Operative Management and Outcomes of Peripheral Vascular Trauma in Pediatric and Adolescent Population

Introduction: Unique characteristics of vascular injuries in children such as pronounced vascular spasm and lack of tissue support over small, thin-walled vessel make vascular repair challenging. This retrospective study was done to evaluate the management and outcome of pediatric and adolescent peripheral vascular trauma. Methodology: Fifteen patients with peripheral vascular trauma who met the inclusion criteria during the study period (August 2019-July 2020) were included. Data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Majority, 12(80%) of patients suffered blunt trauma. Primary repair in 13(86.66%) patients was the most common surgical technique employed. All the patients had associated long bone fracture dealt with internal fixation. Four (26.66%) cases had median nerve injury which was amenable to direct repair. Associated venous injury in 5 (33.33%) was also repaired. No mortality, re-operations, or amputation was noted. Conclusion: Excellent limb salvage rate was achieved. Initial revascularization without delay should be the norm. Associated neurological involvement determines postoperative functional outcome. Clinical evaluation with Doppler assessment saves time and crucial in vascular injuries prone to spasm.