The Ripped Cava

Lacerations of the inferior vena cava are associated with a high mortality and may be difficult to repair. The majority of injuries are due to penetrating trauma. Rapid transportation to definitive surgical care with effective resuscitation may improve mortality. Surgical management includes adequate treatment of hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. Placement of intravenous infusion sites below the level of the diaphragm may be effective. Operative control of the inferior vena cava can be accomplished by directed digital compression followed by a proximal and distal control. Injuries of the inferior vena cava above the level of the renal veins are associated with an increased mortality. Retrohepatic and subdiaphragmatic injuries are highly lethal. This article discusses appropriate surgical approaches for repair of the inferior vena cava above and below the diaphragm. (J NatI Med Assoc. 1995;87:305-307.