Surgical intervention in acute limb ischaemia-two year experience in a surgical unit of Nishtar Hospital, Multan

ABSTRACT

This study was done to see the possibility of salvage of limb, by surgical intervention from the time of presentation after acute vascular occlusion. Fourteen patients were dealt with, suffering from acute limb ischaemia during 1st two years 1996-97 in surgical unit-ll. Limb salvage by surgical intervention in 14 patients in surgical unit-ll, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Thromboembolism, fogarty catheter. Fourteen patients were admitted in emergency, in 2nd Surgical unit during 1996-97 with acute limb ischaemia, 11 [78.57%] were male and 3 [21.43%] were female. Majority of them were above the age of 40years. Operation was performed urgently in emergency theatre in all of them. Atheroembolectomy was done in all the patients. In one patient [7.1%], vein patch angioplasty was done. Fasciotomy was performed in 7 [50%] patients. In 2 [14.2%] patients, above knee amputation had to be done and in 1 [7.1%] gangrenous toes were amputated. Best results can be achieved only when the patient is diagnosed properly and immediately transported to the referral hospital. Proper equipment and all the possible sophisticated technical facilities should be available. Multi-disciplinary teams including vascular surgeon, vascular radiologist, cardiologist and general physicians should be available. All medical practitioners [not only the surgeons] should be informed about the acute limb ischaemia, importance of early and correct diagnosis as well as the critical time for referring the patient to proper hospital