Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET) course improves military surgeon confidence.

OBJECTIVE: Active duty military surgeons often have limited trauma surgery experience prior to deployment. Consequently, military-civilian training programs have been developed at high-volume trauma centers to evaluate and maintain proficiencies. Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET) was incorporated into the predeployment curriculum at the Army Trauma Training Detachment in 2011. This is the first study to assess whether military surgeons demonstrated improved knowledge and increased confidence after taking ASSET. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Quaternary care hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Attending military surgeons who completed ASSET between July 2011 and October 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pre- and post-course self-reported comfort level with procedures was converted from a five-point Likert scale to a percentage and compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS: In 188 military surgeons, the median time in practice was 3 (1-8) years, with specialties in general surgery (52 percent), orthopedic surgery (29 percent), trauma (7 percent), and other disciplines (12 percent). The completed self-evaluation response rate was 80 percent (n = 151). The self-reported comfort level for all body regions improved following course completion (p < 0.001): chest (27 percent), neck (23 percent), upper extremity (22 percent), lower extremity (21 percent), and abdomen/pelvis (19 percent). The overall score on the competency test improved after completion of ASSET, with averages increasing from 62 ± 18 percent pretest to 71 ± 13 percent post-test (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After taking the ASSET course, military surgeons demonstrated improved knowledge and increased confidence in the operative skills taught in the course. The ASSET course may provide sustainment of knowledge and confidence if used at regular intervals to maintain trauma skills and deployment readiness.

Improper Restraint Use in Fatal Pediatric Motor Vehicle Collisions.

PURPOSE: Motor vehicle collisions (MVC) are the second leading cause of death in children and adolescents, but appropriate restraint use remains inadequate. Our previous work shows that about half of pediatric MVC victims presenting to our trauma center were unrestrained. This study evaluates restraint use among children and adolescents who did not survive after MVC. We hypothesize that restraint use is even lower in this population than in pediatric MVC patients who reached our trauma center. METHODS: We reviewed the local Medical Examiner's public records for fatal MVCs involving decedents <19 years old from 2010 to 2021. When restraint use was not documented, local Fire Rescue public records were cross-referenced. Patients were excluded if restraint use was still unknown. Age, demographics, and restraint use were compared using standard statistical methods. RESULTS: Of 199 reviewed cases, 92 met selection criteria. Improper restraint use was documented in 72 patients (78%). Most decedents were White (72% versus 28% Black) and male (74%), with a median age of 17 years [15-18]. Improper restraint use was more common among Black (92% vs 73% White, p = 0.040) and male occupants (85% vs 58% female, p = 0.006). Improper restraint use was lower in the Hispanic population (73%) compared to non-Hispanic individuals (89%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.090). CONCLUSION: Most pediatric patients who die from MVCs in our county are improperly restrained. While male and Black patients are especially high-risk, the overall dismal rates of restraint use in our pediatric population present an opportunity to improve injury prevention measures. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Implementation of a Surgical Problem-Based Learning Curriculum: A One-Year Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Problem-Based Learning (PBL) has become an integral part of medical student education for preclinical curricula, but few studies have evaluated the benefits of a PBL curriculum for clinical education. This study aims to assess the 1-year experience after implementing a resident-led PBL program for the third-year (MS3) surgery clerkship and compare students' self-reported preparedness following PBL sessions to traditional faculty-led lectures. METHODS: Surgical faculty and residents developed a PBL curriculum to address common topics in surgical education. Pandemic requirements necessitated a switch from in-person to virtual sessions during the experience. Students enrolled in the MS3 surgical clerkship were asked to participate in a survey. Demographics and clerkship data were obtained. Quality of PBL and faculty-led lectures were assessed using a ten-point Likert scale, and standard statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: During the study period, 165 students rotated through surgery, of which 129 (78%) responded to the survey (53% female, 59% white). PBLs were held in-person (53%), exclusively virtual (32%) or hybrid (15%) platforms. In-person PBLs were preferred to faculty-led lectures for preparing students for NBME examinations (6.9 vs 6.0), oral examinations (7.8 vs 6.3), and surgical cases (6.3 vs 5.8), all P < .001. Virtual PBLs were also preferred to lectures for preparing students for NBME examinations (6.8 vs 5.8, P < .001) and surgical cases (5.6 vs 4.8, P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: PBL is a valuable adjunct for medical student education. Resident-led PBLs were preferred to faculty-led lectures for preparing students for examinations and clerkship experiences and may be useful adjuncts to clinical education.

