Major Lower Extremity Amputations Following Arterial Reconstruction

Abstract

A small but significant number of patients who have undergone arterial reconstruction in the lower extremities come to amputation. In 142 consecutive major amputations performed under these circumstances, comparison is made statistically to a like number of lower extremity amputations performed for arterial occlusive disease without previous vascular surgery. This retrospective scrutiny of consecutive amputations may assist in defining more clearly the preoperative guidelines for arterial reconstruction, as well as the need and use of more specific objective tests in assessing the marginal ischemic limb.