Injuries of the inferior vena cava (IVC) require prompt and definitive action. To evaluate our current management strategy, we reviewed 38 patients with IVC trauma treated from 1983 through 1990. Sixteen were injured by gunshots, eight by stabs, and 14 by blunt mechanisms. Thirty of the 38 survived (79%). All were awake on presentation, although 45% were hypotensive (systolic blood pressure