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Diabetes mellitus is not a contra-indication for peripheral vascular intervention in patients with leg ischemia
D T Ubbink1, I I Tulevski, D A Legemate
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam.
Background:
The effect of diabetes mellitus on the patency of peripheral vascular interventions was investigated in patients with arterial insufficiency of the leg in a retrospective follow-up study performed between 1993 and 1995.
Methods:
In 65 patients without and 36 with diabetes 124 vascular reconstructions were performed because of rest pain and/or ulceration.
Results:
In diabetic patients ulcers were found more frequently and more distal bypasses were performed. No significant differences were observed between diabetics and non-diabetics as to bypass patency, number of re-interventions and amputations. Smoking and age were significant factors influencing bypass patency.
Conclusion:
Diabetes mellitus in patients with critical leg ischaemia appears to be no reason to refrain from vascular surgery.