Predictive factors of complications after surgical repair of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysms

Background The aim of the present study was to identify the predictive factors associated with the development of postoperative complications in patients treated with surgical repair of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysm.

Materials and methods Between July 1992 and October 2009 we identified 92 cases of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysm treated with conventional surgery. Surgical repair was performed via a longitudinal groin incision. A primary suture was sufficient in most patients. Twenty-nine variables were considered and included in the analyses.

Results Urgent interventions were performed in 47 (51.1%) cases. Complications occurred in 22 (23.9%) patients. Bleeding was the most-frequent complication (n = 12), followed by wound infection (n = 6) and atrial fibrillation (n = 3). Overall, patients differed for age only (75.6 +/- 7.9 vs. 69.7 +/- 10.1; p = .013). Patients with complications required an intensive care unit stay more frequently than those without complications (36.4% vs. 11.4%; p = .007), as well as a longer hospital stay (12.9 +/- 8.4 vs. 7.7 +/- 7.7 days; p = .013). Bleeding complications were noted to be more frequent in older patients (76.2 +/- 8.5 vs. 70.3 +/- 9.90 years; p = .056). Wound infections showed a higher correlation with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD: 50.0% vs. 15.1%; p = .063).

Discussion Bleeding and wound infection were the most frequent complications after surgical repair of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysm. Age and COPD were the most important predictive factors for these complications. Patients with postoperative complications required a longer postoperative hospital stay.