Penetrating injuries of the popliteal vein: a report on 34 cases.

The results of treatment in 34 cases of penetrating injury to the popliteal vein are presented. In 26 cases there was associated damage to the popliteal artery. Satisfactory venous repair by lateral suture was achieved in 11 of 12 limbs. Autogenous vein grafts were used to repair the damaged popliteal vein in 10 limbs. In 4 the saphenous vein was anastomosed directly to the popliteal vein; in 6 cases it was used as a wide-bored panel or compilation graft. Three popliteal veins were ligated. Major postoperative limb oedema and chronic venous insufficiency were not a problem in those cases where the veins were repaired. Fasciotomy was performed in 19 of the 34 cases of venous injury. In 12 of these cases fasciotomy, performed as part of the original operation to repair the vascular injury, led to an excellent clinical result.