R B Galland1, T R Magee. 1. Department of Surgery, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading RG1 5AN, UK. robert.galland@rbbh-tr.anglox.nhs.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The best management of patients with a popliteal aneurysm has yet to be established. This paper describes an experience of managing both patent and acutely thrombosed popliteal aneurysms. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out of all patients who presented with a popliteal aneurysm from January 1988 to December 2001. Since 1993 asymptomatic popliteal aneurysms less than 3 cm in diameter without distortion have been managed conservatively. Ultrasonography was repeated at 6-month intervals. These results were compared with conservative management of popliteal aneurysms greater than 3 cm in diameter in patients who declined or were unfit for operation, and with the outcome of patients who underwent elective bypass of a popliteal aneurysm. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (two women) presented with 92 popliteal aneurysms. Some 39 had a thrombosed aneurysm and these patients were significantly more likely to have bilateral aneurysms (P < 0.001). Of patent popliteal aneurysms managed conservatively, none below 3 cm in diameter thrombosed. The risk of postoperative complications was greater after repair of a thrombosed than a patent aneurysm (P < 0.005). Preoperative lysis for a thrombosed popliteal aneurysm was associated with more complications than operation and on-table lysis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Careful monitoring of asymptomatic popliteal aneurysms less than 3 cm in diameter is safe. Preoperative lysis is associated with increased risks compared with operation alone in patients with a thrombosed popliteal aneurysm.
BACKGROUND: The best management of patients with a popliteal aneurysm has yet to be established. This paper describes an experience of managing both patent and acutely thrombosed popliteal aneurysms. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out of all patients who presented with a popliteal aneurysm from January 1988 to December 2001. Since 1993 asymptomatic popliteal aneurysms less than 3 cm in diameter without distortion have been managed conservatively. Ultrasonography was repeated at 6-month intervals. These results were compared with conservative management of popliteal aneurysms greater than 3 cm in diameter in patients who declined or were unfit for operation, and with the outcome of patients who underwent elective bypass of a popliteal aneurysm. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (two women) presented with 92 popliteal aneurysms. Some 39 had a thrombosed aneurysm and these patients were significantly more likely to have bilateral aneurysms (P < 0.001). Of patent popliteal aneurysms managed conservatively, none below 3 cm in diameter thrombosed. The risk of postoperative complications was greater after repair of a thrombosed than a patent aneurysm (P < 0.005). Preoperative lysis for a thrombosed popliteal aneurysm was associated with more complications than operation and on-table lysis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Careful monitoring of asymptomatic popliteal aneurysms less than 3 cm in diameter is safe. Preoperative lysis is associated with increased risks compared with operation alone in patients with a thrombosed popliteal aneurysm.
Authors: G Guzzardi; R Fossaceca; P Cerini; M Di Terlizzi; C Stanca; I Di Gesù; F Martino; P Brustia; A Carriero Journal: Radiol Med Date: 2012-06-28 Impact factor: 3.469