PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed


  • Title: 'Trash foot' following operations involving the abdominal aorta.
    Author: Kuhan G, Raptis S.
    Journal: Aust N Z J Surg; 1997 Jan; 67(1):21-4. PubMed ID: 9033371.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Acute lower limb ischaemia following aortic surgery is commonly termed 'trash foot'. The exact cause of the ischaemia is unknown, but it has been attributed to athero-emboli from native arteries, thrombo-emboli from any prosthetic graft or thrombosis of small vessels in the distal arterial tree. METHODS: Review of 1601 aortic reconstructions performed between 1976 and 1995. RESULTS: 'Trash foot' occurred in 32 patients (44 limbs): 23 cases followed aortic aneurysm repair and nine cases followed an aorto-femoral bypass for occlusive disease. Six cases of 'trash foot' (13.6%) underwent an early amputation (one above-knee, two below-knee and three cases of amputation of one or more toes) while a further nine cases (20.5%) underwent a delayed amputation (four above the knee, two below the knee and three cases of toe amputation). Eight patients (25%) with 'trash foot' died within 30 days of surgery. CONCLUSION: 'Trash foot' following aortic surgery is an unwelcome complication that is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Attempts to reduce the incidence involve early mobilization and clamping of the iliac arteries, and irrigation of the aortic anastomosis and graft with heparin saline solution.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]