The objective of this study was to evaluate morbidity of lower limbs obliterating atherosclerosis in the population of Opole Region. The subject of the study was the population of patients admitted and treated in the Voivodship Medical Center in Opole between 1992-1994 (1st period) and 2000-2002 (2nd period). METHODS Material includes detailed data about 1114 patients: 387 treated between 1992-1994 and 727 treated in period 2000-2002. The analysis was made on base of documentation of the Department of General and Vascular Surgery in the Voivodeship Medical Center in Opole. Patients filled special prepared questionnaires. The completed data were intoducted to the computer database and submitted to mathematical and statistical comparative analysis with regard to both examined periods. RESULTS The study confirmed that the major cause of chronic lower limbs ischaemia is obliterating atherosclerosis. It was found in 91% of cases in both periods. Significant increase in atherosclerosis of the lower limbs morbidity was confirmed. The most voluminous group in this study ware patients more than 65 years of age, wih elementary or elementary professional education. Significant increase in incidence was also noted in patients inhabiting rural areas and in population of women. In between 2000-2002 the percentage of patients admitted with early phase of the disease increased significantly where compared to the first period. CONCLUSIONS Significant increase of morbidity on atherosclerosis of the lower limbs needs planning of responsible local governors in Opole Region suitable financial expend to prevent and treat this disease.