Abstract

22 patients with 28 popliteal aneurysms operated between the years 1982-1991 have been evaluated. Bilateral aneurysms were present in 6 patients; the rest were unilateral. 5 patients (% 22.7) had extrapopliteal aneurysm formation
The aneurysms were divided into 2 groups, asymptomatic (7) and symptomatic (18). 3 aneurysm presented with local symptoms of compression. Symptomatic aneurysms were classified into acute symptomatic (14) and chronic symptomatic (4) groups. Aneurysm ligation and femoropopliteal bypass was performed in 21 cases, and aneurysmectomy with femoropopliteal bypass was performed in 4 cases. Saphenous vein was used as a by-pass conduit in 24 cases and PTFE in 4 cases. 4 cases (% 28.5) resulted in early amputation in acute symptomatic patients (14) after vascu lar procedures.

Out of 4 chronic symptomatic cases 1 (25 %) resulted in early amputation. There was no loss of extremity in asymptomatic patients (7) and patients who had presented with local compression smyptoms (3). 1 symptomatic pa- tient out of 18 died due to myocardial infarction. (Mortality 5.5 %).

Death did not ocur in the 7 asymptomotic patients and 3 patients with local symptoms of compression. At the 1 year follow-up, 17 by-passes were found to be patent. In conclusion, we believe that popliteal aneurysms should be operated before symptoms arise.

Key words: None