[Late outcome after management of vascular injuries]

Long-term results of vascular repair in patients with trauma are influenced by diagnosis and therapy in the acute stage. Reconstructions of major venous or arterial injuries of the extremities demonstrate a higher rate of early occlusion compared with the follow-up period. The optimal management of major venous injuries remains controversial, however, there is a tendency to vascular repair whenever it can performed safely. Venous repair of the complex type is associated with a higher rate of early occlusion. The patency rate of arterial reconstructions after vascular trauma is even more than 90% in most cases with a large proportion of fully functional limbs. Endovascular treatment of acute vascular trauma may increase, however, there are only a few cases demonstrating long-term results.