Arterial gunshot injuries of the extremities: a South African experience

This is a retrospective study of 173 patients with gunshot injuries of the major arteries of the extremities. A selective policy for the use of angiography was followed. The arterial repair was achieved by various means: primary end-to-end anastomosis, vein interposition graft, and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) interposition grafts. Overall, there were nine amputations in the lower limb. Ninety-eight percent of the patients had a palpable pulse on discharge. There were 3 preoperative deaths, 1 intraoperative death, and 5 postoperative deaths (overall perioperative mortality, 3.5%). We conclude that the results of vascular extremity gunshot injuries are satisfactory when standard methods of management are used. Morbidity and mortality can be further reduced by prompt admission to appropriate centers.