Injuries to the iliac blood vessels are relatively common, especially in trauma cases. The iliac blood vessels are the arteries and veins that supply blood to the pelvis and legs. They are located in the lower abdomen and are divided into two main branches: the common iliac artery and vein, which further divide into the external and internal iliac vessels.
Injury to any of these vessels can cause serious complications, including severe bleeding and tissue damage. In this article, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of injury to other iliac blood vessels, which include the external iliac artery and vein and the internal iliac artery and vein.
The most common cause of injury to the iliac blood vessels is trauma. This can occur due to car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or other accidents. Other causes of injury can include surgical complications, such as during a hysterectomy or prostate surgery.
In addition, certain medical conditions can increase the risk of iliac vessel injury, such as atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can cause the artery walls to become weak and more susceptible to injury.
The symptoms of iliac vessel injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in more severe cases, symptoms can include:
If you experience any of these symptoms after a traumatic event or surgery, it's important to seek medical attention right away. Delayed treatment can lead to serious complications, including permanent tissue damage, limb loss, or even death.
The treatment of iliac vessel injury depends on the severity of the injury and the type of vessel affected. In mild cases, conservative treatment may be all that's needed, such as rest, ice, and pain medication. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the injured vessel.
In some cases, endovascular repair may be an option. This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is inserted into the artery or vein and guided to the site of the injury. The catheter is then used to deliver a stent or other device to