Full-face motorcycle helmets to reduce injury and death: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

BACKGROUND: While motorcycle helmets reduce mortality and morbidity, no guidelines specify which is safest. We sought to determine if full-face helmets reduce injury and death. METHODS: We searched for studies without exclusion based on: age, language, date, or randomization. Case reports, professional riders, and studies without original data were excluded. Pooled results were reported as OR (95% CI). Risk of bias and certainty was assessed. (PROSPERO #CRD42021226929). RESULTS: Of 4431 studies identified, 3074 were duplicates, leaving 1357 that were screened. Eighty-one full texts were assessed for eligibility, with 37 studies (n = 37,233) eventually included. Full-face helmets reduced traumatic brain injury (OR 0.40 [0.23-0.70]); injury severity for the head and neck (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] mean difference -0.64 [-1.10 to -0.18]) and face (AIS mean difference -0.49 [-0.71 to -0.27]); and facial fracture (OR 0.26 [0.15-0.46]). CONCLUSION: Full-face motorcycle helmets are conditionally recommended to reduce traumatic brain injury, facial fractures, and injury severity.

Role of Empiric Antifungal Therapy in Patients with Perforated Peptic Ulcers.

Background: It is unclear if the addition of antifungal therapy for perforated peptic ulcers (PPU) leads to improved outcomes. We hypothesized that empiric antifungal therapy is associated with better clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with PPU. Patients and Methods: The 2001-2012 Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) database was searched for patients with PPU and the included subjects were divided into two groups depending on receipt of antifungal therapy. Propensity score matching by surgical intervention, mechanical ventilation (MV), and vasopressor administration was then performed and clinically important outcomes were compared. Multiple logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds of a composite end point (defined as "alive, hospital-free, and infection-free at 30 days"). Results: A total of 89 patients with PPU were included, of whom 52 (58%) received empiric antifungal therapy. Propensity score matching resulted in 37 pairs. On logistic regression controlling for surgery, vasopressors, and MV, receipt of antifungal therapy was not associated with higher odds (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-4.7; p = 0.4798) of the composite end point. Conclusions: In critically ill patients with perforated peptic ulcer, receipt of antifungal therapy, regardless of surgical intervention, was not associated with improved clinical outcomes. Selection bias is possible and therefore randomized controlled trials are required to confirm/refute causality.

Improper Restraint Use in Pediatric Patients Involved in Motor Vehicle Collisions.

BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are the leading cause of unintentional death among children and adolescents; however, public awareness and use of appropriate restraint recommendations are perceived as deficient. We aimed to investigate the use of child safety restraints and examine outcomes in our community. METHODS: We retrospectively queried a level 1 trauma registry for pediatric (0-18 y) MVC patients from October 2013 to December 2018. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Data regarding appropriate restraint use by age group were examined. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-four cases of pediatric MVC were identified. Overall, 53% were improperly restrained or unrestrained. Sixty-two percent of car seat age and 51% of booster age children were improperly restrained or unrestrained altogether. Fifty-nine percent of back seat riding, seatbelt age were improperly restrained/unrestrained, with 26% riding in the front. Fifty-one percent of seatbelt-only adolescents were not belted. Black, non-Hispanic children were more often improperly restrained/unrestrained compared to Hispanics (63% versus 48%, P = 0.001). Improperly restrained/unrestrained children had higher injury severity (10% versus 4% Injury Severity Score > 25, P = 0.021), require operative/interventional radiology (33% versus 19%, P = 0.001), and be discharged to rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility (5.2% versus 1.5%, P = 0.033). Mortality in adolescents was higher among those unrestrained (5.2% versus 0.8%, P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Although efforts to improve adherence to restraint regulations have greatly increased in the last decade, more than half of children in MVC are still improperly restrained. Injury prevention services and community outreach is essential to educate the most vulnerable populations, especially those with infants and toddlers, on adequate motor vehicle safety measures in our community.

