Investigation of oedema of the lower limb following successful femoropopliteal by-pass surgery: The role of phlebography in demonstrating venous thrombosis

Abstract

Abstract Of 21 limbs having successful femoropopliteal vein by-pass grafts, 20 showed peripheral oedema 7 days after operation. Circumferential enlargement of more than 4.5 cm. was associated with thrombosis of the popliteal or tibial veins, whereas legs enlarging less than 1.5 cm. did not show radiological evidence of venous thrombosis. Venous thrombosis is less likely after surgery for intermittent claudication than for rest pain or gangrene of the toes. Distal anastomosis of the vein-graft to the popliteal artery is more often accompanied by venous thrombosis than anastomosis above the knee-joint.