Aortic graft infections and graft enteric complications are among the most challenging problems faced by vascular surgeons. Prompt, accurate diagnosis and definitive treatment are essential if major morbidity and mortality are to be avoided. In this paper, the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and contemporary surgical management of aortic graft infections and graft enteric complications are reviewed. Traditional management techniques (extraanatomic bypass with complete graft removal) are described in detail. Newer and more controversial techniques (management of infected aortofemoral graft limb without graft removal and in situ replacement of infected aortic grafts) are discussed and their results compared with those of traditional treatment.
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