Dorsal (posterior) versus medial approach for the surgical repair of popliteal artery aneurysms.

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).