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Military vascular injuries in Croatia
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Teaching Faculty, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
Cardiovascular Surgery (London, England)
|February 1, 1993
Summary
This study reviews military vascular injuries from the Yugoslav conflict, detailing common injuries like popliteal artery and brachial vein damage. Vascular repair with saphenous vein grafts was prioritized, with fasciotomies and amputations performed when necessary.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Review of military vascular injuries during the Yugoslav conflict (April-December 1991).
- Analysis of 1020 casualties admitted to the Surgical Clinic in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Focus on 76 patients with 120 injured blood vessels treated in vascular surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a single-centre experience of managing military vascular trauma.
- To identify common vascular injuries and treatment strategies.
- To evaluate outcomes and complications in a conflict setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patient records.
- Surgical treatment of arterial and venous injuries, prioritizing revascularization with saphenous vein grafts.
- Management of compartment syndrome, amputations, and concomitant bone fractures (external fixation).
Main Results:
- Most common injuries: popliteal artery (12.5%) and brachial veins (10.0%).
- Vascular repair preceded orthopaedic stabilization in 90.4% of cases with bone fractures.
- 26 fasciotomies for compartment syndrome; 6 amputations due to sepsis, deep vein thrombosis, or myonecrosis.
Conclusions:
- Segmental resection with saphenous vein graft interposition is an effective method for vascular reconstruction.
- Timely surgical intervention and appropriate management of complications are crucial in military vascular trauma.
- Vascular repair before orthopaedic stabilization is a key principle in managing combined injuries.