Outcomes of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Tertiary Hospital in Nepal.

Background Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold-standard surgery for symptomatic cholelithiasis with low mortality and morbidity. Objective The main objective of this study is to study the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Dhulikhel Hospital over the period of seven years. Method The records of all the patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Dhulikhel Hospital from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021 were reviewed. Patient demographics, indication of surgery, hospital stay, and number of conversions to open cholecystectomy were collected. The percentage, mean and median were calculated for socio-demographic information and Chi-square test was performed to measure the association between socio-demographic characteristics, duration of hospital stay, and operative procedure. Result Out of 2106 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021, 584 (27.73%) were male, and 1522 (72.27%) were female. The female-to-male ratio was 2.6:1. The median age of the patients was 40 years (IQR=52-30). Most common indications for surgery were symptomatic cholelithiasis in 1740 (82.62%) patients along with chronic cholecystitis in 268 (12.73%) patients, and Post ERCP Cholecystectomy in 92 (4.37%) patients. Median hospital stay was three days. Out of 2106 cases, 24 cases were converted to open cholecystectomy. Conclusion Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for benign diseases of the gallbladder and can be performed safely as day care surgery to reduce the cost, length of hospital stay, and long waiting list in low and middle-income countries.

Predicting Complicated Appendicitis Based on Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio, A Study in University Hospital of Nepal.

Background Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen requiring surgical treatment. Accurately diagnosing appendicitis and identifying complicated appendicitis can be difficult at times. Objective To evaluate the ability of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to differentiate between uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. Method This was a prospective hospital-based observational study conducted at the Department of Surgery, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital from July 2021 to December 2022. Patients with the clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis who had undergone emergency appendectomy were included in the study. Informed consent was taken from each patient and data collection was done by filling the proforma. Result A total of 218 patients were included in the study. Male: female ratio was 1.18:1. Mean age of patients was 28.58 ± 16.65 (3-78) years. A significant correlation was found between increasing neutrophil count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with complicated appendicitis. However, no significant correlation was found between White Blood Cell counts and complicated appendicitis. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio > 12.6 was found to be associated with complicated appendicitis. Conclusion A simple, cost-effective, and yet perfect test is not available for identifying complicated appendicitis. Increased Neutrophil count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio can indicate complicated appendicitis. Elevated WBC counts alone has no role in differentiating complicated appendicitis. According to the results of our study, an neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio of 12.6 can help to differentiate complicated from uncomplicated appendicitis.

The Cut-off Value of Great Saphenous Vein Diameter at the Level of Femoral Condyle to Predict the Sapheno-Femoral Junction Incompetence.

Background Varicose vein is one of the commonest problems that patients visit to a vascular out patient services (OPD). It causes a great deal of morbidity in today's population. Objective To see the correlation between the size of great saphenous and Saphenofemoral junction incompetence. Method From January 2019 till January 2020, 396 patients with symptomatic or clinically diagnosed varicose veins were screened for Saphenofemoral junction reflux. The diameter of the saphenous vein was measured with B-mode imaging, and reflux was quantified based on valve closure time using Doppler spectral measurements. Best saphenous vein diameter cutoff for predicting reflux was determined using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Result Out of 792 limbs, the Great Saphenous Venous System was involved in 452 limbs, the Short Saphenous Venous System was involved in 151 limbs and significant perforators were present in 240 limbs. Mean great Saphenous Vein diameter of diseased limb (Reflux Positive) was 5.68 mm and 4.0 mm in control group (Reflux Negative). Mean Saphenofemoral junction diameter was 8.23 mm in diseased limbs and 6.16 mm in control limbs. Receiver operating characteristics curve showed great saphenous vein diameter at femoral condyle of 4.5 mm as best cut-off value for diagnosis of sapheno femoral junction reflux. Conclusion Great Saphenous Vein diameter at femoral condyle of 4.5 mm is the best cut-off value for diagnosis Saphenofemoral junction reflux. The Sensitivity and specificity of this cut off value is 81.8% and 71% respectively.

Solving the Mystery of Giant Intrathoracic Mass.

