ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the treatment of chronic critical limb ischemia by conservative regimen. METHOD: Data for all patients who underwent a conservative regimen at a single institution from January 1997 to December 2001 were entered into the registry. Conservative regimen consisted of cilostazol (Pletaal) 200 mg/day, a vegetarian diet, had completely stopped smoking and had progressive walking training. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients (59 limbs) with chronic critical limb ischemia were treated with a conservative regimen. The conservative regimen failed in 19 limbs (32.2%). In the failed limbs, infrainguinal bypass was performed on 8 limbs, aortoiliac endarterectomy was performed on 1 limb and 6 had primary amputation. The other four limbs were treated conservatively until death because of very poor cardiac function. Post-operatively, 2 grafts had thrombosis and led to amputation. CONCLUSION: These early results appear to be promising with 67.8 per cent limb saving. This conservative regimen may be appropriately performed in selected chronic critical limb ischemia, especially those who presented with clinical severe claudication, rest pain or nonhealed ulcer. Cilostazol administration may play a positive role in gangrenous limbs.