[The future of the asymptomatic leg after unilateral iliac artery repair]

A retrospective study was carried out in 30 patients after unilateral iliac endarterectomy, the contralateral limb being asymptomatic, to assess the evolution of the unoperated limb. Findings indicated 4 claudications uncovered by the unilateral operation, 8 secondary thromboses (including one asymptomatic lesion) of the unoperated iliac axis--repeat operation was necessary in only one patient. Findings emphasize the importance of control of risk factors to prevent secondary deterioration of an unoperated limb. The risk of thrombosis in the primarily asymptomatic side appears to lessen with immediate insertion of an aorto-bifemoral prosthesis, but risks inherent in prosthesis application--sepsis, false aneurysm--must be allowed for.