Outcomes analysis of surgical conversion for Kissing-stent occlusion

Background: We aimed to describe the operative outcomes following open aortoiliac/femoral graft reconstruction for bilateral kissing-stent (KS) occlusion. Methods: This is a bicentric, retrospective, observational cohort study. Between September 2007 and December 2019, 205 patients were treated with KS for aortoiliac reconstruction. Only those who had bilateral KS occlusion with subsequent aortoiliac/femoral graft replacement were included in this analysis. Primary outcomes were early (<30 days) and late survival, postoperative (<30 days) complications, and patency rates. Results: Nine patients (male, n = 7) were analyzed. The patient's mean age was 60 ± 5 years (range 55–62). Median delay from initial KS procedure was 36 months (interquartile range [IQR] 19–252). On admission, all patients presented with a worse Rutherford class compared to their initial pre-KS clinical presentation. Aortobifemoral bypass was performed in 5 patients, and aortobi-iliac reconstruction in 4 patients. There were no perioperative deaths and only 1 new case of erectile dysfunction occurred. At a median follow-up time of 24 months (IQR 12–54), primary patency rate was 88.9%. Conclusions: Open aortic reconstruction after KS occlusion was feasible and effective. Endovascular repair for aortoiliac obstructive disease may be pursued as first-line treatment even in complex lesions.