Intrainguinal arterial reconstruction with autologous vein grafts: Are theresults for the in situ technique better than those of non-reversed bypass? A long form follow-up study

Background The aim of this study was to answer the question if the ist situ technique in infrainguinal arterial reconstruction is better than the non reversed one in long-term follow-up. Methods. Patients were included in a prospective study at operation. 387 in frainguinal arterial reconstructions in 367 patients performed from 10-88 t o 12-98 were retrospectively analysed. Results. 280 non-reversed and 107 in situ bypass procedures were performed. Primary patency rates at 60 months were 63.3% for non-reversed and 57.9% f or in situ grafts (p = n.s.). Primary assisted patency rates were 81.8% and 84.5% respectively (p = n.s.). Limb salvage rate was not different in eith er group. The 30-day mortality was 1.9% in the in situ group and 0.7% in th e nonreversed group (p = n.s.). Conclusions. There is no difference in outcome between in situ and non-reve rsed vein grafting. Absence of statistical difference between the two proce dures may be mainly due to the routine use of angioscopic quality control.