Aortoenteric Fistula Treatment in Turkey
About Aortoenteric Fistula
Key Highlights
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Addresses a life-threatening emergency to prevent fatal hemorrhage.Repairs the structural integrity of both the aorta and the gastrointestinal tract.Performed by a specialized team, often including cardiologists and vascular surgeons, for comprehensive care.Aims to eliminate the source of recurrent bleeding and severe infection (sepsis).Can be a definitive treatment for a condition with an otherwise very high mortality rate.
Who is this surgery for?
- A "herald bleed" – an initial, often self-limited episode of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a major warning sign.
- Massive, unexplained gastrointestinal hemorrhage, especially in a patient with a history of aortic surgery or aneurysm.
- Evidence of an aortoenteric fistula on imaging studies like CT angiography or endoscopy.
- Signs of systemic infection or sepsis originating from the fistula.
- Persistent abdominal or back pain in a patient with a known aortic graft or aneurysm.
How to prepare
- Emergency stabilization is paramount, including massive transfusion protocols for blood loss.
- Rapid diagnostic imaging, typically a contrast-enhanced CT scan, to confirm the fistula location.
- Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics are administered immediately to combat infection.
- Informed consent is obtained from the patient or family, explaining the high-risk nature of the emergency surgery.
- The surgical team, including cardiology, vascular surgery, and anesthesia, is mobilized for an immediate operation.
Risks & possible complications
- Severe bleeding during surgery, potentially leading to shock or death.
- Graft infection, which is a serious complication that may require graft removal.
- Recurrence of the fistula.
- Bowel ischemia or leakage from the intestinal repair site.
- Kidney failure due to contrast dye or low blood pressure.
- Stroke, heart attack, or blood clots.
- General risks of major surgery and anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery occurs in an intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring of vital signs and organ function.
- Patients will have a breathing tube and be on a ventilator temporarily after surgery.
- Intravenous antibiotics are continued for an extended period, often weeks.
- Nutrition may initially be provided intravenously (TPN) until bowel function returns.
- Gradual mobilization with physical therapy is essential to prevent complications.
- Lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist or vascular surgeon is required for imaging surveillance of the aortic repair.
- Patients must report any fever, abdominal pain, or signs of bleeding immediately.
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Typical hospital stay:
14-28 days
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Expected recovery time:
3-6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering aortoenteric fistula in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for aortoenteric fistula in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform aortoenteric fistula. MediFyr helps you compare cardiologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for aortoenteric fistula compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Aortoenteric Fistula in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated cardiology teams and experience managing patients undergoing aortoenteric fistula.
Istanbul, Turkey
150 Doctors
Sai Kumar, a 68-year-old retired civil...
Sai Kumar, a 68-year-old retired civil engineer, had an aortic aneurysm repair with a synthetic graft 15 years ago. He was managing well until three months ago when he began experiencing episodes of dark, tarry stools and intermittent, sharp abdominal pain. Initially dismissing it as a stomach ulcer, he grew increasingly fatigued and pale. His cardiologist, Dr. Sharma, ordered urgent tests. A CT angiogram revealed the dreaded complication: an aortoenteric fistula, where his old graft was eroding into his duodenum. Dr. Sharma explained the life-threatening risk of massive hemorrhage and recommended emergency open surgery to remove the infected graft, repair the intestine, and place a new graft. The complex 8-hour surgery was grueling. Post-op, Sai spent a week in the ICU, battling infection and pain. His recovery was slow, requiring a 3-month course of IV antibiotics and careful wound care. Emotionally, he went from fear and disbelief at the sudden turn of events to profound gratitude for the surgical team. The long recovery tested his patience, but regaining his strength to play with his grandchildren filled him with resilience and a renewed appreciation for life.
Cardiologists for Aortoenteric Fistula
Explore experienced cardiologists who regularly perform aortoenteric fistula and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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