[Assessment of late results in surgical treatment of lower limb ischemia in obliterative atheromatosis of the femoral-popliteal region].

The results of treatment of arterial incompetence localized in femoro-popliteal region in the selected 14 centres have been assessed after 24 and 60 months. Eight hundred fifty five patients were operated in the selected centres during 12 months i.e. 50% of all patients operated for obliterative atheromatosis of the lower limbs. Perioperative mortality rate was 4%. During a 5-year follow up, 30% of patients died, and 15% did not return supplied questionnaire, and their fate is unknown. The limb was preserved in 70% of patients operated with any technique except the primary amputation. Markedly worse results were noted in patients operated for necrosis or resting pain and in patients who underwent surgery which did not directly improve blood flow in the affected limb. The authors conclude that the most favourable results are produced by the implantation of vascular prosthesis during the period of intermittent claudication distance shortening before the development of resting pain or necrosis. Such operation are loaded with the lowest rate of failures and complications.