[Iliac endarterectomy for widespread obliteration. 10 years follow-up of 200 operations (author's transl)].

Results of 200 iliac endarterectomies performed in 174 atheromatous patients were as follows: 15% mortality, 97% immediate good results, patency in 86% after 5 and 83.5% after 10 years. Five year survival was 62%. Contralateral atheroma progression was not marked, operation was required at an early stage in 5% and secondarily in 10% of cases. Results depend mainly on the operative technique employed, which is discussed. Mortality is lower after endarterectomy than when bifemoral-aortic prostheses are inserted, because of the reduced risk of infection and better respiratory tolerance of the retroperitoneal approach. This method should, therefore, be given preference whenever possible.