Ovarian Preservation and Recurrent Torsion in Children: Both Less Common Than We Thought.

PURPOSE: Surgical management of pediatric ovarian torsion includes total oophorectomy (TO) or ovarian preservation surgery (OPS). This study sought to identify factors contributing to surgical management and readmission outcomes for ovarian torsion. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmission Database from 2010-2014 was used to identify patients < 18 years admitted with ovarian torsion. Patient factors, hospital characteristics, and readmission outcomes were compared by TO and OPS. Standard statistical analysis was performed and results were weighted for national estimates. RESULTS: There were 6028 patients (age 13 ± 4 years) identified with ovarian torsion who underwent either TO (50%) or OPS (50%). Patients had secondary pathology of ovarian cyst (41%), benign mass (19%), and malignant mass (0.4%). OPS was more common in teaching hospitals (84% vs. 74% TO, P<0.001), patients < 13 years of age (41% vs. 37% TO, P = 0.001), and those from high-income households (51% vs. 41% TO, P<0.001). The overall readmission rate was 4%, with no difference between surgical approach (4.3% OPS vs. 4.4% TO, P = 0.882). Of those readmitted (n = 265), readmission diagnoses were cyst (10%), malignant mass (9%), benign mass (7%), and torsion (5%). The overall rate of recurrent torsion was 0.2%, with no difference between OPS and TO (< 0.3% vs. < 0.2%, P = 0.282). CONCLUSION: Half of pediatric patients are undergoing TO for ovarian torsion in the U.S. and disparities exist with the utilization of OPS. There is no difference in rate of readmission or recurrent torsion between surgical approaches, and the overall rate of retorsion is lower than previously reported.

