Limits of infrapopliteal bypass surgery for critical leg ischemia: when not to reconstruct

World J Surg. 2000 Jun;24(6):727-33. doi: 10.1007/s002689910117.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors affecting the immediate 30-day postoperative outcome of infrapopliteal bypass grafts. A series of 511 revascularization procedures to the infrapopliteal arteries have been performed in 439 patients with critical leg ischemia. There were 306 crural bypasses and 205 pedal bypasses. The 30-day postoperative primary and secondary patency rates were 77.5% and 83.4%, respectively; the leg salvage rate was 89.8%; the survival rate was 94.7%; and 85.1% of patients were alive with a salvaged leg. A history of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, or stroke had a great impact on the postoperative cardiac and cerebrovascular fatal and nonfatal complications. C-reactive protein arose as an important predictor of the length of hospital stay (p = 0.03), postoperative cardiac complications (p = 0.02), leg salvage (p = 0.009), amputation with patent graft (p = 0.009), and patients who survived with a salvaged leg (p = 0.006). Poor results were achieved in patients on long-term dialysis. Surgical experience had an influence on leg salvage (p = 0.02) and on patients alive with salvaged leg rates (p = 0.009). Infrapopliteal bypass surgery is a demanding procedure requiring high surgical skill and experience. Revascularization may be contraindicated when severe coronary disease, previous stroke, renal failure requiring long-term dialysis, diabetes, or high serum concentration of C-reactive protein coexist with critical leg ischemia, as these patients are at high risk for early postoperative leg or life loss.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amputation, Surgical
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / surgery*
  • Leg / blood supply*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Popliteal Artery / surgery*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • C-Reactive Protein