Aortic reconstructive surgery for limb ischaemia: Immediate and long-term follow-up to provide a standard for endovascular procedures

Aortobifemoral and aortobiliac bypass has been a preferred treatment of severe aortoiliac occlusive disease. Recently, endovascular procedures and unilateral bypass grafting have been introduced. We report the results of aortic reconstructive surgery over a 19-year period (1975–1994). A total of 285 patients underwent surgery. Follow-up data from clinical notes, general practitioner questionnaire or phone interview was available in 93.3% (266/285). Of the total 68% were male (180/226) and the median age was 63 years (range 22–85 years). Indications for surgery were tissue loss/gangrene (n = 32), rest pain (n = 84), severe claudication (n = 40), moderate claudication (n = 110). Total of 177 bifurcated grafts, 51 iliofemoral, eight left/right aortofemoral, and 30 other procedures were performed. The median duration of follow-up was 49.8 months. Cumulative secondary graft patency for 2, 5 and 10 years was 97.7%, 95.9%, and 94.4%. The amputation rate was 4.5% (12/266). Early mortality occurred in eight of 266 patients (3%) and late mortality in 60 patients. The most common cause of late death was ischaemic heart disease (24/60 followed by cancer (14/60). Data was further analysed by type of graft, risk factors, complications and previous and subsequent surgery. In our experience, aortic reconstructive surgery is a successful option for the management of severe aortoiliac occlusive disease. The outcome of other methods of maintaining arterial patency should be measured against this standard.