Outcomes for Ladd's procedure: Does approach matter?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure has been proven safe and effective for the treatment of malrotation. However, the nationwide utilization and outcomes of elective Ladd's procedure are largely unknown. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014 was used to identify patients 0-18 years (excluding newborns) with malrotation who underwent elective Ladd's procedure. Demographics, hospital factors, and outcomes were compared by approach (laparoscopic vs. open) using standard statistical tests and propensity score (PS) matched analysis. Results were weighted for national estimates. RESULTS: 1343 patients (44% male) underwent elective Ladd's procedure via laparoscopic (22%) or open (78%) approach. Laparoscopic approach was more common in large hospitals (26% vs. 16%), patients >13 years (30% vs. 20%), and those with higher income (29% vs. 16%), all p < 0.001. Following PS matching, compared to the laparoscopic approach, open Ladd's was associated with index hospital length of stay > 7 days (20% vs. 8%), more post-operative gastrointestinal dysfunction (12% vs. < 1%), and more nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (16% vs. 6%), all p < 0.001. The overall readmission rates within 30 days and the year of index operation were 8% and 15%, respectively. In the matched cohort, those undergoing laparoscopic Ladd's were less likely to be readmitted than those with the open approach (7% vs. 16%, p < 0.001) and experienced less gastrointestinal issues on readmission (5% vs. 15%, p = 0.002). There were similar rates of post-operative small bowel obstruction (< 3% vs. < 3%, p = 0.840) and volvulus (0% vs. < 1%, p = 0.136). Redo Ladd's procedure was performed in less than 4% of readmissions and all occurred within 5 days of initial hospital discharge. CONCLUSION: The majority of Ladd's procedures in the U.S. are being performed open, despite comparable outcomes following a laparoscopic approach. Readmission rates are similar with either approach, and the rate of redo Ladd's procedure is lower than previously reported. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Traumatic Lower Extremity Vascular Injuries and Limb Salvage in a Civilian Urban Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: Data on management of traumatic lower extreity arterial injuries comes largely from military experience and involves few civilian centers. This study reports on the experience of an urban trauma center and factors associated with limb loss. METHODS: A retrospective review of lower extremity arterial injuries between 2013 and 2020 at an academic urban level 1 trauma center was completed. Patients with lower extremity revascularization were included in the final data analysis. Demographics, clinical variables, operative details, type of revascularization, as well as 30-day morbidity and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day limb loss. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were included in our analysis. Sixty-nine were male (92%), mean age 33 ± 15 years, 50 patients had penetrating trauma (67%), mean injury severity score was 15 ± 9. Thirty-day limb loss was reported in 8 (11%). Factors associated with limb loss included female sex (P = 0.001), high body mass index (P = 0.001), blunt injury (P = 0.001), associated fractures (P = 0.005), significant soft tissue injury (P = 0.007), delayed repair after shunt placement (P = 0.003), bypass revascularization (P = 0.001), initial revascularization failure (P = 0.019), and wound complications (P < 0.001). Fifty-five patients had at least one return to the operating room (ROR), including 24 patients (32%) for complications related to their revascularization. These included delayed compartment syndrome (n = 7), revascularization failure (n = 9), bleeding (n = 3), and vascular surgical wound complications (n = 5). Mean length of hospital stay (LOS) for the cohort was 24 ± 20 days with 3 ± 3 ROR, in contrast patients who ultimately required amputation had LOS of 57 ± 21 days with 8 ± 4 ROR. Fifty-seven patients (76%) followed in clinic for a median 36 [14-110] days, with only 32 (43%) at >30 days. Twenty-three reported ambulation without assistance, 9 neuromotor deficit including 1 patient that had delayed amputation. CONCLUSION: Patients with blunt trauma and associated fracture and/or extensive soft tissue injury are at risk of limb loss. These injuries are often associated with postoperative wound complications, requiring aggressive soft tissue care that substantially increases ROR and LOS; Expectations for limb salvage in these patients should be tempered when the other associated factors with limb loss mentioned above are also present. When limb salvage is achieved, regaining full limb function remains a challenge.

Nationwide Outcomes and Readmission After Pediatric Laparoscopic and Open Fundoplication.

Purpose: Fundoplications are a common operation in the pediatric population. This study aims to explore outcomes comparing laparoscopic versus open operative techniques. Methods: From 2010 to 2014 the Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify patients aged 0-18 years who underwent a fundoplication. Propensity score matched analysis was performed based on 87 covariates. Demographics, hospital factors, readmissions, and complications were compared by surgical technique (laparoscopic versus open). Results: There were 4411 patients (47% female) who underwent fundoplication via laparoscopic (69%) versus open (31%) technique. Gastrostomy tubes were placed in 75% of patients also undergoing fundoplication. Newborn made up 64% of the cohort, with 47% of newborns having cardiac anomalies and 96% being premature. Open fundoplications were more likely to be performed in newborns (72% versus 61%) and those in the lowest income quartile compared to laparoscopic (41% versus 31% P < .001), both P < .001. The readmission rate was 20% within 30 days and 38% within the year, with 15% admitted to a different hospital. Only 14% of readmissions were elective. Open fundoplication was associated with more unplanned readmissions (94% versus 84%), conversion to gastrojejunostomy tube (11% versus 5%) along with major (5% versus 3%) and minor (8% versus 2%) complications compared to the laparoscopic approach, all P < 0.001. Conclusion: The majority of fundoplications are being performed in newborns and are being done laparoscopically, which are associated with lower complication and postoperative readmission rates compared to open fundoplications.

Pediatric Gastrostomy Tube Placement: Less Complications Associated with Laparoscopic Approach.

