Extracavitary vascular trauma.

Extracavitary vascular injuries involving the cervical area and the extremities constitute about 50% of all vascular injuries. Initial evaluation and resuscitation of patients with vascular injuries should follow standard Advanced Trauma Life Support protocols. Diagnosis of the injury is heavily reliant on physical examination, supplemented by arteriography in specific instances. Intraoperative management utilizes all the basic principles of vascular surgery. Postoperative nursing care focuses on the entire patient including the detection of early complications of vascular repair. Recent advances in transportation, resuscitation and operative techniques have lead to a decrease in mortality and morbidity.