55.4 A stab wound close to a major artery

The common danger site for this emergency is the groin. Open and explore the wound early, so as to examine the artery and repair it if necessary. This will be easier than trying to deal with the arterial haematoma or aneurysm that may result from leaving it.

STAB WOUNDS NEAR MAJOR VESSELS

Have blood for the patient cross matched. Take him to the theatre and explore his wound under general anaesthesia. Try to get proximal control of the vessel. If the artery and vein are injured, you may be able to close the hole by lateral suture as in Fig. 55-3. If necessary sew a patch of long saphenous vein over the hole, or do an end–to–end suture or graft.