Objective: To compare long-term outcomes of cryopreserved arterial allografts (CAAs) and prosthetic grafts (PGs) used for in situ reconstruction of primary infected aorto-iliac aneurysms and to identify the most appropriate conduit for surgical manage...
Objective: To compare long-term outcomes of cryopreserved arterial allografts (CAAs) and prosthetic grafts (PGs) used for in situ reconstruction of primary infected aorto-iliac aneurysms and to identify the most appropriate conduit for surgical management.
Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort study included 63 patients who underwent in situ reconstruction for primary infected aorto-iliac aneurysms between 2003 and 2024. Patients were grouped according to conduit type: CAA (n = 33) and PG (n = 30; including rifampin-soaked Dacron, PTFE, and standard Dacron). Demographic, microbiological, operative, and outcome variables were analyzed. Primary endpoints were overall survival, reinfection-free survival, and reintervention-free survival
Results: Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and aneurysm characteristics were comparable between groups. Median follow-up duration was 47.2 months (CAA) and 33.6 months (PG). Thirty-day mortality was 3.0% versus 0%, respectively (p > 0.999). Reinfection occurred in 3.0% of CAA and 6.7% of PG cases (p = 0.601). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated no significant differences between groups in overall survival (p = 0.226), reinfection-free survival (p = 0.421), or reintervention-free survival (p = 0.505).
Conclusions: Both cryopreserved arterial allografts and prosthetic grafts demonstrate excellent and comparable outcomes for in situ reconstruction of primary infected aorto-iliac aneurysms. While CAAs remain the preferred choice in infected fields due to their theoretical infection resistance, our findings suggest that prosthetic grafts may be considered as a viable alternative conduit when accompanied by appropriate surgical technique and antibiotic therapy.