Vascular trauma in Latin America: a regional survey

Surg Clin North Am. 2002 Feb;82(1):189-94. doi: 10.1016/S0039-6109(03)00148-8.

Abstract

As has been demonstrated, significant differences exist in demographics and the likelihood of accidents among Latin American countries; however, when figures were standardized, they showed a clear similarity in all the reviewed features of vascular trauma. A total of 66.4% of cases were managed solely on a clinical basis, with 78.9% of surgical procedures being performed within 6 hours of injury. Vascular repair was attempted in 84% of arterial injuries and 43% of venous injuries. Results are extremely good, with an 89% rate of success, especially considering that 63% of injuries were gunshot wounds and that the largest series, from Brazil, had a 21.3% rate of abdominopelvic injuries. The mortality rate amounted to 12.7%, but associated injuries, and particularly multiple trauma, account for 50.0% of the deaths.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Arteries / injuries*
  • Arteries / surgery
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Panama / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • South America / epidemiology
  • Survival Rate
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / statistics & numerical data
  • Veins / injuries*
  • Veins / surgery
  • Wounds and Injuries / mortality
  • Wounds and Injuries / surgery*