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. 2011 Mar;36(1):14-7.

Vascular injuries caused by tear gas shells: surgical challenge and outcome

Mohd Lateef Wani  1 , Ab Gani Ahangar, Gh Nabi Lone, Shyam Singh, Abdul Majeed Dar, Mohd Akbar Bhat, Hakeem Zubair Ashraf, Ifat Irshad
Affiliations

Vascular injuries caused by tear gas shells: surgical challenge and outcome

Mohd Lateef Wani et al. Iran J Med Sci. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Tear gas shells are used to disperse the mob during any type of street protests. Vascular injuries due to tear gas shells have not been reported. The present study was undertaken to analyse the pattern, presentation, management and outcome of vascular injury due to tear gas shells.

Methods: Eighteen patients with vascular injury caused by tear gas shells from 1(st) Jan. 2008 to 31(st) Dec 2009 were studied. Patients with vascular injuries caused by causes other than tear gas shells were excluded from the study.

Results: All patients were treated with reverse saphenous vein graft as segmental loss was less than 2.5 cm. Wound infection was the most common complication, followed by graft occlusion. Amputation rate was 16.66%. Associated nerve injury occurred in 44.44% of the patients.

Conclusion: Tear gas shell injuries should not be taken lightly. They can cause injuries as serious as vascular injuries. Vascular injuries cased by tear gas shells require prompt revascularisation to improve limb salvage. Despite proper revascularisation, patients have significant morbidity and need proper rehabilitation in the follow ups.

Keywords: Tear gas; saphenous vein; vascular injury.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Tear Gas Shell used to disperse the mob.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Two ends of vessel are dissected free for reverse saphenous vein grafting.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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