Diabetes is not associated with an increased peri-operative mortality or non-infectious morbidity following lower extremity arterial reconstruction

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine if, at a national level, diabetes mellitus is associated with worse perioperative outcomes after open lower extremity arterial reconstruction.MethodsUsing Current Procedural Terminology codes, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify diabetic and nondiabetic patients who underwent open lower extremity arterial reconstruction from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2007. These 2 groups were then compared using bivariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThere was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups (3.3% in diabetics and 3.5% in nondiabetics, P = .618). On multivariate analysis, there was no difference in the incidence of cardiac, pulmonary, or renal complications between the 2 groups. Diabetics, though, were more likely to develop infectious complications postoperatively.ConclusionsAfter lower extremity arterial reconstruction, diabetes is not associated with an increased risk for mortality or an increased rate of major postoperative complications. Diabetics, however, have an increased rate of certain perioperative infections.