Efficacy of prophylactic incision decompression in acute lower extremity arterial embolism

Objective To observe the effect of prophylactic incision decompression on patients with acute lower extremity arterial embolism underwent arterial embolectomy.

Method Clinical data of 17 patients with acute lower extremity arterial embolism who received arterial embolectomy and prophylactic incision decompression simultaneously during the surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The safety and efficacy of procedures were assessed through postoperative follow-up.

Result The technical success rate was 100%. 1 patient healed spontaneously without suture, 10 patients received secondary debridement and suture, 6 patients received first-stage reserved suture and delayed suture. The median follow-up time was 12 months. Of these patients, 13 patients healed up. Mild and severe motor or sensory impairment of lower extremity before surgery improved after surgery in 2 and 2 patients. No skin-grafting or amputation was needed.

Conclusion Prophylactic incision decompression is safe and effective in patients with acute lower extremity arterial embolism during arterial embolectomy.