Intrathoracic schwannoma are highly vascular nerve sheath benign tumors arising from neural crest derived schwann cells of the intercostal nerves. Common clinical presentation is palpable mass but in our case patient presented with shortness of breath which is rare presentation in Schwannoma. Imaging studies of the patient showed the lesion in left lung, however surgical finding showed mass to arise from chest wall and it was confirmed to be schwannoma by histopathological examination.

Comparative Study between the Use of Pigtail Catheters and Traditional Chest Tube Drain in Cases with Pneumothorax.

Background Pneumothorax is a condition in which air or other gas is present in the pleural cavity. Mainstay of management of pneumothorax is to remove the air from the pleural space usually done by chest tube insertion. There is still uncertainty whether minimal invasive management with pigtail catheter is sufficient for the management of pneumothorax. Objective To find the effectiveness, safety, tolerability, efficacy of pigtail catheters and large bore chest tubes. Method Prospective comparative study was done in Dhulikhel Hospital between August 2019 till August 2021. Chest tube insertion used to be the only available treatment modality till December 2020 (15 months). Following January 2021 after obtaining ethical clearance for use of pigtail insertion for pneumothorax, this treatment modality was done (8 months). Result Among 76 patients, 52(68.4%) underwent a large bore chest tube and 24 (34.6%) pigtail catheter patients. Mean age of the patients was 48 years (SD 18.01). Duration of hospital stay and length of hospital stay was more in large bore catheters and less in pigtail catheters. Eight hours post tube placement of the expansion of the lungs was present in pigtail and was statistically significant. Pain killer used in pigtail catheters was limited to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for large bore catheter opioids were added and were statistically significant. Conclusion Pigtail catheter is nearly effective as compared to traditional wide bore catheters.

Analysis of Lung Cancer Cases Presenting in Outpatient Department of University Hospital of Nepal.

Background Lung cancer is one of the leading cause of cancer related death. Most common histopathology of lung cancer is non-small cell carcinoma of which adenocarcinoma is the most common. There are limited number of studies done in Nepal to know different aspects of lung cancer. Objective To know demographic parameters of patients diagnosed as lung cancer in a university hospital. The study also aims to know the different histopathological diagnosis of lung cancer. Method All the patients presenting to outpatient department (Cardio Thoracic and Vascular unit) of Dhulikhel Hospital, if are diagnosed as cancer of lung/bronchus will be included in the study. The duration of the study was January 2017 to December 2021. The details on age, gender, presenting symptoms, histopathology of lung cancer, operability will be included in database and will be analyzed. Result There were total of 127 patients diagnosed as lung cancer. Male:female ratio was 1.7:1. Overall mean age was 63.23 years (SD 13.5 years, Range 19-89 years). Non small cell carcinoma was the most common type of lung cancer with 83.7%. In non small cell carcinoma, most common type was Squamous cell carcinoma followed by undifferentiated and Adenocarcinoma. Only five (3.93%) cases were in operable stage. Conclusion Despite the fact that lung cancer is one of the most common cancer, patients usually present late and moslty are not in operable stage. This study shows that squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histopathology in lung cancer cases.

Massive Hemoptysis and Pulmonary Thromboembolism in a Patient with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Therapeutic Conundrum Managed with Bronchial Artery Embolization.

Hemoptysis is a crucial entity taking into account its morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the leading cause for massive hemoptysis in our part of the world, which if left untreated may be life threatening. We present a case of a 37-year-old male patient with pulmonary tuberculosis with concurrent pulmonary thromboembolism presenting with massive hemoptysis, which was successfully managed with Bronchial Artery Embolization. This case represents that this measure can be a viable therapeutic choice for a patient with a severe lifethreatening hemoptysis, particularly when other treatment options are unavailable or ineffective.

A Study Looking at the Teaching of Peripheral Arterial Disease to Medical Personnel in Nepal: How well are we doing and how might we be able to improve?

