Outcomes of open surgery in popliteal artery aneurysms: Five years of experience in a single center

Objectives: The aim of this study was to review and share the results of patients with popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) who underwent open surgery in our clinic.

Patients and methods: This single-center, retrospective, descriptive study was performed on 32 PAA patients (22 males, 10 females; mean age: 63±14 years; range, 52 to 76 years) surgically treated at our clinic between January 2015 and January 2020. The preoperative data, surgical approach, procedure performed, and graft selection were recorded. Postoperative early mortality and morbidity and one-year patency were evaluated.

Results: As a result of bilateral aneurysms in five patients, a total of 37 PAA operations were performed. Ten patients were asymptomatic, and two of these patients had bilateral PAA. Twenty-five (67.6%) limbs were symptomatic, including 14 (37.8%) with acute limb ischemia and two (5.4%) ruptured PAAs. Saphenous grafts were used in 21 (56.7%) patients, polytetrafluoroethylene in 14 (37.8%), and Dacron grafts in two (5.4%) limbs. The median intensive care unit stay was one day (range, 0 to 3 days), and the median hospitalization period was five days (range, 3 to 11 days). Hematoma was observed in two limbs, wound infection in two limbs, and superficial wound infection in two limbs. The primary patency rate was 97.2, 94.4, and 94.44% at 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The secondary patency rate was 100% in all follow-ups.

Conclusion: Thorough preoperative imaging and meticulous surgical technique are crucial for a better outcome after open repair.