Management of Combat Related Vascular Injuries in a Zonal Hospital

The extremity gunshot wound (GSW) and penetrating splinter injuries from mine blast present a surgical challenge in the treatment of arterial trauma especially at non-vascular surgery centre. Adherence to specific principles of management is required for optimal limb salvage.

Fourteen vascular injuries in patients of GSW and mine explosions were managed at a zonal military hospital with successful outcome in two years. The diagnosis of arterial injury was done clinically.

The commonest site of vascular injury was femoral. The methods of choice for repair were autogenous vein interposition or end-to-end anastomosis. All except for two patients retained a functional limb.

All surgeons in peripheral hospitals should be trained in vascular injury repair to save life and limb. Our series shows that right timing and prompt treatment of vascular injuries in a peripheral hospital, can give satisfactory results.