Background There is currently no data showing the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in Nepal, although they have a high incidence of risk factors in their population such as diabetes, hypertension, and high volume of smoke inhalation. Objective To quantify a gap in medical education curriculum in Nepal as it pertains to medical trainees that have a lack of exposure to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a clinical setting as well as improve lecture quality on peripheral arterial disease. Method A survey was sent out to 615 medical trainees in Nepal with a survey completion rate of 44%. The results indicate that both medical students and intern doctors feel most confident in their ability to diagnose peripheral arterial disease and comfortable ordering a workup for peripheral arterial disease when their education includes both a dedicated lecture and care of a patient. Result The self-reported ability to diagnose peripheral arterial disease increased in medical students from 21.9% in the lecture only group to 44.4% in the group who had both lecture and cared for a patient. The current curriculum at the Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences only allows two hours in the medical school to cover all vascular topics and is taught with a traditional PowerPoint method. Conclusion To improve this area of curriculum, we recommend increasing the allotted time for lectures as well as demonstrate on live patients the evaluation for peripheral arterial disease.

C-ARM Guided Angiogram/Angioplasty for Selected Failed Arterio Venous Fistula. A Report of a Procedure at University Hospital of Nepal.

End Stage Renal Disease is a last stage of Chronic Kidney Disease which is characterized by Glomerular Filtration rate of less than 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 . Hemodialysis is the most commonly used modality for treatment of Chronic Kidney disease. Among the access for hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula is the most common modality. However most common problems of fistula are significant stenosis of more than 50% which is characterized by limb swelling, pigmentation, tortuous veins, and difficulty maintaining flow during dialysis from AV fistula. These can be managed either by minimal intervention or with surgical intervention. Very few hospitals in Nepal and other countries have an angiographic suite to perform minimal intervention include angiogram with angioplasty. So in this case we try to address the use of C-Arm to perform angiogram or fistulogram and even angioplasty for the management of significant stenosis or complications of arteriovenous fistula.

National Needs Assessment of Health Information System to Address Cardiovascular Diseases in Nepal: A Mixed Method Study.

Background Health information system is an integral component of a country's capacity to integrate, process, report, and use information in improving health services. Objective This study aims to assess the infrastructure and capacity of the national Health information system to address cardiovascular diseases in Nepal. Method We adopted the United States Agency for International Development manual "The Health System Assessment Approach: A How-To Manual", Version 2.0. Three topical areas: input, process and output, were identified. Stepwise approach for Health information system assessment was done. A desk review and key informant interview was performed. Audio recordings were transcribed in Nepali language and intercoder reliability was checked. Result The upgraded District Health Information Software 2.3 provides a comprehensive online data management solution. Sustainable funding to upgrade the system exists. Annual report provides performance of all the components of the health care delivery system. Data were reviewed quarterly. However, no dedicated section for cardiovascular diseases in the Health information system is present. Private health facilities are poorly represented. Strategic planning, management, and evaluation of the Health information system are lacking. Inadequacy of timeliness, completeness, and periodicity of the reporting still exist. Conclusion A separate section of cardiovascular diseases in the Health information system is required. Better reporting of private sectors and its inclusion in databases is of utmost importance. Adaptation in the recently introduced federal structure is key for development of Health information system in the country.

Influence of Body Mass Index (BMI), Age and Gender on Stages of Varicose Vein in Newly Diagnosed Cases Following Screening Doppler in Outpatient Clinic.

Background Varicose vein is one of the most common venous diseases which affect superficial veins especially of lower limb. This disease is characterized by prominent dilated veins, feeling of heaviness, itchiness, pigmentation, ulceration depending upon the stage of the disease. Objective This study was conducted to know how Body Mass Index, Age and Gender influence staging of varicose veins in our context. Method This is a cross sectional hospital based study conducted at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital from April 2018 to March 2019. Patients with signs and symptoms of varicose vein were included in the study. Informed consent was taken from each patient and data collection done by filling the proforma. Result This study comprised 135 lower limbs with varicose vein from 108 patients. Male:Female ratio was 1.4:1. Mean age of patients was 44.47±12.65 (17-81) years. Significant correlation was found between increasing age and progression in Clinical staging of Varicose vein according to Clinical classification (p<0.05). Mean Great Saphenous Vein diameter at knee was found significantly higher in patients with more than five years of symptoms Mean Body Mass Index was not very different in different Clinical stage of Varicose veins. Conclusion This study showed that the Clinical Staging of Clinical Etiological Anatomical and Pathophysiological classification of varicose vein is significantly related to age. The mean diameter of Great Saphenous Vein at the level of Knee is significantly related to the duration of symptoms. However, the influence of Body Mass Index and gender on stages of varicose vein could not be established.

