Outcome of patients with upper limb vascular injuries during civil war in Iraq

Abstract

Background & Objective: Vascular trauma constitutes a major part of the violent body injuries and accounts for one of the high incidence injuries in Iraq. We retrospectively collected the relevant data of vascular injuries and their management in our hospitals over a period of seven years, to stress early intervention to manage vascular injuries.

Methodology: In this retrospective, descriptive study, the relevant data of 321 patients with upper limb vascular injuries were collected from the hospital data management system. The data were analyzed according to history, examination, investigations and methods of treatment of arterial and associated injuries.  

Results: Out of 321 patients, 98.13% were males and 1.87% females. The most frequent injured vessel was the brachial artery seen in 64.48% patients and end to end arterial anastomosis was done in 52.02% of the patients. The limb salvage rate was 98.75%, and was achieved in 317 patients.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the limb salvage rate is increased if the vascular injury is treated within the golden period.

Abbreviations: ATLS - Advanced Trauma Life Support; OR - Operating room; SSG - Split skin grafting

Key words: Amputation; Iraqi civil war; Vascular trauma

Citation: Hussein AM, Fahad AM. Outcome of patients with upper limb vascular injuries during civil war in Iraq. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2022;26(4): 510-513; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v26i4.1958

Received: April 24, 2022; Reviewed: May 25, 2022; Accepted: May 26, 2022