Vein bypass surgery to the foot in patients with diabetes and critical ischaemia.

ABSTRACT

The feasibility of vein bypass surgery to the arteries of the foot was studied in a diabetic population with critical ischaemia; whether or not such reconstruction leads to an independent lifestyle was assessed 1 year later. Thirty-three reconstructions were performed on 32 limbs in 31 patients. The mortality and reoperation rates within 1 month were both 6 per cent. Primary and secondary patency, limb salvage and survival rates at 1 year were 76, 89, 89 and 82 per cent respectively. Good results in the form of combined survival, patency, limb salvage, walking ability, relief of pain and residence at home were achieved in 64 per cent of patients after 1 year. Reconstructive vascular surgery to the foot in diabetics is feasible and affords two-thirds of patients an independent lifestyle 1 year after surgery.