Revascularisation in diabetic "small vessel disease" of lower limbs: is it worthwhile?

Diabetic patients with critical ischaemia of the lower limb despite a palpable popliteal pulse are presumed to have 'small vessel disease' that is unreconstructable and often subjected to major amputation. Results of revascularisation in such patients are presented.

A prospective observational study of revascularisation [n = 23, 14 men, mean age 62 years (range 47 to 80)] using saphenous vein to bypass occluded infrapopliteal arteries in diabetics with critical leg ischaemia over a 5-year period.

Surgical mortality, graft patency, major amputation rate, time taken for healing, ambulation after discharge from hospital.

There was one death within 30 days of surgery. 2/4 early thromboses were salvaged, 5 (5/22) limbs were amputated. Limb salvage was 17/23 (74%). Two limbs were amputated because of thrombosis and 3 were amputated for spreading sepsis despite a patent graft. 2 late graft failures were detected but the limbs remain healed and functional. 15/23 (65%) re-vascularisations remained patent at a mean follow up of 30 months (range 4 to 60). Mean wound healing time was 30 days (range 16 to 45). 14/17 (82%) of those with salvaged limbs were independent with regard to ambulation.

Bypass of diabetic small vessel disease of the lower limbs is feasible and effective in preventing major amputation and maintaining independent mobility.