Abstract An alternative approach to the iliac arteries, needing divisison of the inguinal ligament, is described by which operations on these vessels are simplified. The operation is a relatively minor one. There have been no serious complications from the divsion of the inguinal ligament nor has there been detectable weakness in the rectus abdominis muscle. Incisional hrenia above the inguinal ligament occurred in 3 of 150 patients so treated after wound haematoma and infection, and 1 patient suuffered a minor direct inguinal hernia.