Aortobifemoral Bypass Surgery

How It Is Done

Aortobifemoral bypass surgery is used to bypass a narrowed or blocked part of the large blood vessels in the abdomen and groin.

To bypass the diseased part of the blood vessel, blood is redirected through a graft. The graft is made of human-made material. This graft is sewn above and below the diseased vessel so that blood flows through the graft and around the narrowed or blocked part. The graft looks like an upside-down Y shape. The single end of the Y is sewn on the aorta. The two split ends of the Y are sewn below the blocked or narrowed areas of the femoral arteries.

What To Expect

You may spend several days in the hospital. Your belly and groin will be sore for several weeks. You will probably feel more tired than usual for several weeks.

You may be able to do many of your usual activities after 4 to 6 weeks. But you will likely need 2 to 3 months to fully recover.

You may need to take at least 4 to 6 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.

You will have regular tests to check for problems with the graft.

Why It Is Done

Aortobifemoral bypass surgery is for people who have narrowed or blocked blood vessels (aorta or iliac arteries) in the abdomen and pelvis. Usually the disease must be causing significant symptoms or be limb-threatening before bypass surgery is considered.

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How Well It Works

Bypass surgery can improve blood flow and relieve intermittent claudication.^{footnote 1, footnote 2, footnote 3}

Risks

All surgeries carry a certain amount of risk. These risks include:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Heart attack or stroke.

Specific risks for aortobifemoral bypass surgery include:

• Leg swelling.
• Failed or blocked grafts.
• Kidney problems.