Extraanatomic lateral reconstruction to the popliteal vessels.

Abstract

To describe the lateral approach to the popliteal artery in reconstructions after soft tissue sarcoma resection in the thigh. Case reports. Subjects Four patients with soft tissue sarcoma. Extraanatomic reconstruction of the resected artery and vein in the medial part of the thigh was performed. Vessel reconstruction was performed before tumor resection to avoid leg ischemia. In all four patients the artery was replaced by using the contralateral saphenous vein, while the femoral vein was replaced in two cases using e-PTFE. Post-operative complications included one large lymphatic collection and a deep wound infection. Arterial primary graft patency was 100% after 1-7 years. Patency of the e-PTFE-venous graft was 0% without further consequences. The extraanatomic lateral replacement of the vessels in the thigh is an elegant method in difficult vascular reconstructions after soft tissue sarcoma resection or debridement for deep vascular infections.