Extraperitoneal aorticobifemoral grafts.

Out of 436 patients operated on using aorticobifemoral grafting, 60 cases (mean age 66) had an extra-peritoneal approach to the abdominal aorta. 28 patients underwent aorticobifemoral revascularization, three of them had, in addition visceral artery grafts. In the 60 cases, perioperative mortality was 1.7%. The extra-peritoneal approach to the abdominal aorta is safer than the intraperitoneal approach, because it reduces the risk of shock connected with the large laparotomy. It is emphasized that, by using an extraperitoneal approach, a greater number of elderly patients can be considered suitable for aorticobifemoral grafts.