Efficacy of infrainguinal bypass for limb salvage in young diabetic patients

The efficacy of infrainguinal bypass for limb salvage in young diabetic patients has not been well established. The purpose of this study is to determine the intermediate-term results (patency and limb salvage) of infrainguinal revascularization carried out for limb salvage (rest pain or ulceration) in young (<50 years old) diabetic atherosclerotic patients. Thirty-nine bypasses in 31 patients with a mean age of 44 years were retrospectively reviewed. There were no perioperative deaths. Minor or major complications occurred in 23% of cases. By life table analysis, the 18-month primary patency rate was 60 ± 11%, assisted primary patency rate was 78 ± 9%, and limb salvage rate was 71 ± 9%. Most major amputations (five of nine) were required in patients with functional bypasses, either because of persistent infection or failure of wound healing. The presence of severe stenoses (>70%) in all three major named foot vessels (dorsalis pedis, medial and lateral plantar arteries) was associated with a high likelihood of limb loss despite a patent bypass (p < 0.05). We could not identify any other factors statistically predictive of thrombosis, amputation, or the need for graft revision. Infrainguinal revascularization in this patient population can be carried out with acceptable limb salvage rates. However, patients should be made aware of the high incidence of amputation regardless of the success of the revascularization procedure, particularly in the presence of severe occlusive disease within the foot.