Introduction:
An optimal treatment strategy for a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the iliac artery must necessarily control bleeding and prevent ischemia in the ipsilateral lower extremity.
Presentation of case:
A 69-year-old man underwent resection of a metastatic lymph node from rectal cancer, which had invaded the sigmoid colon, the left internal iliac artery and vein, and his left ureter. The metastatic lymph node and the organs it invaded were resected together. Owing to postoperative complications, the patient was required to undergo a 2nd and 3rd operation after the initial surgery. During his 3rd surgery, sudden intraoperative bleeding was identified, which was diagnosed as a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the internal iliac artery. After achieving temporary surgical hemostasis, the lesion was successfully treated using combined therapy comprising catheter embolization and an axillofemoral bypass.
Discussion:
Even after temporary surgical hemostasis has been achieved, it is perhaps safer to block the arterial flow prophylactically to avoid recurrence of a pseudoaneurysm owing to infection.
Conclusion:
Combined therapy using catheter embolization and surgical revascularization is a minimally invasive and effective treatment option for a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the iliac artery.