Intraoperative Buttock Ischemia with Postoperative Necrosis following Infrainguinal Bypass Surgery

Abstract

Buttock necrosis is a rare presentation of severe pelvic ischaemia. It has been reported following open abdominal aortic repair and after internal iliac embolisation prior to endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysm. The internal iliac arteries are the major blood supply to the pelvis and buttocks. Collateral connections between the rectal and gluteal branches of the internal iliac artery and the deep femoral artery are well recognised. Iatrogenic interruption of this collateral circulation following rectal surgery resulting in limb ischaemia has been described. We present an exceptional case of buttock necrosis following infrainguinal bypass in a patient with bilateral internal iliac and left external iliac artery occlusions. The case is the first such reported to our knowledge.