[Problems and limitations in reconstructing peripheral artery injuries]

Between September 1975 and November 1982 we performed the repair on 75 injured peripheral arteries. In 57% a full restitution could be achieved, in 13% the extremity was saved with a resting functional deficit, in 20% an amputation was required, 10% had a lethal outcome. - Causes of failure are: 1) prolonged ischemia, 2) insufficient primary repair, 3) associated peripheral vascular lesions, 4) local and general revascularisation syndrome. -

1. Operative management of peripheral arterial injuries should start without delay. 2. Any emergency procedure should be definitive, 3. Arterial catheterism should not be done (for arteriography or dilatation) in cases, where the peripheral vasculature is obliterated, 4. In case of a revascularisation-syndrome an immediate amputation may avoid the fatal outcome.