A perspective of extremity vascular trauma epidemiology and its management in a resource limited set up

Background: Extremity vascular injuries are one of the major causes limb loss and potentially preventable deaths after trauma. Although it is a challenge, especially in countries with less established trauma center, early diagnosis, intervention important for better outcome. The aim this study was to describe epidemiology, management strategies, outcomes extremity Ethiopian setting. Methods: A retrospective observational conducted among all patients who were admitted treated at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) Between June 2015 May 2020. Result: total 85 trauma, predominantly male (90.6%), included study. mean age 27 ± 9 years. Penetrating caused 89.4% injuries. majority by stab/sharp (40%), bullet (29.4%) road traffic accidents (17.7%). brachial artery commonest vessel injured accounting 36.5% followed femoral injury (22.4%). types complete transection (74.1%), laceration (15.3%), partial (8.2%). most commonly used method reconstruction reverse interposition venous graft 45.9%. Other methods ligation & hemostasis (20%), primary repair End-to-End Anastomosis (17.7%), simple patch (1.2%). salvage rate 91.8% achieved despite 67.1% late presentation (>6 hours). Conclusion: Vascular mainly due violence accidents. Limb mortality can be mitigated improving health policies, implementing emergency ambulatory systems, provision services training centers.