Intra- and early postoperative results after laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass grafting

Purpose: The evaluation of multiple intra- and early postoperative paramete rs in patients undergoing laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass grafting. Methods: The charts of 22 patients who underwent laparoscopic aortobifemora l grafting between February 2nd, 1996 and April 30th, 1999 were retrospecti vely reviewed. Results: All patients were men. The mean age was 54 +/- 7.2 years with the mean body weight being 76.3 +/- 10.9 kg and the Body-Mass-Index (BMI) 23 +/ - 2.8. Claudication was present in 20 patients; one patient had rest pain a nd one patient suffered from tissue loss. The mean Ankle-Brachial-Index (AB I) was 0.57 +/- 0.1. In four cases conversion to open technique became nece ssary. The mean operation time was 316 +/- 73 min and the mean aortic cross -clamp time was 73 +/- 20 min. The mean intraoperative blood-loss reached 6 89 +/- 461 ml. The mean duration of postoperative ventilator support was 6. 0 +/- 5.8 hours and the patients left the ICU after 2.2 +/- 3.2 days. Oral intake was allowed after a mean of 2.6 +/- 2.9 days and the central venous lines were removed after 3.8 +/- 3.9 days. The administration of analgetic drugs was required for 2.9 +/- 3.9 days. The mean lenght of stay in the hos pital was 9.6 +/- 5.5 days. Conclusions: Laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass grafting is feasible in a s elected group of patients. Despite relatively long operation times and the use of a pneumoperitoneum, we did not encounter significant cardiopulmonary adverse effects.