Management of Different Types of Pneumothorax at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital.

Background Pneumothorax is defined as the presence of air in the pleural cavity. Pneumothorax can be classified as Spontaneous and Traumatic according to the etiology. Spontaneous pneumothorax is further classified as Primary and Secondary. Objective This study was conducted to know the management of different types of pneumothorax at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. Method This was a hospital based retrospective study conducted at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. Patients admitted in Surgery Ward with diagnosis of Pneumothorax from January 2018 to December 2019 were included in this study. Result This study included 144 patients with pneumothorax age ranging from 14 years to 94 years. Most of the patients were male with male:female ratio of 3.8:1. Eighty-four (58.03%) patients had Traumatic pneumothorax followed by Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in 53(36.08%) patients and Primary spontaneous pneumothorax in seven (4.86%) patients. Among 144 patients, chest tube drain was required in 135 patients and nine patients were managed conservatively. One patient underwent Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) with Bullectomy and mechanical pleurodesis. Sixteen patients had persistent pneumothorax, among which six patients required chemical pleurodesis, two patients required negative suction therapy and five patients required both chemical pleurodesis and negative suction therapy. Conclusion This study showed pneumothorax to be more common in male population. Traumatic pneumothorax was the most common type followed by Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax and Primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Knowledge on American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among the Nurses Working at University Hospital, Kavre.

Background Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the foundational technique for the emergency treatment of cardiac arrest and the standardized training of it has been emphasized more than ever. Competence of the nurses in this lifesaving procedure is a critical factor in patient outcome from cardiac arrest and can largely prevent sudden death. Objective Many evidences suggest lack of knowledge on proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation among nurses so the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge on 2015 American Heart Association guidelines update for cardiopulmonary resuscitation among nurses working at University hospital and to identify the relationship between the level of knowledge and selected variables. Method Two hundred and sixty nurses working in Dhulikhel hospital participated in the study. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a predesigned questionnaire based on 2015 guidelines updates for cardiopulmonary resuscitation that incorporated total of 20 questions. Result Total 260 participated in the study and all were female. Only one third of the nurses had good knowledge regarding 2015 guidelines update for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. No significant results existed between the knowledge score and age of the nurses, duration of work experience. However, significant results existed between the knowledge score and qualification, designation of the nurses and previous training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Conclusion One third of the nurses had good knowledge regarding 2015 guidelines update for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in this study. Thus, knowledge and practical approach has to be updated with current guidelines in cardiopulmonary resuscitation in order to improve the safety and effectiveness of patient care.

Types of Renal Stones and its Variation with Age and Gender in a University Hospital of Nepal.

Background Types of renal stones have profoundly changed in the last half-century, parallel to the change in lifestyle and dietary habit, with an increase of calcium stones. Among many lithogenic factors age and gender are considered to be associated with the types of renal stones. Studies evaluating the influence of age and gender on the distribution of the types of urinary calculi are scarce in Nepal. Objective To explore the influence of age and gender on different types of urolithiasis. Method This is a single center prospective study encompassing urolithiasis during a study period of 18 months. All the stone retrieved from the patients after surgery were sent for biochemical analysis of the stone. The result was then compared with the age and gender of the study population. Result Calculi from a total of 107 patients wereanalyzed (62 from malesand 45 from females). Mixed stones consisting of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate werethe predominant constituent in 74.16% of stones, followed by uric acid, struvite and cystine stones. We found predominance of Calcium stones in males(47.66%) vs 36.44% in females and predominance of struvite stonesin females (7.47%) vs 3.73% in males. Age group of 21-40 years has the main burden of stone. Conclusion Being aware and having better knowledge of risk factors, composition and correlation with age and gender can provide personalized guidance to prevention and avoid recurrence of urolithiasis.

Outcome of Uretero Renoscopic Lithotripsy (URSL) with Holmium LASER Vs Pneumatic Lithotripter for Lower Ureteric Stones, Experience from University Hospital of Nepal.

