An Unusual Case of Isolated Axillary Vein Injury Managed Successfully Using Indigenous Resources: Case Report

Abstract

Trauma to the axillary vessel is uncommon, and most of the time, it is associated with injury to other accompanying structures including nerves and bones. An isolated injury to the axillary vein is of very rare occurrence, and it is hardly reported in the literature. There is a high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with venous injury in comparison to arterial injury. Ligation is one of the options in the case of a difficult venous injury. Reconstruction, however challenging for venous injuries, is generally preferable if possible. We discuss a case of a 14-year-old boy who arrived in the emergency department with severe bleeding from the axilla. Most of the time, gunshot, sharp, penetrating, or warfare injuries are associated with axillary vessel injuries. But in this case, the mode of injury was very trivial and sustained as a result of some debris being blasted off in a nearby fire during the winter season. Because the bleeding was so severe, the patient was rushed to the operating room, and the wound was explored. Indigenous-made slings of glove rings were employed for proximal and distal control of the axillary vein, and the rent in the axillary vein was repaired with a successful postoperative outcome. Early recognition and intervention in cases of vascular trauma are paramount to saving the patient’s limb and life. An axillary vein injury can be repaired successfully using minimal resources with a good surgical outcome.