FACTORS AFFECTING THE RESULTS OF SURGERY FOR CHRONIC CRITICAL LEG ISCHEMIA - A NATIONWIDE SURVEY

Purpose: To assess the factors affecting immediate outcome of surgery for chronic critical leg ischemia, especially the influence of surgeon 's caseload and hospital volume. Methods: The data of Finnvasc registr y were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 11,747 surgical vascular r econstructions included 1,761 operations for chronic critical leg isch emia during 1991 to 1994. Results: The 30-day postoperative leg amputa tion rate was 7.5% and the mortality rate 4.7%. Diabetes, previous vas cular surgery or amputation, preoperative ulcer or gangrene, a surgeon 's annual caseload fewer than 10 operations, and hospital volume fewer than 20 operations for chronic critical leg ischemia adversely affect ed amputation rates. The presence of coronary artery disease and renal dysfunction increased postoperative mortality rates. Both amputation rates and postoperative mortality rates were affected by the type of p rocedure. Conclusions: A surgeon's caseload and hospital volume affect amputation rate, but not mortality rate, in patients operated for chr onic critical leg ischemia.