[Femoropopliteal reconstruction for obliterative arteriosclerosis. A 6-year surgical material]

The results of 144 femoropopliteal bypass procedures performed during the six-year period from 1986 to 1991 have been examined. Mean age at operation was 70.7 years. Three- and five-year cumulative survival was 69% and 60% respectively. Diabetes mellitus and critical ischaemia significantly reduced postoperative survival. 60% of the grafts were patent after three years. A distal anastomosis situated above-knee level significantly improved graft patency. Three-year cumulative limb salvage was 78%. Limb salvage rate was highest for claudicants with an above-knee distal anastomosis. The results support use of prosthetic grafts in above-knee femoropopliteal revascularisation.