The Present Status of Aortoiliac Endarterectomy for Obliterative Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Introduction It is the purpose of this paper to present an experience with the treatment of aortoiliac obliterative atherosclerosis when endarterectomy has been the exclusive initial direct surgical attack, combined in many instances with concurrent bilateral lumbar sympathectomy. The results of this experience have been gratifying to the authors from the aspect of the technical success. Though the series is relatively small in relation to the tremendous numbers of cases it has become fashionable to report, it is our belief that the long-term follow-up we offer here extends over as long or longer a period as any other series so far reported. It is our view that the only reliable method of testing the value of a surgical procedure is to subject it to the test of time, starting with an acceptable operative mortality and morbidity. We cannot agree that numbers, assumed simpler and more rapid surgical technique, and immediate