This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Radiological intervention to the iliac segments for patients with claudication and coexistent significant infrainguinal disease. BJS 2001; 88: 618-618.
Published: 6th December 2002
Authors: D. Phillips, A. Handa, J. Phillips‐Hughes, P. Boardman, J. Perkins, L. Hands et al.
Background
The policy with regard to patients with lifestyle‐limiting intermittent claudication is to investigate with duplex ultrasonography and then to treat suitable lesions in the aortoiliac system with balloon angioplasty with or without stenting. In those with coexistent infrainguinal disease, further management is conservative. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of iliac intervention in this group of patients.
Method
Over 30 months 600 patients with intermittent claudication were assessed; 110 subsequently underwent balloon angioplasty (87 aortoiliac and 23 infrainguinal). Of those undergoing aortoiliac angioplasty 47 also had significant infrainguinal disease. These 47 had a median claudication distance of 80 m and median maximum walking distance 180 m. They underwent angioplasty of 61 arterial segments (one aorta, 32 common iliac, 28 external iliac), with 11 stents deployed in eight patients. There were no immediate complications and a technically satisfactory result was obtained in all but one patient. All patients were reassessed at 6 weeks.
Results
The Table gives the findings at 6 weeks. Values are median with percentages in parentheses
Conclusion
Even in the presence of significant infrainguinal disease, angioplasty in the aortoiliac segments at least doubles the claudication distance in 70 per cent of patients, and appears to be safe. Radiological intervention in these patients is worthwhile. © 2001 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
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