Aortofemoral bypass for severe limb ischemia. Long-term survival and limb salvage

Long-term survival, graft patency and limb salvage in 74 patients with 96 severely ischemic limbs after aortofemoral bypass grafting is presented. Results in 73 limbs reconstructed for rest pain and 23 limbs reconstructed for ulceration or gangrene were compared by life table analysis, with follow-up of up to 98 months. The operative mortality was 4 percent. Overall 5 and 8 year survival was 74.8 and 52.3 percent, respectively. Overall graft patency at 5 years was 80.8 percent (rest pain 74.4 percent versus ulceration or gangrene 100 percent). Overall limb salvage was 76.7 percent at 5 years (rest pain 83 percent versus ulceration or gangrene 55 percent) (p < 0.001) and 68 percent at 8 years. Distal reconstructions were necessary in 19 limbs (21 percent); limbs with ulceration or gangrene required further attempts at salvage more often (34 percent versus 16 percent for rest pain) (p < 0.01). Aortofemoral bypass for impending limb loss yields satisfactory long-term results, and the extent of tissue loss preoperatively is an important prognostic factor. Prognosis for survival and limb salvage is worse and the need for additional distal reconstruction greater in patients with ischemic ulcer or gangrene.