[Our experience with peripheral arterial embolectomy]

34 cases of acute peripheral ischaemia examined in recent years at the University of Messina General Surgery Clinic are presented. 16 were subjected to embolectomy according to Fogarty. The remaining 18 received protracted medical therapy. Some successes were obtained. In other cases, gangrene necessitated amputation of the affected limb. Satisfactory results were observed in 70% of the operated series. Success was more marked when only a short interval was left between the embolic episode, with progressively poorer results as the penalty for delay. The long-term results of embolectomy are related to the nature of the underlying disease and the treatment given after surgery.