Background There are various methods of endoluminal ureteral stone fragmentation. Among various modalities Laser lithotripsy and Pneumatic lithotripsy are commonly used and have shown comparable outcomes. Objective To compare the efficacy and outcome of laser and pneumatic lithotripsy in a patient with lower ureteric calculi. The comparison will be done in stone free rate, migration of stone and complication of the procedure. Method This is a prospective comparative study in a cohort of patients at University Hospital with Lower Ureteric stone. Ninety patients were randomized in to two groups (Laser Lithotripsy Vs Pneumatic Lithotripsy) during the study period. The purpose of this study was to measure the immediate stone free rate, intra-operative complications, mean operative time, post-operative complication and if any stone retention after six weeks follow up. Result Both the groups were similar in Age and Gender. Immediate stone free rate was slightly higher in Laser lithotripsy group (97.77%) in comparison to Pneumatic lithotripter group (84.44%) with p=0.507 which is not statistically significant. There was statistical difference in terms of stone migration rate, mean operation time in favor of Laser Lithotripsy group (p<0.01, in both parameters). There were no immediate complications in both the group however there were three cases of short segment ureteric strictures (6.66%) in case of Pneumatic lithotripsy on six weeks follow up which was managed conservatively. Conclusion Both LASER lithotripter and Pneumatic lithotripter are equally efficacious modality of endoluminal URSL in lower ureteric stone with similar Stone Free Rate. Laser lithotripsy showed lower frequency of stone migration and had shorter procedure time.

Clinical Profile of Patients Presenting with Gallstone Disease in University Hospital of Nepal.

Background Gallstone disease is one of the most common surgical problem throughout the world. The rise in gallstone disease burden and its wide spectrum of non-specific presentation makes the disease more challenging. Objective To know the various modes of presentation, socio-demographic details of the patients with gallstone disease, any associated factors and its treatment options. Method This is a prospective descriptive study in the patients presenting to Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital diagnosed with gallstone during May 2018 to April 2020. After receiving ethical clearance from institutional Review committee, the informed consent was taken from all patient involved in the study. The presence of gallstone was confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography (USG). This study included total of 202 patients with gallstone disease. Result A total of 202 individuals with gallstone were included in the study; 48 males (24%) and 154 females (76%). The disease condition was common in age group 31-40 years (26.24%). Majority of the study population consumed mixed diet (92.57%). Out of 202 patients; 52 patients (25.74%) were overweight. In this study series 185 patients (91.58%) were symptomatic. Pain abdomen was one of the commonest symptoms (97.84%) followed by Nausea (28.11%), Dyspepsia (28.11%), Vomiting (18.38%), Fever (1.62) and Jaundice (1.08%). All cases were planned for laparoscopic cholecystectomy however 4 cases had to be converted to open surgery for completion. Conclusion Gallstone disease is a common surgical problem in Female population that presents most commonly with pain abdomen. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be easily performed in all cases of gallstone disease.

Recovery Pattern in Different Surgical Approaches on Thoracic Enhanced Recovery based Fourteen-Step Protocol in Patients Undergoing Cardio-thoracic Surgery at University Hospital of Nepal.

Background Cardio-thoracic surgery involves open and minimally invasive techniques. Enhanced recovery after surgery is used for early recovery from surgery. Enhanced recovery after surgery decreases hospital stay duration. Patients undergoing Enhanced recovery after surgery after video assisted thoracic surgery use less pain killers and have less hospital cost. There has not been any study on outcomes on patient who follow physiotherapy protocol designed in our setting. Objective To find the physiotherapy outcomes in patients undergoing thoracic enhanced recovery after surgery (T-ERAS) based 14 step protocol locally designed at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital (DH, KUH). Method This is a retrospective cross sectional observational study. All the cases who underwent cardiothoracic surgery were classified based on the approach of chest surgery performed into groups Sternotomy, Thoracotomy and Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) groups. Patients were advised for Thoracic Enhanced recovery after surgery based on the protocol that has been devised at Dhulikhel Hospital. The recovery of patients based on activities they could perform was noted and analyzed. Result Both ICU stay and hospital stay in number of days were highest in thoracotomy (6.04 days) group while that was lowest in video assisted thoracic surgery group (1.67 days). There is a similar recovery until step 5, i.e. 2 days and rapid progression in further steps in video assisted thoracic surgery group while it is much slower in both sternotomy and thoracotomy groups. Conclusion Postoperative mobilization and physiotherapy enhance early healing and decrease hospital stay. Mean hospital stay and ICU stay were shorter for video assisted thoracic surgery cases compared to Thoracotomy and Sternotomy groups and the mean days to achieve different steps varied within the protocol between groups compared.

