[Treatment results after vascular extremity trauma-Initial results of the vascular trauma register Augsburg (VascTR-Aux)].

Background: A prospective vascular trauma registry (VascTR-Aux) is being conducted at Augsburg University Hospital. This first evaluation of the registry data aims to present the treatment results after vascular extremity injuries at discharge.

Material and methods: From 1 January 2016 to 31 March 2024, a total of155 injured persons were included in the VascTR-Aux. Extremity vessels were affected in 83 patients.

Results: Of the 83 injured people included, 62 were male. The average age was 37 years. The vascular injuries affected the upper limb in 28 cases and the lower limb in 55 cases. In 14 cases, the injuries were severe. The patients presented clinically with 29 hemorrhages, 32 ischemia and 14 combinations of both entities and 7 cases were asymptomatic. Patients were treated surgically (n = 51), as a hybrid procedure (n = 7) and as endovascular procedures (n = 8). In 76 cases functional preservation of the extremity was possible. Major amputation was necessary in six cases and minor amputation in two cases. The average length of stay was 23 days.

Discussion: The initial treatment was often interdisciplinary, whereas inpatient follow-up care is often provided by specialist departments other than vascular surgery due to the concomitant injuries requiring treatment. The vascular surgery procedure for treatment and follow-up care must be discussed and communicated individually in the case of vascular injuries, and a vascular surgery follow-up protocol must be established for post-inpatient follow-up examinations. Both endovascular and open surgical treatment options should be available for the treatment of vascular limb injuries. The aim of the registry is to contribute to evidence for the treatment of vascular trauma and to collect long-term results for reconstructions after vascular trauma.