Iliac vein injuries

Abstract

Iliac vein injuries are highly lethal and present a substantial challenge to manage. They account for 5% of cardiovascular injuries following trauma and are difficult to diagnose and repair due to their location deep in the pelvis. A high index of suspicion must be maintained to make a rapid diagnosis and have a chance at repair. Injury most frequently follows penetrating trauma, but iliac vein damage can also result from blunt force. Injuries are frequently associated with concomitant injury to the bowel and bladder with mortality following repair ranging between 20% and 50%. Iliac vein injuries may either be repaired surgically with lateral venorrhaphy or ligation. Additionally, endovascular repair techniques are a promising adjunct to open repair. The following text will review the causes, diagnosis, and management of iliac vein injuries.