Following surgical correction of Leriche syndrome, which of the following are true?

B. The symptoms of claudication are usually improved.

C. Sexual function is improved in some patients.

D. Patients who continue to smoke following surgical correction have a higher incidence of reocclusion.

E. Prevention of damage to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in the periaortic region reduces the postoperative incidence of retrograde ejaculation.

DISCUSSION: Following corrective operation, patients with a history of claudication as well as ischemic manifestations are usually considerably improved. Those who have one or more patent internal iliac (hypogastric) arteries are more likely to have improved sexual function. It is important that patients cease smoking following bypass grafts since there is objective evidence that thrombosis of grafts is appreciably increased by continuance of smoking. Minimal dissection in the region of the abdominal aorta is important in minimizing damage to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, since injury is related to the incidence of postoperative retrograde ejaculation.