[Chances of avoiding amputation in an arteritis patient with gangrene]

During the period 1970-1974, restorative surgery was carried out 324 times in patients with gangrene or severe ischaemia caused by arteritis of the lower limbs. In 67 percent of the cases major excision surgery, such as amputation at the thigh or of the whole leg, was avoided and the support was retained. In 61 cases (19 percent) amputation was necessary either immediately or within a few weeks or months. Death occurred in 47 patients (14 percent) either in the operative period or in the 3 following years.