Review of Direct Anatomical Open Surgical Management of Atherosclerotic Aorto-Iliac Occlusive Disease

Abstract Background Aortofemoral bypass(AFB), iliofemoral bypass(IFB), and aortoiliac endarterectomy(AIE) are the three most common techniques for anatomical open surgical revascularisation for patients with aorto-iliac occlusive disease(AIOD), but the optimal method of reconstruction is unknown. Aims To review and compare mortality, morbidity and short- and long-term patency rates for AFB, IFB and AIE in patients with AIOD reported in the English language literature Methods A MEDLINE(1970–2007) and Cochrane Library search for articles relating to AFB, IFB, AIE and AIOD was undertaken. Studies were included if: a) patency rates based on life-tables were available, and b) patient/study characteristics were reported. Results 29 studies(5738 patients) for AFB, 11 studies(778 patients) for IFB and 11 studies(1490 patients) for AIE were included. Operative mortality was 4.1% for AFB, 2.7% for IFB and 2.7% for AIE ( p < 0.0001). Systemic morbidity was 16.0% for AFB, 18.9% for IFB and 12.5% for AIE ( p < 0.05). Overall 5-year primary patency rates were 86.3%, 85.3% and 88.3% for AFB, IFB and AIE, respectively ( p = NS). Conclusion Aorto-iliac endarterectomy was associated with significantly lower peri-operative morbidity and mortality rates compared with bypass grafting. All three techniques were equally effective in terms of long-term patency.