Abstract
Abstract Optimal management of isolated peripheral deep venous injuries remain controversial with no clear evidence based guidelines on repair vs ligation. We aimed to compare the morbidity and mortality after venous reconstruction versus ligation of isolated peripheral venous injuries in patients with trauma. Methods We conducted systematic review and meta-analysis of all literature reported on management of isolated vascular injuries in adult trauma patients excluding case reports from 1950 to 2020. Primary outcomes of interest were mortality and amputation while secondary outcomes of interest were compartment syndrome, chronic venous hypertension, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Pubmed, Google Scholar, Cochrane database and Web of Science were searched for relevant literature. Study selection and sysnthesis was done following PRSMA Guidelines. Protocol was registered with PRSPERO (Registration Number: CRD42019143136). Results A total of 25 studies met our selection criteria and reported at least one of outcomes of interest. All the data is from observational studies with mostly retrospective data collection. Results of our meta-analysis show that ligation is significantly associated with higher rate of amputations [OR: 1.73 (1.20 – 2.48), p = 0.003] and mortality [OR: 1.5 (1.09 – 2.06), p = 0.01] whereas there is no significant difference in rate of chronic venous insufficiency, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. There is not sufficient data to analyze various types of repair. Also data is lacking to account for clinical severity at time of presentation. Conclusion Our results favor repair over ligation of isolated peripheral deep venous injury.