Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess limb salvage and functional outcome in patients who underwent distal reconstructions. Design Retrospective study. Materials and methods Fifty-nine consecutive patients underwent 63 femorodistal bypass operations during 1998–2002 at a university hospital. Late functional outcome was assessed using a questionnaire (mean 27 months after the primary operation). Results At the end of the study, 81% (30/37) of the surviving patients were alive with a viable limb. In all, 90% (27/30) of patients were living in their own homes and 3% (1/30) in a nursing home. Sixty percent (18/30) were able to walk independently. The walking distance was unlimited in 42% (13/31) and limited in 42% (13/31) of the operated limbs. In 16% (5/31) of cases, the treated limbs served only as a support. Conclusions According to our results, the functional outcome of distal bypasses seems to be favourable. It is recommended that these operations should be performed even in elderly patients to avoid major amputations and to maintain the independence of the patient.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
