Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Femoral Endarterectomy

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) undergoing femoral endarterectomy. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of our institutional data, evaluating consecutive patients with PAD who underwent femoral endarterectomy between January 2013 and March 2023. The main objective was to assess the prognostic value of preoperative NLR for 5-year mortality. Additionally, we examined its relationship with perioperative clinicopathological features and 5-year major adverse limb events (MALEs). Results: During the study period, 200 consecutive patients underwent femoral endarterectomy. Of these, 128 patients with available NLR values within 30 days prior to surgery were analyzed. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the cut-off value of NLR was 4.0. Eighty-seven patients (68.0%) were assigned to the low-NLR group, and 41 patients (32.0%) to the high-NLR group. The frequency of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. Freedom from MALEs up to five years was significantly lower in the high-NLR group (66.0% vs. 46.5%, p = 0.006). The overall survival rates were significantly lower in the high-NLR group (p < 0.001). At 1, 3, and 5 years, the survival rates in the low-NLR group were 96.4%, 91.6%, and 84.5%, respectively, while those in the high-NLR group were 84.2%, 59.5%, and 42.5%. Univariate analysis showed that cerebrovascular disease, end-stage renal disease, Rutherford category >= 4, a low albumin concentration (<3.5 g/dL), and a high NLR were significantly associated with 5-year mortality. Multivariate analysis indicated that a high NLR was the only independent factor associated with 5-year mortality. Conclusions: Preoperative NLR > 4.0 was significantly associated with 5-year rates of MALE and mortality in patients with symptomatic CFA occlusive disease who underwent femoral endarterectomy.