. General anesthesia is administered to you before this open surgery in order to put you asleep before the process.

At mortality rates ranging from 16% to 66%, open surgery is invasive and has higher rates of death.

Doctors usually opt for open surgery when endovascular surgery cannot be applied to patients because of their anatomical limitations.

Open surgery could also be recommended even for younger patients, given that they do not have diseases related to the respiratory or cardiovascular systems, in order to avoid frequent follow-up visits and reoperations.

In young patients who don't suffer from diseases of the lungs or heart, open surgery may also be considered with the aim of reducing the requirement for chronic follow-up and reoperation.

Endovascular repair

During endovascular repair, a long tube, i.e., a catheter is placed into your bloodstream. In order to implant a stent that blocks the blood flow from your aorta to your vena cava, doctors will often make their entry through a tube inserted at the groin with one of your blood vessels.

The endovascular repair can be accomplished by your surgical team under local anesthesia. This means that even though the area in your groin, where the catheter is inserted, will be numbed, you will stay conscious during the procedure. However, because the required catheters are large, you may need general anesthesia.

What are the risks of aortocaval fistula repair?

After aortic surgery, general problems may include:

• Infection
• Too much bleeding
• Blood clots
• Cerebrovascular accident
• Coronary attack (heart attack)
• Renal disorders

Bleeding around the stent that was used to seal the fistula between the aorta and the vena cava is considered an endo leak.

The problem is that the opening needs to be more adequately closed. In comparison with endovascular surgery, one of the main concerns of residual aortocaval fistulae is that the hole does not heal properly.

What is the outlook for people after aortocaval fistula repair?

Because aortocaval fistula repair is infrequent, very few studies have been conducted on its effectiveness. The research suggests that both endovascular and open procedures were associated with excellent outcomes.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for aortocaval fistula repair in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for aortocaval fistula repair in Lucknow, India. We have a highly experienced team of vascular surgeons who use advanced tools and follow international standard infection control measures. Our hospital ensures safer procedures, quicker recovery, and improved long-term outcomes.

To seek an expert consultation for aortocaval fistula repair in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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