Spiral saphenous vein graft for major pelvic vessel reconstruction during exenteration surgery

Abstract

This article describes a great saphenous vein spiral graft technique for reconstruction of iliac vessels after en bloc resection during pelvic exenteration. Use of different size syringes as a scaffold allows the surgeon to construct autologous vascular interposition conduits of variable diameter to match the luminal size of the vessel requiring reconstruction. Autologous vascular grafts are preferred in exenteration surgery in which the operative field is commonly contaminated by concomitant bowel resection, which carries an increased risk of graft infection.