Complex iliac arterial trauma: autologous or prosthetic vascular repair?

The methods for vascular reconstruction of iliac arterial trauma can be a challenging problem. Primary arterial repair is usually possible, but an extensive injury may require interposition grafting or extra-anatomic bypass. Some investigators have advocated prosthetic grafting as a reasonable method of repair for complex iliac arterial injuries. We challenge this concept and describe our experience with the exclusive use of autogenous vascular repair during involvement with 87 consecutive patients surviving iliac arterial trauma.