Background: There are few nationwide studies comparing outcomes of open, laparoscopic (LAP), and percutaneous endoscopic (PEG) gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014 was used to identify patients ≤18 years (excluding newborns) who underwent GT placement. Demographics, hospital characteristics, and outcomes were compared by the GT approach. Results: There were 3278 patients (41% female, age 3 ± 5 years) identified who underwent GT placement (40% open versus 32% PEG versus 28% LAP). Following an open approach, there were higher rates of GT-related complications (10% versus 4% LAP versus 3% PEG) and postoperative gastrointestinal issues (24% versus 12% LAP versus 9% PEG) on index hospitalization, both P < .001. Readmission within 30 days and 1 year were 18% and 43%, respectively. Overall readmission rates were not affected by the GT approach (44% open versus 44% LAP versus 43% PEG, P = .773). However, readmission for GT-related complications was the lowest following the LAP approach (<0.3% versus 2% open versus 2% PEG, P < .001). When those who also underwent fundoplication were excluded, conversion to gastrojejunostomy or jejunostomy (GJ/J) on readmission was higher following open and PEG approaches (4% open versus 2% PEG versus 0% LAP, P = .039). Conclusions: Compared with PEG gastrostomy and open gastrostomy, LAP GT placement appears to have lower index complications and reoperation rates, and at least comparable readmission outcomes. Despite these advantages, LAP GT placement remains underutilized.

The hidden burden of unplanned readmission after emergency general surgery.

BACKGROUND: There are no national studies of nonelective readmissions after emergency general surgery (EGS) diagnoses that track nonindex hospital readmission. We sought to determine the rate of overall and nonindex hospital readmissions at 30 and 90 days after discharge for EGS diagnoses, hypothesizing a significant portion would be to nonindex hospitals. METHODS: The 2013 to 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for all patients 16 years or older admitted with an EGS primary diagnosis and survived index hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for nonelective 30- and 90-day readmission to index and nonindex hospitals. RESULTS: Of 4,171,983 patients, 13% experienced unplanned readmission at 30 days. Of these, 21% were admitted to a nonindex hospital. By 90 days, 22% experienced an unplanned readmission, of which 23% were to a nonindex hospital. The most common reason for readmission was infection. Publicly insured or uninsured patients accounted for 67% of admissions and 77% of readmissions. Readmission predictors at 30 days included leaving against medical advice (odds ratio [OR], 2.51 [2.47-2.56]), increased length of stay (4-7 days: OR, 1.42 [1.41-1.43]; >7 days: OR, 2.04 [2.02-2.06]), Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2 (OR, 1.72 [1.71-1.73]), public insurance (Medicare: OR, 1.45 [1.44-1.46]; Medicaid: OR, 1.38 [1.37-1.40]), EGS patients who fell into the "Other" surgical category (OR, 1.42 [1.38-1.48]), and nonroutine discharge. Risk factors for readmission remained consistent at 90 days. CONCLUSION: Given that nonindex hospital EGS readmission accounts for nearly a quarter of readmissions and often related to important benchmarks such as infection, current EGS quality metrics are inaccurate. This has implications for policy, benchmarking, and readmission reduction programs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiological study, level III.

Epidemiology of pediatric trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic shelter in place.

INTRODUCTION: The first COVID-19 cases occurred in the US in January of 2020, leading to the implementation of shelter in place. This study seeks to define the impact of shelter in place on the epidemiology of pediatric trauma. METHODS: We examined pediatric trauma admissions at 5 Level 1 and 1 Level 2 US pediatric trauma centers between January 1 and June 30, 2017-2020. Demographic and injury data were compared between pre- and post-shelter in place patient cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 8772 pediatric trauma activations were reviewed. There was a 13% decrease in trauma volume in 2020, with a nadir at 16 days following implementation of shelter in place. Injury severity scores were higher in the post-shelter in place cohort. The incidence of nonmotorized vehicle accidents and gunshot wounds increased in the post-shelter in place cohort. CONCLUSION: We found an overall decrease in pediatric trauma volume following shelter in place. However, injuries tended to be more severe. Our findings help inform targeted injury prevention campaigns during future pandemics.

