Transaortic mesenteric endarterectomy.

Although a number of methods for mesenteric artery reconstruction have been suggested, we believe that patients with atherosclerotic stenosis and occlusion of mesenteric vessels presenting with either acute or chronic visceral ischemia are best managed by either antegrade aortomesenteric bypass or transaortic mesenteric endarterectomy. Antegrade bypass is the most versatile technique and is therefore best adapted to extensive mesenteric disease. Transaortic mesenteric endarterectomy lends itself well to simultaneous renal artery endarterectomy when clinically significant osteal atherosclerosis is present at both sites. With any method of reconstruction, the technical adequacy of repair should be defined intraoperatively. In this regard, intraoperative duplex sonography provides both anatomic and hemodynamic data necessary to ensure technical success and late patency.