"Sooner the better" it is true for peripheral vascular injury a study of 100 cases at Nishtar hospital, Multan

ABSTRACT

A descriptive study of 100 cases to compare the early intervention [within 6 hours] with late intervention in outcome of peripheral vascular injury conducted in Nishtar Hospital, Multan over a period of 2 years extending from December 2001 to December 2003. No age was found to be safe yet peak occurrence was noted in 21-40 years of age i.e. 66%. Out of 100 cases of peripheral vascular injuries 82 patients [82%] were male and 18 patients [18%] were male. Firearm injury was seen in 61 cases [61%] of peripheral vascular injury. Second common cause was road traffic accidents i.e. 25%. Most of the cases of peripheral vascular injury reached hospital within 6 hours. Cases of peripheral vascular injury from area were 70 [70%] whereas from urban areas only 30 [30%] cases were seen. Revascularization was restored within 6 hours in 50 patients and none of them required amputation. Forty-five reached hospital between 6-12 hours and 15 patients [33.3%] required amputation whereas 5 patients arrived hospital beyond 12 hours and 4 patients [80%] of them required amputation. All cases of peripheral vascular injuries should be surgically explored. Every effort should be made to achieve revascularization within 12 hours. Patients presenting late or with crush injury should undergo amputation