Discordance in Appendicitis Grading and the Association with Outcomes: A Post-Hoc Analysis of an EAST Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) appendicitis severity grading criteria use independent subscales for radiologists (Rad), surgeons (Surg), and pathologists (Path). We reviewed the EAST Multicenter Study of the Treatment of Appendicitis in America: Acute, Perforated, and Gangrenous (MUSTANG) database to determine rates of discordance and clinical consequences of inaccuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A confusion matrix was constructed for pairs among Rad, Surg, and Path. Accuracy was reported using chronologically latest diagnosis as gold standard. "Concordance" (C) was achieved when both agreed on the severity grade and "Discordance"(D) when they disagreed. A composite endpoint("COMP"= 30-d incidence of surgical site infection, abscess, wound complication, Clavien-Dindo complication, secondary intervention, ED[Emergency Department] visit, hospital readmission, and mortality) was compared between C versus D groups via χ2 test with Bonferroni correction to define statistical significance(P = 0.05/9 = 0.005). RESULTS: For each pair and diagnosis, subjects were categorized as C or D and compared for the incidence of COMP. Incidence of COMP for Surg and/or Path in C versus D: 16% versus. 26% (p = 0.006, NS by Bonferroni) for acute (A), 39% versus 33% (p = 0.39) for gangrenous (G), and 48% versus 37% (p = 0.035, NS by Bonferroni) for perforated (P). For Rad and/or Path in C versus. D: 17% versus 42% (p < 0.001) for A, 27% versus 31% (p = 0.95) for G, and 56% versus 48% (p = 0.48) for P. For C versus D: 17% versus 40% (p < 0.001) for A, 36% versus 26% (p = 0.43) for G, and 51% versus 39% (p = 0.29) for P. CONCLUSIONS: In appendicitis treated by appendectomy, surgeons are most accurate at diagnosing acute appendicitis and least accurate at diagnosing gangrenous. Radiologists are less accurate for all categories. When the surgeon is wrong, clinical outcomes are not significantly worse. However, when the radiologist is wrong about acute appendicitis, patients have worse clinical outcomes.

Do all cardiac surgery patients benefit from antifibrinolytic therapy?

BACKGROUND: In trauma patients, the recognition of fibrinolysis phenotypes has led to a re-evaluation of the risks and benefits of antifibrinolytic therapy (AF). Many cardiac patients also receive AF, but the distribution of fibrinolytic phenotypes in that population is unknown. The purpose of this hypothesis-generating study was to fill that gap. METHODS: Seventy-eight cardiac surgery patients were retrospectively reviewed. Phenotypes were defined as hypofibrinolytic (LY30 <0.8%), physiologic (0.8%-3.0%), and hyperfibrinolytic (>3%) based on thromboelastogram. RESULTS: The population was 65 ± 10-years old, 74% male, average body mass index of 29 ± 5 kg/m2 . Fibrinolytic phenotypes were distributed as physiologic = 45% (35 of 78), hypo = 32% (25 of 78), and hyper = 23% (18 of 78). There was no obvious effect of age, gender, race, or ethnicity on this distribution; 47% received AF. For AF versus no AF, the time with chest tube was longer (4 [1] vs. 3 [1] days, p = .037), and all-cause morbidity was more prevalent (51% vs. 25%, p = .017). However, when these two groups were further stratified by phenotypes, there were within-group differences in the percentage of patients with congestive heart failure (p = .022), valve disease (p = .024), on-pump surgery (p < .0001), estimated blood loss during surgery (p = .015), transfusion requirement (p = .015), and chest tube output (p = .008), which highlight other factors along with AF that might have affected all-cause morbidity. CONCLUSION: This is the first description of the prevalence of three different fibrinolytic phenotypes and their potential influence on cardiac surgery patients. The use of AF was associated with increased morbidity, but because of the small sample size and treatment allocation bias, additional confirmatory studies are necessary. We hope these present findings open the dialog on whether it is safe to administer AFs to cardiac surgery patients who are normo- or hypofibrinolytic.

The Key to Combat Readiness Is a Strong Military-Civilian Partnership.

