The Assessment of Complications After Major Abdominal Surgery: A Comparison of Two Scales.

BACKGROUND: An accurate and reproducible method for the evaluation of postoperative morbidity is essential for a valid assessment of the outcomes of surgery. However, there is still no consensus on reporting of complications. The Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) of complications is a validated system which reports only the most severe complication. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) is a novel scale designed to capture the overall burden of complications. The aim of our study is to validate and compare the CDC and the CCI in the setting of high-risk surgical patients in whom multiple complications are common. METHODS: A prospective, observational study analyzed 206 high-risk adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Each postoperative complication was recorded until discharge or readmission within 30 days. The severity of complications was graded with the CDC, and the CCI was calculated subsequently. Correlations of the CDC and the CCI with hospitalization indicators and functional activity on discharge were assessed and compared. RESULTS: A total of 424 complications occurred in 125 (60.7%) patients. The median CCI for the cohort was 20.9 (0-44.9). CD grade II was the most frequent among patients with complications (62/125; 49.6%). The CCI and the CDC have shown a strong correlation (r = 0.969, P < 0.01). Both scales strongly correlated with the parameters of hospitalization, but the CCI showed a stronger correlation to the intensive care unit length of stay (LOS; 0.670 versus 0.628, P < 0.001), postoperative LOS (0.652 versus 0.630, P = 0.041), and prolonged intensive care unit LOS (0.604 versus 0.555, P < 0.001). The median CCI and the highest CD grade were significantly different respective to the functional activity on discharge (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CDC and the CCI are the effective methods for reporting of complications after major abdominal surgery. The CCI is a more accurate scale for use in high-risk patients and correlates better with the postoperative LOS.

Impact of intraoperative blood pressure, blood pressure fluctuation, and pulse pressure on postoperative delirium in elderly patients with hip fracture: A prospective cohort study.

AIM: Postoperative delirium (PD) is a frequent complication of hip fracture surgery, but its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. We investigated the impact of a single episode of intraoperative hyper/hypotension, blood pressure (BP) fluctuation (ΔMAP), and pulse pressure (PP) on hyper/hypoactive PD in elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture. We also assessed the effect of PD on clinical outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective 1-year follow-up study of patients over 60 years of age with a primary diagnosis of acute low-energy hip fracture. Perioperative delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM); the development of PD and the type, hyperactive or hypoactive PD, were recorded. Cognitive assessment was evaluated using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). The lowest and highest BP values were extracted from the patients' anaesthesia charts. Postoperative complications, reinterventions and 1-month mortality were recorded. RESULTS: PD occurred in 148 (53%) patients during the first postoperative week, with 75% of the cases diagnosed as hypoactive PD. Patients developing PD of any type were older, had a lower body mass index, higher SPMSQ and Charlson scores, more severe systemic diseases, a lower lowest intraoperative BP, a higher ΔMAP, a lower PP, and a higher postoperative pain score. They also took more drugs and received more blood transfusion intraoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that a higher MAP min had a protective effect on the occurrence of any type of PD, as well as hypoactive and hyperactive. PD had negative effect on outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence of an association between maximal hypotension, the lowest intraoperative mean blood pressure (MAP), ΔMAP, PP, and PD. A progressive decrease in MAP during surgery was associated with the increased odds of developing either type of PD.

The association of early postoperative lactate levels with morbidity after elective major abdominal surgery.

Lactate levels are widely used as an indicator of outcome in critically ill patients. We investigated the prognostic value of postoperative lactate levels for postoperative complications (POCs), mortality and length of hospital stay after elective major abdominal surgery. A total of 195 patients were prospectively evaluated. Lactate levels were assessed on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) [L0], at 4 hours (L4), 12 hours (L12), and 24 hours (L24) after the operation. Demographic and perioperative clinical data were collected. Patients were monitored for complications until discharge or death. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the predictive value of lactate levels for postoperative outcomes. The best cut-off lactate values were calculated to differentiate between patients with and without complications, and outcomes in patients with lactate levels above and below the cut-off thresholds were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify variables associated with POCs and mortality. Seventy-six patients developed 184 complications (18 deaths), while 119 had no complications. Serum lactate levels were higher in patients with complications at all time points compared to those without complications (p < 0.001). L12 had the highest predictive value for complications (AUROC12 = 0.787; 95% CI: 0.719-0.854; p < 0.001) and mortality (AUROC12 = 0.872; 95% CI: 0.794-0.950; p < 0.001). The best L12 cut-off value for complications and mortality was 1.35 mmol/l and 1.85 mmol/l, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that L12 ≥ 1.35 mmol/l was an independent predictor of postoperative morbidity (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.27-5.24, p = 0.001). L24 was predictive of POCs after major abdominal surgery. L12 had the best power to discriminate between patients with and without POCs and was associated with a longer hospital stay.

