Iliac vessel injuries: difficult injuries and difficult management problems

• Published in: European journal of trauma and emergency surgery (Munich : 2007) Vol. 38; no. 4; pp. 347 - 357
• Main Authors: Ksycki, M., Ruiz, G., Perez-Alonso, A. J., Sciarretta, J. D., Gonzalo, R., Iglesias, E., Gigena, A., Vu, T., Asensio, J. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.08.2012; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Critical Care Medicine; Emergency Medicine; Intensive; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Morbidity; Mortality; Original Article; Sports Medicine; Surgery; Surgical Orthopedics; Trauma care; Traumatic Surgery; Vascular surgery; Pelvic trauma; Abdominal trauma; Vascular trauma
• ISSN: 1863-9933; 1863-9941
• DOI: 10.1007/s00068-012-0189-7

Introduction Injury to the iliac vessels poses a serious and frustrating treatment dilemma for all trauma surgeons. Generally, patients present in profound shock secondary to severe hemorrhage from either iliac arterial, venous, or combined injuries. Despite improvements in our emergency medical services (EMS), rapid transport, standard training of trauma surgeons, and improved technology, the morbidity and mortality from iliac vessel injuries remain high, ranging from 25 to 40 %. Materials and methods A systematic review of the literature, with emphasis placed on the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of these injuries, incorporating the author’s experience. Conclusions Injuries to the iliac vessel remain a daunting task, even after great advances in anatomic injury grading and damage control as well as advances in surgical techniques and critical care. Despite all the advances in treatment and appropriate management strategies, the morbidity and mortality from iliac vessel injuries remain high, demonstrating the complex challenge their treatment presents to even the modern-day trauma surgeon.