American journal of surgery
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Review Case Reports
Injuries to the inferior vena cava and their management.
Injuries to the inferior vena cava are being seen with increasing frequency in the civilian population. A review of the experience at UCLA/Harbor General Hospital Medical Center over a ten year period (1966 to 1976) discloses thirty-four patients with major injuries to the inferior vena cava, with an overall mortality of 53%. ⋯ Technical considerations regarding identification and handling of inferior vena caval injuries are presented. The mortality rate for major inferior vena caval injuries remains distressingly high and serves as a challenge for future improvement.