Mortality after emergency lower limb amputation due to ischemia: A case series

Morbidity and mortality rates in patients with peripheral arterial disease range from 30% to 70% during the 5- to 15-year period after diagnosis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the mortality rate after emergency leg amputation and analyze the cause of death.

In this case series study, the incidence and cause of mortality, level of amputation, presence of chronic arterial disease, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and arterial hypertension were evaluated in 100 consecutive patient records.

Sixty-one male and 39 female patients with a mean age of 66 years were studied. Amputation was indicated urgently in 86% of patients. Most (60%) suffered supra-genicular amputation, with 11 (18.33%) deaths, and 40% infra-genicular amputation, with seven (17.5%) deaths. The total death rate was 18%.

Mortality in the perioperative period of emergency major lower limb amputation remains high, with infection being the leading cause.