INTRODUCTION: In peacetime, it is challenging for Army Forward Resuscitative Surgical Teams (FRST) to maintain combat readiness as trauma represents <0.5% of military hospital admissions and not all team members have daily clinical responsibilities. Military surgeon clinical experience has been described, but no data exist for other members of the FRST. We test the hypothesis that the clinical experience of non-physician FRST members varies between active duty (AD) and Army reservists (AR). METHODS: Over a 3-year period, all FRSTs were surveyed at one civilian center. RESULTS: Six hundred and thirteen FRST soldiers were provided surveys and 609 responded (99.3%), including 499 (81.9%) non-physicians and 110 (18.1%) physicians/physician assistants. The non-physician group included 69% male with an average age of 34 ± 11 years and consisted of 224 AR (45%) and 275 AD (55%). Rank ranged from Private to Colonel with officers accounting for 41%. For AD vs. AR, combat experience was similar: 50% vs. 52% had ≥1 combat deployment, 52% vs. 60% peri-deployment patient load was trauma-related, and 31% vs. 32% had ≥40 patient contacts during most recent deployment (all P > .15). However, medical experience differed for AD and AR: 18% vs. 29% had >15 years of experience in practice and 4% vs. 17% spent >50% of their time treating critically injured patients (all P < .001). These differences persisted across all specialties, including perioperative nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetists, operating room (OR) techs, critical-care nurses, emergency room (ER) nurses, licensed practical nurse (LPN), and combat medics. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study of clinical practice patterns in AD vs. AR, non-physician members of Army FRSTs. In concordance with previous studies of military surgeons, FRST non-physicians seem to be lacking clinical experience as well. To maintain readiness and to provide optimal care for our injured warriors, the entire FRST, not just individuals, should embed within civilian centers.

Impact of Delay in Appendectomy on the Outcome of Appendicitis: A Post Hoc Analysis of an EAST Multicenter Study.

Background: Association between time-to-appendectomy and clinical outcomes is controversial with conflicting data regarding risk of perforation. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between in-hospital delay in treatment of simple appendicitis with the incidence of complicated appendicitis discovered at appendectomy. Methods: The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) Multicenter Study of the Treatment of Appendicitis in America: Acute, Perforated, and Gangrenous (MUSTANG) database was queried and patients with acute appendicitis diagnosed on imaging were included. Upgrade was defined as gangrenous or perforated finding at appendectomy. Time intervals from emergency department (ED) triage to appendectomy were recorded in six-hour groups. Upgrade percentage for each group was presented and rates of a composite end point (30-day incidence of surgical site infection, abscess, wound complication, Clavien-Dindo complication, secondary intervention, ED visit, hospital re-admission, and mortality) were compared with Bonferroni correction to determine statistical significance (p = 0.05/9 = 0.005). Results: Of 3,004 included subjects, 484 (16%) experienced upgrade at appendectomy. Upgrade rates (%, 95% confidence interval [CI]) were: group 0-6 hours, 17% (95% CI, 14-19); group 6-11 hours, 15% (95% CI, 13-17%); group 12-17 hours, 16% (95% CI, 13-19); group 18-23 hours, 17% (95% CI, 12-23); group 24-29 hours, 30% (95% CI, 20-43); and group 30+ hours, 24% (95% CI, 14-37) (p = 0.014, NS by Bonferroni). Of 484 subjects with upgrade, 200 (41%; 95% CI, 37-46) had a worse composite outcome compared with 518 (21%; CI, 19-22) of 2,520 subjects with no upgrade (p < 0.001). The upgrade group was older (49 ± 17 years vs 39 ± 16 years), had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI; 1.6 ± 1.9 vs 0.7 ± 1.4) and was more likely to have positive smoking history (20% vs 14%), and prior surgery (30% vs 22%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: We propose that ≥24-hour delay from ED triage to appendectomy is not associated with increased rate of severity upgrade from simple to complicated appendicitis. When upgrade occurs, it is correlated with older age, higher CCI, smoking history, and prior surgery and is associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Acute Kidney Injury Risk in Patients Treated with Vancomycin Combined with Meropenem or Cefepime.

