Abdominal computed tomography for postoperative abscess: is it useful during the first week?

While classic teaching dictates computed tomography (CT) for postoperative abdominal or pelvic abscess in the first week is of low yield, little evidence supports intentional delays in imaging for suspected abscess. This retrospective review examined all CT scans obtained for clinical suspicion of abscess between 3 and 30 days after abdominal or pelvic operation over a 3-year period. Scans were grouped into those obtained between 3 and 7 days after surgery (EARLY) and those obtained after day 7 (LATE). Diagnostic yield was compared between EARLY and LATE groups. Of 262 CT examinations (EARLY, n = 106; LATE, n = 156), 71 studies (27%) demonstrated abscess. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic yield of CT for abscess between EARLY and LATE groups (23% [24 of 106] versus 30% [47 of 156], P = 0.18). Of patients with an abscess, 63% (45 of 71) underwent percutaneous or operative drainage (EARLY 75% [18 of 24], LATE 57% [27 of 47], P = 0.15). Abdominal CT for postoperative abscess can be expected to be diagnostic in a substantial proportion of cases in the first week, the majority of which lead to percutaneous or operative drainage. Postoperative CT for intra-abdominal abscess should be obtained as clinically indicated, regardless of interval from surgery.

Appendectomy during early pregnancy: what is the preferred surgical approach?

Appendectomy is the most common nongynecologic surgery performed during pregnancy. Although many surgeons offer laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) as an alternative to open appendectomy (OA) during early pregnancy, few studies have compared the effects of LA versus OA on the fetus and the outcome of the pregnancy. Twenty-eight consecutive females undergoing appendectomy for presumed appendicitis in the first two trimesters of pregnancy between January 2000 and December 2002 were identified retrospectively. Demographic information, weeks of pregnancy at operation, and surgical approach (LA or OA) were recorded. Study outcomes included operative and pregnancy-related complications, length of hospitalization, final outcome of pregnancy, and infant birth weight. Seventeen LA and 11 OA were performed. There were no significant differences in surgical or obstetrical complications, length of hospitalization, or birth weight between the two groups. Two cases of postoperative fetal demise were noted in the LA group. Although not statistically significant, the two fetal losses in the laparoscopic group are concerning. The current study did not demonstrate any advantages to the laparoscopic approach. Pending further investigation, the open approach may be preferred for appendectomy in pregnant patients during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.

Morbidity of pediatric dog bites: a case series at a level one pediatric trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric dog bite injuries are common and vary in severity. We sought to characterize predisposing factors, required interventions, and morbidity. METHODS: A prospective clinical database at a level one pediatric trauma center was reviewed for dog bite injuries over 74 consecutive months ending December 2013. This included all patients brought in by ambulance and/or seen by the trauma team. RESULTS: Of 650 dog bite incidents, 282 met the criteria for inclusion in the trauma database. Median age was 5 years (range, 2 months to 17 years) and 55% (154/282) of patients were male. Pit bulls were most frequently responsible, accounting for 39% (83/213) of incidents in which dog breed was documented. Fifty-three percent (150/282) of dogs belonged to the patient's immediate or extended family. Sixty-nine percent (194/282) of patients required operative intervention: 76% laceration repairs, 14% tissue transfers, and 2% neurosurgical interventions. The most severe injuries were depressed skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhage, laryngotracheal transection, and bilateral orchiectomy. Median length of stay was 1 day (range, 0 to 25 days). There were no mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric dog bites span a wide range of ages, frequently require operative intervention, and can cause severe morbidity. Dog familiarity did not confer safety, and in this series, Pit bulls were most frequently responsible. These findings have great relevance for child safety. SUMMARY STATEMENT: Pediatric dog bites are common and can vary in severity from superficial wounds to life-threatening injuries. Dog familiarity may confer a false sense of safety. A national dog bite prevention and education campaign should be developed with the goal of decreasing the incidence of pediatric dog bites.