[Iliac artery reconstruction in patients with chronic critical limb ischemia: endarterectomy or replacement].

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and postoperative morbidity after endarterectomy from the iliac arteries in comparison with ilio-femoral and aorto-femoral replacement in patients with chronic critical lower limb ischemia.

Material And Methods: There were 95 patients with chronic critical lower limb ischemia. Iliac artery replacement was carried out in 43 (45.3%) patients, endarterectomy from the iliac arteries - in 52 (54.7%) cases. Trophic disorders on the lower extremities occurred in 36 (37.9%) patients.

Results: Iliac artery replacement was accompanied by postoperative wound suppuration and infection of prosthesis in 3 (6.9%) patients, postoperative ventral hernia in 2 (4.7%) patients. The total number of complications specific for endarterectomy (iliac artery perforation - 1 (1.9%) patient, iliac artery thrombosis - 3 (5.8%) patients) was similar to the literature data. Successful endarterectomy was performed in 52 (88.1%) patients. Iliac segment patency was similar in both groups throughout a 12-month follow-up period.

Conclusion: Endarterectomy from the iliac arteries has some advantages over replacement and should be preferred for trophic complications on the lower extremities.