Open Surgical Management of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm at a Community Based University Hospital in Nepal.

Aortic aneurysms are abnormal dilatation of aorta. The risk factors include male sex, age > 65, smoking, coronary artery disease and hypertension. Here we report a case of infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) of diameter 6 cm. The patient sucessfully underwent aorto-biiliac bypass surgery using Dacron Y graft. During abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery anesthetic challenge is also of paramount importance and should be considered.

Factors Affecting Recanalisation after Optimal Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis; A single institution based study.

Background Presence of recanalisation will favour for better physiological recovery after medical management of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) along with lesser chances of post thrombotic syndrome. Rate of recanalisation is varied and can range from 43-57% and the factors that affect recanalisation are still a dilemma. Objective To know the factors for recanalisation following Deep Vein Thrombosis. Method This is a single institution based retrospective-prospective analytical study encompassing all ultrasonologically diagnosed cases of Deep Vein Thrombosis in adults from January 2015 to November 2017. All the cases were admitted with oral warfarin bridged by Heparin/ Enoxaparin and were discharged once International Normalization Ratio was in therapeutic range. The patients were followed up for three months with minimal of three outpatient followup. Best finding in the doppler ultrasonography (done by Acuson P500, Seimens) in relation to recanalisation was taken for the study. Result There were 67 cases of Deep Vein Thrombosis. Of these cases male to female ratio was 0.91. The mean age was 48.07. Most common extent was up to common femoral vein (47.8%) followed by upto popliteal vein (40.3%). Remaining 11.9% had extension upto iliac veins. There was no recanalisation in 2 cases (3%). Partial recanalisation was seen in 23 cases (34.3%) while complete recanalisation was seen in 42 cases (62.7%). Recanalisation is more in DVT involving popliteal vein while it decreases as the extension goes up. In contrast to 79.4% complete recanalisation in popliteal vein, that in common femoral vein is 62.5% while in iliac vein is only 37.5%. Mean age in no recanalisation group is much younger than partial or complete recanalisation groups. Conclusion Recanalisation following Deep Vein Thrombosis distal to popliteal vein is more than that in proximal Deep Vein Thrombosis. The information on recanalization can be considered to use to decide upon the duration of medical management of Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Crural Bypass Surgery in Case of Critical Ischemia: Technical Aspects and Results.

Background Crural bypass surgery is one of the last options to salvage the leg. Compared to arterial reconstructions of more proximal localization patency rates are generally less good. The aim of this retrospective study was to answer the question if crural bypass surgery is justified. For that we focused on different technicalities, bypass material, recipient vessel and anticoagulation regimes. Objective To know outcome of crural bypass in terms of patency rates, survival rates, amputation. The difference in outcome is compared in different stages of peripheral arterial disease and various bypass materials and sites. Method Between 07/2013 and 06/2018 we performed 102 crural bypasses (27 female, 75 male; age 44-90 (70) years). Reasons for the bypasses were a critical peripheral arterial diseases (PAD) (stage III [pain at rest] and IV [necrosis/gangrene] according to Fontaine). End point of the study was major amputation or death. All patients were operated on in the same department by two experienced vascular surgeons. Result Amputation-free time was 78% after sixmonths and 70% after 24 and 60 months. Six, 12 and 40 months survival was 83%, 78% and 59%, respectively. Patency rates were affected by the severity of the disease (stage III vs. stage IV) and so was major amputation. Autologous bypasses were not associated with a better patency rate. Minor amputation or the anticoagulation scheme did not influence the long term results. Conclusion The long term survival after crural bypass is good and amputation rates are low, independent of the vessel of the lower leg used as recipient outflow. Accordingly, if a bypass is technically feasible, there is no limitation regarding the choice of the recipient vessel. If possible, autologous vein should be used, but a graft prosthesis can lead to equally good results. As patients with stage III PAD have better outcomes, early intervention is recommended in order to avoid deterioration to stage IV.