How risky is leg bypass surgery due to peripheral arterial disease?

Not without risk: In properly selected patients leg bypass surgery is not dangerous, however, it's not without its risks. A patient in need of leg bypass for pad is known to have heart disease, putting him at an increased risk of things like heart attack during and after the leg bypass. Also leg bypass surgery may not be successful ultimately due to a variety of factors. Discuss with your vascular surgeon!

Risk vs Benefit: There is risk with all surgeries even those done with wires manipulated through the arteries (angiography/angioplasty). In experienced hands, these risks are minimal. However, pad if untreated can lead to severe pain, open ischemic ulcers, gangrene and loss of your limb. Given the choice, if you are having symptoms, then treatment is safer than waiting.