Vertical or Transverse Incisions for Access to the Femoral Artery: A Randomized Control Study

Background To look at wound complications with either a transverse or vertical groin incision in vascular surgery. Methods All patients undergoing vascular procedure requiring access to femoral vessels were randomized to either a vertical or transverse incision. Patients were followed up for 28 days after the procedure and examined for wound infection, wound breakdown, development of lymphatic leak and lymphatic collection. Results 88 patients (116 groins) were randomised to either incision. Of these, 55 groins had transverse incisions and the remaining had vertical incisions. There was no significant difference in the patient's age, sex, smoking, diabetes, operative times and use of prosthetic material. 29/61 (47.5%) of vertical incisions and 7/55 (12.7%) of transverse incisions had wound complications (p Conclusion Wound complications are higher with vertical incision. Many infections are diagnosed after patient discharge. We recommend transverse incisions for access to the femoral vessels in the groin.