Abstract
The surgical approach-of-choice for the management of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) remains controversial. We compared the results of the medial (MA) and dorsal (posterior) surgical approach (DA). Fifty patients (44 males/6 females; median age [range]: 59 [49-84] years) treated for 58 atherosclerotic PAAs were studied (MA: 29 PAAs; DA: 29 PAAs). The 3-year graft patency rates were higher after DA compared with MA (76% vs 52%, respectively), but the difference was not significant (P = .056). There were no differences between the 2 approaches in amputation, restenosis, reoperation, and wound infection rates. Dorsal approach and the MA may be alternative approaches with similar long-term results. Due to the controversial results reported so far, a meta-analysis may be necessary to establish the surgical approach-of-choice. Future studies should take into account additional factors, other than the surgical technique, when assessing outcome (eg, preoperative statin use, age, and emergency vs routine surgery).
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
