Long-term results of open repair of popliteal artery aneurysm

Abstract

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) are rare. Different surgical techniques for open surgical repair are possible. This study presents a single centre experience using open surgical repair with a medial approach (MA) and outlines differences between symptomatic (SLS) and asymptomatic (ALS) legs. Methods: Data collection was performed retrospectively. The investigation period was from 1 January1996 to 1 January2013. Patients presented in the Outpatient Department and received a questionnaire concerning their quality of life. Data are presented as mean±standard deviation. Mann-Whitney test and Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used for data analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate limb salvage rates. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We analyzed 16 ALS and 26 SLS with an average age of 63.5±10 years. Preoperative ankle-brachial index (ABI) was 1.0±0.2 for ALS (on control examination: 1.12±0.24) and 0.08±0.18 for SLS (on control examination 0.94±0.14) (. p<0.05). Limb salvage rate was 100% for ALS and 86.7% for SLS (overall 93.3%). Primary patency rate for SLS was 85%, for ALS rate of 100%, respectively (overall 92.5%). ALS reached an average of 13.1±2.7 points (SLS 11.4±2.8) on a numeric point scale. Conclusion: Open surgery is therapy and prevention of acute ischaemia all in one, especially for asymptomatic patients and delivers good long-term results. Endovascular therapies offer an alternative but long-term results are pending. Open surgery should still be considered as a gold standard therapy. •30 day Primary patency rate: 100% asymptomatic legs; 92% for symptomatic legs.•Better quality of life quality for asymptomatic legs in the follow-up.•Better ankle-brachial index for asymptomatic legs on control examination.