Iatrogenic vascular injuries in western Saudi Arabia

A group of 30 consecutive patients with iatrogenic vascular injury were studied to determine the aetiology of the condition and to investigate its possible prevention. Of the patients, 18 were males and 12 females; mean age was 37.0 years (range 2 weeks to 70 years). Most injuries (n = 25) involved the arterial system; eight cases (27%) were recognized during the operative procedure. The most common presentations were bleeding and chronic ischaemia. Cannulation of vessels was the cause of injury in 14 cases (47%); two-thirds of these were iatrogenic in nature. A conservative policy was adopted in nine patients; surgery was planned but not performed in two. A total of 19 patients were operated on (17 reconstructions, one ligation, one fasciotomy); two died from causes related to their original condition. In order to reduce the incidence of iatrogenic injury, medical personnel should be informed of possible vessel damage, especially during cannulation. All surgical and radiological procedures should be carefully audited.