Mesenteric Autotransplantation: An Alternative Technique for Reoperation and Bypass of the Superior Mesenteric Artery

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) aneurysms represent a minority of visceral aneurysms but may result in lethal complications if left untreated. Options for treatment include aneurysmorraphy, bypass, ligation, or embolization. Here we present a case of a man with a history of celiac graft thrombosis who presents with a recurrent symptomatic SMA aneurysm. Given his compromised celiac axis, ligation was not an option. His SMA aneurysm was repaired with a PTFE patch. However, to secure longstanding blood flow to the small bowel in the event of graft thrombosis, the distal SMA pedicle was dissected free of the ileocolic vessels and anastomosed to the aorta. Follow-up studies demonstrated an occluded PTFE patch with a patent SMA autotransplant. This case depicts a novel approach to the surgical management of complex recurrent SMA aneurysms.