Vascular trauma injury evaluation in Khorramabad, Iran: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Vascular trauma injuries are associated significantly with disabilities and mortality where prompt diagnosis and management are of great importance.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the authors aim to evaluate the pattern of vascular trauma injuries.

METHODS: This descriptive retrospective study was performed on patients with vascular injuries due to trauma referred to (Shohada Ashayer Hospital and Shahid Chamran Hospital, Khorramabad). Patients' files were evaluated for the following data: diagnostics, types of treatment and outcome, type of trauma, cause of trauma, anatomy of the injured site, duration of surgery, type of lesion, delayed complication, and requirement of revision surgery. The data obtained were descriptively evaluated using SPSSv22.

RESULTS: Of 233 patients studied, 95.3% were males. The mean age of the patients was 29.15±11.8 years. 82.8% of patients presented with penetrating trauma whereas 32.2% of patients had stab wound trauma. The most common sign at the time of referral was a loss of sensation in 54.9% of patients. Direct diagnosis based on clinical presentation was made in 79% of patients. The upper extremity was the most common site of vascular injury in 77.3% of patients with the involvement of radial and ulnar arteries, in 63.1%. 66.9% of patients underwent primary vascular repair, 92 received revision surgery, and 69 required blood transfusion.

CONCLUSION: Epidemiological studies of vascular injury can help clinicians and local healthcare centres to understand the pattern of vascular trauma based on the geographical location and train trauma surgeons and medical staff to provide effective and timely management.