Unilateral vascular reconstruction for iliac obstructive disease

Controversy exists regarding the extent of vascular reconstructive surgery in the presence of unilateral symptomatic iliac obstructive disease. This study reviews the results of unilateral iliac reconstruction, with special emphasis on the need for consecutive contralateral intervention.

The outcomes of 184 unilateral and 350 aortobilateral reconstructions for obstructive disease performed during the same period were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment allocation was based on hemodynamic parameters. Unilateral reconstruction was performed by a way of a retroperitoneal approach through a pararectal incision and bilateral reconstruction by way of a transperitoneal approach through a midline abdominal incision.

Symptom relief, improvement of noninvasively measured parameters, and graft patency were similar after unilateral and bilateral reconstruction. Both groups had a 10-year primary patency rate greater than 80%. There were no differences in morbidity rate, although respiratory complications occurred more often after bilateral reconstruction. Mortality rates were 1.6% after unilateral reconstruction and 4.9% after bilateral reconstruction. Secondary contralateral reconstruction was performed in only 6% of the patients who underwent an initial unilateral operation.

The unilateral vascular reconstruction for iliac obstructive disease is a well-tolerated procedure with an excellent long-term outcome. It is a valuable alternative to conventional aortobilateral reconstruction in carefully selected patients. Prophylactic reconstruction of an asymptomatic iliac stenosis without signs of significant hemodynamic impairment is most often not indicated.