Simultaneous Versus Two–Stage Multisegmental Reconstruction for Critical Lower Limb Ischemia

Abstract

Treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains one of the most demanding problems of vascular surgery, especially when it is due to multisegmental occlusive arterial disease. Three main options of treatment are accepted: inflow procedure alone, simultaneous inflow and outflow reconstructions, or two-stage surgery. To compare the results of the latter two was the aim of this study. During a six year period from 1987 to 1992, 1953 aortofemoral reconstructions were performed. In 245 cases (12.5%), sequential aortofemorodistal (popliteal or tibial) procedures were necessary for successful treatment of CLI - Grade III and IV Fountain. In 161 cases, two-segment reconstruction was performed in one stage (Group A), and in 84 cases (Group B), two separate operations were done - outflow procedure followed after the inflow surgery. Results in perioperative and remote postoperative periods were analyzed regarding limb salvage and graft patency rates using a life table method. Perioperative mortality was 3% in Group A and 6% in Group B. The limb salvage rate was 95.6% at one year and 90.4% at five(A), and 88.8% and 80% (B) respectively. Primary overall graft patency rate was 91.4% at one year and 65.5% at five (A) and 84.9% and 59.4% (B) respectively. Secondary graft patency was 92.2% at one year and 81.8% at five (A) and 86.1% and 65.9% (B). Analysis of the data demonstrates that simultaneous multisegmental reconstructions for critical limb ischemia are a safe and effective method of treatment and superior when compared with two-stage surgery.