Specific complications of semi-closed endarterectomy from the iliac arteries.

: Altogether 104 patients were examined. Semi-closed endarterectomy from the iliac arteries was attempted in 110 limbs of these patients. In 13.6% of cases, operation was unsuccessful. In 3.6% of cases, the failure was caused by arterial perforation when applying a loop-shaped tool. Ninety-five patients underwent deobliteration of the iliac arteries. In the short-term postoperative period, 2 (2.1%) patients developed reocclusion of the operated segment and 5 (5.3%) had acute ischemia of the contralateral limb. The causes and the clinical importance of errors and complications from semi-closed endarterectomy are discussed.