[Do we amputate too much or too little? A retrospective analysis of the situation in the East Bohemian Region].
A retrospective analysis of 1146 amputations of the lower extremities in five departments of the East Bohemin a region revealed that the number of amputations in the thigh is higher and less frequently preceded by angiographic examination and reconstruction operations of the arteries as compared with distinguished departments abroad. The mortality after amputations was 12.5%. The results call for more intensive training of vascular surgeons and the establishment of vascular surgical departments where it would be possible by early reconstruction operations made in time to prevent amputations or at least shift the height of the amputation in the most distal direction possible.