Outcome of patients presenting 6 to 12 hours after isolated vascular trauma in a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcome of vascular injuries in patients presenting 6-12 hours after isolated vascular trauma.

METHODS

The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at East Surgical Ward of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022 and comprised consecutive patients of either gender aged >13 years with isolated vascular trauma presenting 6-12 hours after vascular injury. Operative procedures included ligation, end-to-end repair and reverse venous graft of the injured vessels. Outcomes, including cause of amputation and mortality, were noted. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.

RESULTS

Of the 82 patients, 61(74.03%) were males and 21(25.06%) were females. The overall mean age was 33±5.41 years. Femoral artery was damaged more 54(65.85%) compared to brachial artery 28(34.14%) in all modes of injuries. Ligation of vessel was done in 35(42.68%) cases. Mortality was the outcome in 15(18.29%) patients, amputation in 29(35.36%) and discharge after successful vascular repair 38(46.34%).

CONCLUSION

Ligation of the femoral or brachial artery was found to be a safe and lifesaving procedure in patients presenting 6-12 hours after isolated vascular trauma to the emergency department in a tertiary care setting.