[True aneurysms of the popliteal artery--surgical treatment]

The authors discuss the history of treatment of popliteal aneurysm, causes of its development and its surgical treatment. They recommend surgery of an asymptomatic aneurysm with a diameter greater than 2 cm because of possible development of thrombosis with subsequent embolization into the periphery and development of gangrene of the extremity which may end by amputation. Early thrombolysis of a thrombotized aneurysm can be successful and combined with subsequent surgery can save the extremity. When a peripheral aneurysm is detected thorough surgical examination is necessary using ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance resp. to detect aneurysms at other sites.