ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal

Mortality after emergency lower limb amputation due to ischemia: A case series

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

Henrique José Pereira de Godoy 1
Laura Ignácio Cunha 1
Bruna Aparecida Nunes Marra 2
Thays Andrade de Souza Lopes 3
Julia Vendemiatti Correia 2
José Maria Pereira de Godoy 4

1 Vascular Surgery Discipline in Medicine School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Brazil

2 Medicine School in Sao Jose do Rio Preto-FAMERP, Brazil

3 Nurse of Vascular Surgery Discipline in Medicine School in Sao Jose do Rio Preto-FAMERP, Brazil

4 Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Department of the Medicine School in São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Head Vascular Surgery Discipline in FAMERP and CNPq (National Council for Research and Development), Brazil

10.48305/arya.2025.43395.3020
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality rates in patients with peripheral arterial disease range from 30% to 70% during the 5- to 15-year period after diagnosis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the mortality rate after emergency leg amputation and analyze the cause of death. 
METHODS: In this case series study, the incidence and cause of mortality, level of amputation, presence of chronic arterial disease, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and arterial hypertension were evaluated in 100 consecutive patient records. 
RESULTS: Sixty-one male and 39 female patients with a mean age of 66 years were studied. Amputation was indicated urgently in 86% of patients. Most (60%) suffered supra-genicular amputation, with 11 (18.33%) deaths, and 40% infra-genicular amputation, with seven (17.5%) deaths. The total death rate was 18%.
CONCLUSION: Mortality in the perioperative period of emergency major lower limb amputation remains high, with infection being the leading cause.

Keywords

Mortality
Emergency
Surgery
Ischemia
Amputation
Lower Limb
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ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal
Volume 22, Issue 1
January and February 2026
Pages 1-6

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