Direct vancomycin irrigation as treatment for resistant aortic bed infection

Introduction: A case report of direct vancomycin irrigation as management of retroperitoneal abscess following removal of infected aortic graft. Case Report: A 63-yearold man presented nine years following aortic aneurysm repair with recurrence of aneurysm. At re-operation, aortic graft infection was diagnosed and managed with graft excision, debridement, axillo-bifemoral bypass and prolonged systemic antibiotics. The abscess failed to resolve. Direct vancomycin irrigation via percutaneous drainage catheter led to resolution of infection. Conclusion: There is little evidence to support vancomycin irrigation as treatment after removal of infected aortic grafts. Such an approach may be considered in patients failing to respond to traditional therapy.