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Contralateral limb and patient survival after leg amputation.
American Journal of Surgery
|August 1, 1983
Summary
Outcomes for leg amputations due to ischemic disease remain unchanged since the 1960s, with similar rates of contralateral amputation and patient survival. However, operative mortality has significantly decreased due to advancements in cardiovascular support and rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Amputation Outcomes
Background:
- Ischemic disease necessitating leg amputation represents an advanced stage of atherosclerosis.
- Historical data from the 1960s provides a baseline for comparing long-term outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare long-term outcomes, including contralateral amputation and patient survival, for patients undergoing leg amputation for ischemic disease.
- To assess changes in operative mortality over time for this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Actuarial evaluation of 53 patients who underwent leg amputation for ischemic disease.
- Comparison of current outcomes with historical data from the 1960s.
Main Results:
- The incidence of subsequent contralateral amputation and patient survival rates were found to be nearly identical to those reported in the 1960s.
- Operative mortality decreased significantly from over 10% to 1.5%.
Conclusions:
- The progression of atherosclerotic disease remains a primary determinant of long-term outcomes after leg amputation.
- Improved cardiovascular support and early rehabilitation have substantially reduced operative mortality without altering long-term amputation or survival rates.