Long term results of distal tibial bypass in Egyptian patients

ABSTRACT

The anatomical distribution of atherosclerotic disease is influenced by race. Severe tibial artery disease is common in Middle East patients. We reviewed the results of bypass to the distal tibial arteries in Egyptian patients, known for severe tibial artery disease, performed during the past 6 years, to assess the immediate results and the durability of this procedure. Data of patients who had bypass terminating at the level of the distal tibial arteries during the past 6 years was retrieved from a prospectively collected computer data base, and analyzed. Eighty five patients had bypass to the distal tibial arteries performed by a single surgeon during the period from January 1997 to December 2002, 78% were men, and the mean age was 63 years [24-81]. All 85 patients presented with manifestation of critical ischemia. All bypass procedures were performed using autogenous vein. Three patients died within 30 days [3.5%]. Twelve grafts failed within 30 days, 4 were successfully revised. Primary and assisted primary patency at 36 months was 68% and 78% respectively. Limb salvage at 36 months was 85%, and survival was 62%. Bypass to the distal tibial arteries in Egyptian patients, known for severe tibial artery disease, yields good short terms results, and is a durable procedure with a high long term limb salvage rate