Background: No previous studies have determined the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in trauma patients treated with vancomycin + meropenem (VM) versus vancomycin + cefepime (VC). The purpose of this study was to fill this gap. Methods: A series of 99 patients admitted to an American College of Surgeons-verified level 1 trauma center over a two-year period who received VC or VM for >48 hours were reviewed retrospectively. Exclusion criteria were existing renal dysfunction or on renal replacement therapy. The primary outcome was AKI as defined by a rise in serum creatinine (SCr) to 1.5 times baseline. Multi-variable analysis was performed to control for factors associated with AKI (age, obesity, gender, length of stay [LOS], nephrotoxic agent(s), and baseline SCr), with significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: The study population was 50 ± 19 years old, 76% male, with a median LOS of 21 [range 15-39] days, and baseline SCr of 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/dL. Antibiotics, diabetes mellitus, and Injury Severity Score were independent predictors of AKI (odds ratio [OR] 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-12; OR 9.3; 95% CI 1-27; OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.023-1.985, respectively). The incidence of AKI was higher with VM than VC (10/26 [38%] versus 14/73 [19.1%]; p = 0.049). Conclusions: The renal toxicity of vancomycin is potentiated by meropenem relative to cefepime in trauma patients. We recommend caution when initiating vancomycin combination therapy, particularly with meropenem.

Prospective, Double-blind Evaluation of Perioperative Intravenous Acetaminophen and Ketorolac for Postoperative Pain and Opioid Consumption After Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release.

Background: The current opioid epidemic highlights the need for pain management strategies to decrease or eliminate postoperative use of opioid medications. The purpose of this study was to determine if perioperative administration of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and/or IV ketorolac decreases postoperative pain and opioid consumption after endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Methods: In all, 44 subjects were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study from October 2015 to April 2017 and divided into 4 treatment arms: placebo, IV acetaminophen, IV ketorolac, or both IV acetaminophen and IV ketorolac. Patients recorded pain at 8-hour intervals on an 11-point scale and daily opioid use for 7 days after surgery. Analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare mean pain scores and opioid consumption. Results: Mean pain scores over the 7-day study period were lower in the placebo and IV acetaminophen groups. Patients in the placebo and acetaminophen groups reported less pain than those in the ketorolac and combination groups on postoperative days 6 and 7. Patients administered IV acetaminophen had lower daily mean opioid usage. In all, 50% of the patients did not take any opioids after surgery. Conclusions: There are small, statistically significant differences in postoperative pain and opioid consumption supporting the use of IV acetaminophen for pain control after endoscopic carpal tunnel release, though these results are likely not clinically relevant. We recommend continued investigation into multimodal pain management in upper extremity surgery as well as limiting the number and quantity of opioid prescriptions provided to patients postoperatively.

One-year outcomes of congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair: Factors associated with recurrence and complications.

PURPOSE: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a congenital anomaly associated with lifelong multisystem morbidity. This study sought to identify factors contributing to hospital readmission after CDH repair. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014 was used to identify patients with CDH who underwent surgical repair. Primary outcomes included all cause readmission at 30-days and 1 year and readmission for hernia recurrence. Patient and hospital factors were compared using chi-squared analysis. RESULTS: Five hundred eleven patients were identified with neonatal CDH. All repairs were performed at teaching hospitals via laparotomy in 59% (n = 303), thoracotomy in 36% (n = 183), and minimally invasive (MIS) repair in 5% (n = 25). The readmission rate within 30-days was 32% (n = 163), and 97% (n = 495) within 1 year. The most common conditions surrounding readmission were for gastroesophageal reflux (20%), CDH recurrence (17%), and surgery for gastrostomy tube and/or fundoplication (16%). Recurrence was significantly higher after MIS repair (48%) compared to those with open repair via either approach (16%), p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate nationwide readmissions in newborns with CDH. Readmission is commonly due to CDH recurrence and reflux-associated complications. The recurrence rate is higher than previously reported and is more common after MIS and repair via thoracotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III treatment study.