155 Vascular injuries: A Retrospective study in Kuwait, 1992-2000

To audit the management of vascular trauma in Kuwait, 1992-2000. Retrospective open study. Vascular surgery unit, teaching hospital, Kuwait. 155 patients with vascular injuries, most of which (n = 118) involved the extremities. 21 had neck injuries, 10 abdominal, and 6 chest. Revascularisation usually using the long saphenous vein in addition to direct repair or end-to-end anastomosis. Morbidity (amputation) and mortality. 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. 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.