Diagnosis and management of abdominal vascular injuries

Abstract

Intra-abdominal vascular trauma is an injury that continues to challenge the general surgeon and leads to high morbidity and mortality even at busy urban trauma centers. The majority of patients arrive in hemorrhagic shock; therefore, rapid evaluation, resuscitation, and transfer to the operating room are necessary to treat these patients. In the operating room, the surgeon must have a well-planned surgical approach to the variety of potential injuries encountered in the retroperitoneal space. This article reviews the incidence, diagnostic strategies, treatment principles, and expected outcomes when dealing with intra-abdominal vascular injury.