Penetrating injuries of the iliac arteries: a South African experience.

BACKGROUND

We did a retrospective study of 62 patients with penetrating injuries of the iliac arteries.

METHODS

The cause of injury was gunshot wound in 85.5% and stabbing in 14.5%. The arterial repair was achieved by various means: lateral arteriorrhaphy, end-to-end anastomosis, and polytetrafluoroethylene interposition grafts.

RESULTS

There was a 42% mortality rate from exsanguination or secondary coagulopathy directly related to the arterial injury. Persistent shock, resuscitative thoracotomy, free intraperitoneal hemorrhage, and the number of vascular injuries were directly related to mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

A high index of suspicion, aggressive resuscitation, and prompt surgery are necessary to improve the chances of surviving this ominous injury.