Citation

Asfar S, Al-Ali J, Safar H, Al-Bader M, Farid E, Ali A, Kansou J. Eur. J. Surg. 2002; 168(11): 626-630.

Affiliation

Vascular Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Safat, Kuwait. sami@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Taylor & Francis)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12699100

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To audit the management of vascular trauma in Kuwait, 1992-2000. DESIGN: Retrospective open study. SETTING: Vascular surgery unit, teaching hospital, Kuwait. SUBJECTS: 155 patients with vascular injuries, most of which (n = 118) involved the extremities. 21 had neck injuries, 10 abdominal, and 6 chest. INTERVENTION: Revascularisation usually using the long saphenous vein in addition to direct repair or end-to-end anastomosis. MAIN OUTCOME: Morbidity (amputation) and mortality. RESULTS: Four lower limb grafts failed, two of which (2/69, 3%) required amputation. Overall, four patients died (3%), one of pulmonary embolism and 3 of severe injuries to major abdominal vessels. 3/10 patients with abdominal vascular trauma died. Mean (SD) follow up period was 4.4 (2) years. CONCLUSIONS: Civilian violence has increased in Kuwait. Vascular trauma to abdominal vessels is associated with high mortality. Autogenous saphenous vein forms an excellent conduit for revascularisation.

Language: en