Outcomes of traumatic extremity vascular injuries from a Malaysian level 1 trauma center.

BACKGROUND: In Malaysia, management of traumatic vascular injuries is at the discretion of the treating surgeon (trauma or vascular surgery). This study was conducted to report on the epidemiology, mechanism of injury and outcomes of vascular injuries managed in a regional level 1 trauma center. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients treated for traumatic extremity vascular injuries from January 2018 to December 2020. Demography, mechanism of injury, pre-operative physiologic vital signs, vessel injured, injury severity (NISS, RTS and TRISS score), type of revascularization surgery, fasciotomy, post-operative blood investigations, operative outcomes (amputation, length of stay and ICU admission) and long-term rehabilitation follow-up were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Amongst the 35 recorded vascular injuries only 28 patients had adequate data that were included in the analysis. Majority of patients were males (23/28patients; 82%). Blunt injury to vessels was more likely in motorcycle crashes (16/28patients; 76%) than in automobile crashes (5/28patients; 24%). There were three lower limb amputees (3/3patients; 100%) that had early fasciotomy and were associated with three-fold higher post-operative median (interquartile range) CK levels of 16740 (8157 to 23116) u/l. Only two thirds (16/28 patients) had active rehabilitation follow-up and were back to work after a median duration of four months. CONCLUSION: Male gender, blunt injury, road traffic crashes and motorcycles were the majority of vascular injuries. Lower limb vascular injuries had poorer outcome with three amputations performed after attempts at revascularization. Fasciotomy and high CK level may be related to higher risk of limb loss. Our study highlights the importance of rehabilitation and long-term follow-up in this cohort of patients.

Complete sigmoid colon erosion by an intrauterine contraception device in an ectopic pregnancy: a case report.

INTRODUCTION An intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is a common contraception method used for family planning. IUCD erosion into adjacent organs is a rare but serious complication of IUCD use. CASE PRESENTATION A 41-year-old female presented to us with a leaking left ectopic pregnancy. Emergency laparotomy and left salpingectomy were performed. A copper ICUD was found intraperitoneally and part of it had completely eroded into the sigmoid colon. Sigmoid colotomy was performed and the IUCD was removed successfully. Further history revealed that the patient had her IUCD inserted 12 years previously but was forgotten. The patient was discharged well after 4 days of admission. DISCUSSION Erosion of an IUCD into the colon is uncommon and may be asymptomatic or present with bowel perforation and obstruction. There should be a high index of suspicion for pregnancy occurring among women post-IUCD insertion. A misplaced IUCD can cause chronic inflammation of the fallopian tube, which may alter tubal functionality and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Family planning is commonly done in primary health care. Primary care education and counselling are essential to improve awareness of fertile women to prevent similar complications. Periodic examination of IUCD string either by users or primary health-care practitioners is crucial. Ultrasound can be advocated if there are difficulties with the insertion. An abdominal radiograph is useful and should be performed in the case of missing IUCDs.