Management of vascular injuries of civil strife

Summary Over a 12-year period of civil hostilities in Northern Ireland, the Vascular Unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, has dealt with a wide variety of vascular injuries inflicted by low- and high-velocity missiles and bomb explosions. ‘Knee-cappings’ or punishment shootings, accounted for a large proportion of popliteal vessel injuries. In addition to specific vascular injuries a majority of patients suffered damage to other regions of the body. Experience gained in the management of vascular injuries is outlined and surgical methods developed here are also discussed. The surgical approach to injuries of vessels in the neck, abdomen and lower limb receive particular emphasis.