AMPUTATION VERSUS RECONSTRUCTION FOR CRITICAL LOWER LIMB ISCHAEMIA

J.D. Beard, frcs, chm
Sheffield Vascular Institute,
Sheffield, U.K.

The management of critical lower limb ischaemia (CLI) has undergone rapid changes in the last few years. Advances in both percutaneous and surgical techniques have resulted in an aggressive approach to revasculari-sation. Many specialist centres have reported high limb salvage rates resulting in fewer amputations [1-3] and cogent arguments can be made for a policy ofrevascu-larisation in all patients with CLI [4]. Indeed, amputation is now regarded by many vascular surgeons as a failure. However, the contemporary enthusiasm for limb salvage at all costs has been challenged [5]. This paper reviews the evidence that reconstruction is better than amputation for the treatment of critical lower limb ischaemia.

P. 72-82

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