[Treatment of infections of the deep soft tissues in reconstructive vascular surgery]

After 685 reconstructive vascular operations (1982-1984) on account of arterial occlusive disease in the supra-aortic arteries as well as in the aorto-iliac and femoro-popliteal segments there occurred 9 deep infections (1.31%); most infected by-passes were extra-anatomical type. In 2 cases an aseptic by-pass was performed; in 4 cases an open local treatment was performed (early broad splitting of the soft tissues and laying open the entire infected graft, surgical wound debridement and local application of antiseptic solution); in 3 cases there was no other possibility than to remove the implant and amputate the leg. Each of the 2 methods described has its specific indications: the aseptic by-pass has to be performed in retroperitoneal and inguinal infections; the open local treatment has to be performed in cases of extra-anatomical by-passes and operations in the femoro-popliteal-cruralis or supra-aortic region. The correct use of these 2 treatment modalities, with their specific indications, allows a conservative management of deep tissue infections.