[Surgical treatment of major vascular injuries]

The results of surgical management of persons suffering from injuries with damage to the major vessels are discussed on the basis of 155 cases with due account for the encountered difficulties and errors. With the accumulation of experience in the treatment of these patients, the authors were able to reduce mortality (from 8.7% in 1968--1969 to 2.4% in 1976--1977) and the number of limb amputations (from 21.7 to 2.4%, respectively). The outcome of the operation is greatly determined by the choice of the operative method which depends on the character, localization, and extent of damage of the vessel, contamination of the wound, the presence of concomitant injuries, the character of first aid applied at the place of the accident and during transportation, and the surgeon's skill.