Functional outcome of distal bypasses for lower limb ischemia

The purpose of this study was to assess limb salvage and functional outcome in patients who underwent distal reconstructions.

Retrospective study.

Fifty-nine consecutive patients underwent 63 femorodistal bypass operations during 1998-2002 at a university hospital. Late functional outcome was assessed using a questionnaire (mean 27 months after the primary operation).

At the end of the study, 81% (30/37) of the surviving patients were alive with a viable limb. In all, 90% (27/30) of patients were living in their own homes and 3% (1/30) in a nursing home. Sixty percent (18/30) were able to walk independently. The walking distance was unlimited in 42% (13/31) and limited in 42% (13/31) of the operated limbs. In 16% (5/31) of cases, the treated limbs served only as a support.

According to our results, the functional outcome of distal bypasses seems to be favourable. It is recommended that these operations should be performed even in elderly patients to avoid major amputations and to maintain the independence of the patient.