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Lower-extremity amputation: a 6-year follow-up study in Brazil
J M P de Godoy1, M F de Godoy, F Batigalia
1Department of Cardiology and Vascular Surgery, Sao Jose do Rio Preto University School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil. godoyjmp@riopreto.com.br
Purpose:
To evaluate the 6-year mortality in 50 patients following lower-limb amputation.
Methods:
The cumulative survival rate of 50 (28 men, 22 women) amputees aged 54 to 94 years (mean, 67.3; median, 73.5) was retrospectively studied from 1993 to 1998. Indications for above- or below-knee amputation were trauma (n = 2), vasculitis (n = 2), and critical ischaemia of the lower limbs (n = 46). Leg amputation was performed after anamnesis, physical examination, and angiography. All patients were followed up for 6 years by phone or domiciliary visit. A death certificate was verified when a patient was lost to follow-up. Statistical analysis was expressed by the actuarial survival curve.
Results:
Of 50 amputees, 36 died in the 6 years following leg amputation: 22 in the first year, 3 in the second year, 5 in the third year, 2 in the fourth year, 2 in the fifth year, 2 in the sixth year; 14 remained alive after 6 years.
Conclusion:
Patients who underwent lower-limb amputation had a high 6-year mortality. Most deaths occurred in the first year.
