Management of Combat Related Vascular Injuries in a Zonal Hospital.

Background: The extremity gunshot wound (GSW) and penetrating splinter injuries from mine blast present a surgical challenge in the treatment of arterial trauma especially at non-vascular surgery centre. Adherence to specific principles of management is required for optimal limb salvage.

Methods: Fourteen vascular injuries in patients of GSW and mine explosions were managed at a zonal military hospital with successful outcome in two years. The diagnosis of arterial injury was done clinically.

Results: The commonest site of vascular injury was femoral. The methods of choice for repair were autogenous vein interposition or end-to-end anastomosis. All except for two patients retained a functional limb.

Conclusion: All surgeons in peripheral hospitals should be trained in vascular injury repair to save life and limb. Our series shows that right timing and prompt treatment of vascular injuries in a peripheral hospital, can give satisfactory results.