Abstract
This report demonstrates the results and technical features of reconstructive operations in 15 patients with pseudoaneurysms of peripheral arteries in a military field hospital after shrapnel wounds. Localization of pseudoaneurysm: 26.7%, axillary artery; 20%, brachial artery; 13.3%, popliteal artery; 13.3%, posterior tibial artery; 13.3, superficial femoral artery; 6.7%, radial artery; 6.7%, deep femoral artery. In 53.3% of cases, autovenous grafting with a reversed great saphenous vein was performed; and 46.7%, resection of an artery section with end-to-end anastomosis. No complications were recorded in any cases. Neuropathy regressed in 7 of 12 patients 19.5 ± 2.5 days after surgery. In the presence of a shrapnel wound to the extremities, it is necessary to routinely perform ultrasound of the vessels in order to search for signs of an asymptomatic pseudoaneurysm. The choice of surgical technique should always be personalized, taking into account the topographic features of the lesion. A pronounced cicatricial process and close location of peripheral nerves create technical difficulties in isolating arteries and removing aneurysm.