Vascular trauma: Characteristics of patients and results of treatment

Introduction and Objectives: This is a   descriptive report of  vascular trauma cases in Tehran's Taleghani Hospital .

Materials and Methods: The files of vascular trauma cases during the years 1997-2000 were evaluated.

Results: 157 patients presented with vascular trauma. Mean age was 28.5 years, with a male to female ratio of 7 to 1. 63%  of injuries were penetrating and 56% were in lower extremities. 18% sustained iatrogenic trauma and 11% had trauma during iv drug abuse. 15 cases had bone fractures.715 had pulse deficits, 33% sensory deficits, 30% motor deficits, and 14% nerve transection. Interpositional graft was used in 77 cases , and the rest were treated with patch angioplasty, primary closure and ligation. 8 cases died postoperatively and 13 cases underwent amputations; Nevertheless, and despite the fact that we had not evaluated the patients with angiography or Doppler sonography postoperatively , we regard the results   "successful" in 86%.

Discussion and Conclusions: High rates of Iatrogenic trauma and    trauma following  iv drug abuse needs "special evaluations". A program of continuous medical education about vascular trauma is suggested.