[Wound infections in arterial surgery of the lower extremities].

A survey showed that in 764 cases of reconstructive vascular operations of the lower extremities there were 5.14% bland infections, 1.14% were, however, severe. In 78.5% of these infections synthetic materials were used. Autologous venous tissue for bypass or patches showed the lowest risks. In the case of postoperative signs of an infection on an arterial suture, a secondary bypass well in an area of healthy tissue should immediately be attempted to save the limb.