[Peripheral aneurysms-frequency, etiology, and localisation (author's transl)].

Peripheral aneurysms (p.a.) took only 4% of the 8.461 reconstructive operations in vascular surgery (1966-March 15, 1981). 44% of the p.a. were secondary to arteriosclerosis, while 41% were anastomotic aneurysms. 2/3 of all arteriosclerotic peripheral aneurysms were localized in the iliac or femoral artery; the popliteal artery was involved in 25%. 25% of the patients had 2 and more aneurysms. The popliteal aneurysm was found to be bilateral in 32%. Rupture occurred only in 3.5% whereas 27% of all peripheral aneurysms were associated with distal occlusive disease. In the asymptomatic stage amputation rate was 4%, the operative letality 2%, after complications both increased up to 16%.