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[Lower leg amputation due to critical limb ischaemia: morbidity, mortality and rehabilitation potential]
R W Sprengers1, D J Lips, M Bemelman
1Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht.
Insights
Major lower extremity amputation is often necessary for critical limb ischemia (CLI). Patient outcomes depend on factors like age, comorbidity, and mobility.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Limb Salvage
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Critical limb ischemia (CLI) presents significant challenges in lower extremity revascularization.
- Amputation remains a necessary intervention for a substantial portion of CLI patients.
Observation:
- Three CLI patients (66F, 67M, 82F) experienced rest pain or gangrene.
- One patient had non-reconstructable disease requiring primary amputation; another had failed bypass necessitating amputation; the third underwent amputation for gangrene.
Findings:
- Outcomes varied, including uncomplicated amputation and rehabilitation, failed reconstruction with impaired rehabilitation, and fatal sepsis post-amputation.
- Approximately 40% of CLI patients ultimately require major lower extremity amputation.
- Key determinants of morbidity, mortality, and rehabilitation include comorbidity, age, preoperative mobility, and amputation level.
Implications:
- Understanding factors influencing amputation outcomes is crucial for managing CLI patients.
- Optimizing preoperative assessment and patient selection can improve post-amputation results.
- Further research into limb salvage techniques and risk stratification is warranted.
Abstract:
A total of 3 patients, a female aged 66 years, a male aged 67 years and a female aged 82 years, presented with rest pain or gangrene of their lower extremities as a result of critical limb ischemia (CLI). Radiographic studies showed non-reconstructable arterial obstructive disease in the 66-year-old female patient, who underwent an uncomplicated primary amputation and subsequent rehabilitation. Bypass surgery was initially performed in the male patient. However, failed reconstruction and progression of ischaemia necessitated transfemoral amputations to be performed, which was followed by impaired rehabilitation. In the 82-year-old female patient gangrene was the indication for primary amputation. She died due to progressive sepsis following surgery. In about 40% of patients with CLI, major lower extremity amputation is the ultimate solution. The morbidity, mortality and rehabilitation potential in CLI and the factors that influence these outcomes are discussed. The most clinically relevant determinants of morbidity, mortality and rehabilitation following major lower extremity amputation are comorbidity, age, preoperative mobility and amputation level.
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