Surgical Treatment of Asymptomatic Popliteal Artery Aneurysms and Mid-term Outcome

Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare condition with an incidence ranging from 0.8 to 2.8%; however, it constitutes approximately 70–85% of all peripheral artery aneurysms. It is asymptomatic in the majority of cases but can cause pain and edema due to venous and neuronal compression. The most severe complication is limb lost due to thromboembolic event. Although surgical treatment left its place to endovascular treatment in the 1990s, surgical treatment still maintains its importance in preventing complications. Here, we aim to report our experience and results of the surgical management of popliteal aneurysms in this study. In this retrospective study, a total of 21 patients who were operated on due to popliteal artery aneurysm between October 2017 and January 2020 were analyzed. Patients with pseudoaneurysm and those who are infected and complicated were excluded from our study. The mean age was 63.3 ± 9.6; females were 17 (81%). Mean follow-up was 19 ± 8 months. More than two risk factors were found in 14 (66.7%) patients. Aneurysmectomy was performed successfully in all patients. Autologous saphenous vein graft was used in 11 (52.4%), whereas 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft was preferred in 10 (47.6%) patients. During the follow-up period, limb loss rates were 16.7% and 83.3%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). No relation was found between the aneurysm diameter and postoperative graft occlusion. Limb loss rate was high in popliteal aneurysm repair using PTFE graft due to graft occlusion; saphenous vein graft is more superior in terms of mid-term graft patency.