Lower extremity arterial revascularization in obese patients

BackgroundObesity and associated comorbidities are associated with a high rate of complications and technical difficulties after a number of surgical procedures. We studied the role of obesity in outcomes in lower extremity arterial revascularization.MethodsWe reviewed all lower extremity arterial revascularizations performed at our institution in 2000. Body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 defined obesity. Perioperative outcomes, long-term survival, and graft patency were evaluated in obese and nonobese patients by using linear regression, the Fisher exact test, and Kaplan-Meier analysis.ResultsThe study population consisted of 74 (26%) obese and 207 (74%) nonobese patients. Patient demographics of the obese and nonobese populations were similar. The mean BMI for obese patients was 35 ± 5 kg/m2 and in nonobese patients was 25 ± 3 kg/m2. The mean age of each group was 67 ± 10 years (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and 70 ± 13 years (BMI