Venous thrombectomy for iliofemoral thrombosis. Early and long-term results in 46 consecutive cases.

The results of 46 consecutive operations for iliofemoral venous thrombosis are presented. Phlegmasia cerulea dolens with impending venous gangrene was present preoperatively in 21 of the 46 patients and pulmonary embolism was suggested by preoperative perfusion scintigraphy in at least 10 patients. There was no surgical mortality. In no case was there additional pulmonary embolism during or after the operation. At follow-up 5 months postoperatively, 44% of the patients were asymptomatic. After a mean observation period of 10 years the corresponding figure was 40%. Surgical management of venous iliofemoral thrombosis should be considered for patients with impending venous gangrene.