[Risks and follow-up after crural vascular reconstruction in the extremity at risk for ischemia]

After 36 crural bypass operations the operative risk and the long-term results were analyzed in 34 patients. For reconstruction autologous vein (n = 12), a composite graft (saphenous vein and PTFE, n = 10) and in 14 cases a 6 mm PTFE graft were used. In 18 cases a monobypass, in another 16 patients a jump graft and in two patients a sequential bypass were performed. Postoperative complications were seen in 16.7%. An early bypass occlusion was seen in one patient, an amputation was necessary in 2 patients. After 1,2 and 3 years the bypass patency rate was 85%, 67% and 67%. The long-term results were dependent on the bypass material. The best results were seen with vein or composite grafts with a 3 year patency rate of 82% in contrast to only 39% of a PTFE graft.