Management of non-vascular injuries in patients admitted in trauma ICU secondary to polytrauma with major vascular injury - Institutional experience

Background: Vascular injuries are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The management is exceedingly demanding and requires involvement of senior clinician. There are known complications associated with vascular injury ranging from limb loss, stroke, and death. There are limited studies examining other injuries that are associated with vascular trauma. This study aimed to review the pattern, management and outcomes of the other injuries associated with vascular injuries. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study chart review of patients with vascular trauma requiring ICU admission between January 2013 and December 2021. Additional data was prospectively collected from January 2022 to December 2022. All patients admitted to trauma ICU with polytrauma including a vascular injury were reviewed, except patients who died prior the confirmation of vascular injury. The injury was either confirmed by imaging or via exploration. The non-vascular injuries were identified. The pattern, management and outcomes were documented. A pre-designed data proforma was used identifying injury type, management strategy, and outcomes. Results: Out of 2805 patients that were admitted in trauma ICU from 2013 to 2022, 153 (5 %) patients had vascular injuries. There were 154 documented vascular injuries and 212 associated injuries. This study found that fractures are the most common injuries to be associated with vascular injury Conclusion: The nature of vascular injury and delay to intervention determines outcome of patients, however associated injuries also play an important role in affecting outcomes. The presence of associated injury encourages the multi-disciplinary approach to optimise outcomes.