[Indications for reconstructive vascular surgery in gangrenous changes in the leg]

Proceeding from an experience in the treatment of 195 patients with obliterative athrosclerosis of the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta and the arteries of the lower extremities in the pre-gangrene or gangrene stage (reconstructive procedures on the vessels were performed in 151 patients), the authors conclude that such interventions should be considered procedures of choice. Amputation of the extremity may be considered in such patients only after an angiographic examination that is the main method that permits to determine the possibilities of performing a reconstructive vascular operation. Good immediate results of vascular interventions were achieved in 80% of the patients with stage III--IV ischaemia.