Surgical management of AAST grades III-V hepatic trauma by Damage control surgery with perihepatic packing and Definitive hepatic repair-single centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Severe liver injury in trauma patients still accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. Operative techniques in liver trauma are some of the most challenging. They include the broad and complex area, from damage control to liver resection. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a retrospective study of 121 trauma patients with hepatic trauma American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade III-V who have undergone surgery. Indications for surgery include refractory hypotension not responding to resuscitation due to uncontrolled hemorrhage from liver trauma; massive hemoperitonem on Focused assessment by ultrasound for trauma (FAST) and/or Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) as well as Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) findings of the severe liver injury and major vascular injuries with active bleeding. RESULTS: Non-survivors have significantly higher AAST grade of liver injury and higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) (p = 0.000; p = 0.0001). Non-survivors have significant hypotension on arrival and lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission (p = 0.000; p = 0.0001). Definitive hepatic repair was performed in 62(51.2 %) patient. Damage Control, liver packing and planned re-laparotomy after 48 h were used in 59(48.8 %). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the surgical approach. There was significant difference in the amount of red blood cells (RBC) transfusion in the first 24 h between survivors and non-survivors (p = 0.001). Overall mortality rate was 33.1 %. Regarding complications non-survivors had significantly prolonged bleeding and higher rate of Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (p = 0.0001; p = 0.0001), while survivors had significantly higher rate of pleural effusion (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: All efforts in the treatment of severe liver injuries should be directed to the rapid and effective control of bleeding, because uncontrollable hemorrhage is the cause of early death and it requires massive blood transfusion, all of which contributes to the late fatal complication.

SELF-REPORTED DRUG ALLERGIES IN SURGICAL POPULATION IN SERBIA.

History of drug allergy is of major concern during perioperative period. Medical records usually lack documents confirming the stated allergy. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-reported drug allergies and their characteristics in adult Serbian surgical population, and to analyze their influence on drug prescription during perioperative period. The study enrolled patients scheduled for general surgery during a one-year period at a tertiary care hospital. They were questioned using a structured questionnaire about the existence of drug allergy and its nature. Medical records were examined after discharge to assess medical prescription during hospitalization. Of 1126 patients evaluated during the study period, 434 (38.5%) reported a total of 635 drug reactions. The most common allergy claim was to antibiotics (68%), nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (16.4%) and iodine (3.9%). Women, urban residents and herbal drug consumers were more likely to state an allergy. The majority of reported reactions were cutaneous (72%) and respiratory (34%), while anaphylaxis was reported by 3.2% of patients. Only 38 (8.7%) patients had previously undergone any allergology testing. Retrospective chart review revealed that 26 (6%) patients were administered the drug to which they had reported allergic reaction in the past, with no adverse effects. Drug allergies are frequently self-reported in surgical population in Serbia, which is in contrast to a very low rate of explored and documented allergies. In order not to deny an effective treatment or postpone a surgery, health care practitioners should pay more attention to an accurate classification of adverse drug reactions.

Effect of the overlap syndrome of depressive symptoms and delirium on outcomes in elderly adults with hip fracture: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the incidence of the overlap syndrome of depressive symptoms and delirium, risk factors, and independent and dose-response effect of the overlap syndrome on outcomes in elderly adults with hip fracture. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with hip fracture without delirium (N = 277; aged 78.0 ± 8.2) consequently enrolled in a prospective cohort study. MEASUREMENTS: Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale and cognitive status using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire upon hospital admission. Incident delirium was assessed daily during the hospital stay using the Confusion Assessment Method. Information on complications acquired in the hospital, severity of complications, re-interventions, length of hospital stay, and 1-month mortality was recorded. RESULTS: Thirty (10.8%) participants had depressive symptoms alone, 88 (31.8%) delirium alone, 60 (21.7%) overlap syndrome, and 99 (35.7%) neither condition. According to multivariate regression analysis, participants with the overlap syndrome had significantly higher incidence of vision impairment (P = .02), longer time-to-surgery (P = .03), and lower cognitive function (P < .001) than participants with no depressive symptoms and no delirium. In the adjusted regression analysis, participants with neither condition were at lower risk of complications than those with the overlap syndrome (P = .03). After adjustment, participants with the overlap syndrome were at higher risk of longer hospital stay independently (P = .003) and in a dose-response manner in the following order: no depression and no delirium, depressive symptoms alone, delirium alone, and the overlap syndrome (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms and delirium increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes after hip fracture in a step-wise manner when they coexist. To reduce the risk of adverse outcome in individuals with hip fracture, efforts to identify, prevent, and treat this condition need to be increased.

Predictors of severe pain in the immediate postoperative period in elderly patients following hip fracture surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for severe postoperative pain immediately after hip-fracture surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred forty-four elderly patients with an acute hip fracture were admitted to the hospital during a 12-months period. All patients who entered the study answered a structured questionnaire to assess demographic characteristics, previous diseases, drug use, previous surgery, and level of education. Physical status was assessed through the American Society of Anesthesiologists' preoperative risk classification, cognitive status using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, and depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale. The presence of preoperative delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method was assessed during day and night shifts until surgery. Pain was measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS). An NRS ≥ 7 one hour after surgery indicated severe pain. RESULTS: Patients with elementary-level education (8 yr in school) presented a higher risk for immediate severe postoperative pain than university-educated patients (> 12 yr in school) (P < 0.05). Higher cognitive function was associated with higher postoperative pain (P < 0.01). Patients with symptoms of depression and patients with preoperative delirium presented a higher risk for severe pain (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that depression and a low level of education were independent predictors of severe pain immediately after surgery. CONCLUSION: Depression and lower levels of education were independent predictors of immediate severe pain following hip-fracture surgery. These predictors could be clinically used to stratify analgesic risk in elderly patients for more aggressive pain treatment immediately after surgery.

Free vascularised fibular grafts in orthopaedics.

Bony defects caused by trauma, tumors, infection or congenital anomalies can present a significant surgical challenge. Free vascularised fibular bone grafts (FVFGs) have proven to be extremely effective in managing larger defects (longer than 6 cm) where other conventional grafts have failed. FVFGs also have a role in the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, failed spinal fusions and complex arthrodeses. Due to the fact that they have their own blood supply, FVFGs are effective even in cases where there is poor vascularity at the recipient site, such as in infection and following radiotherapy. This article discusses the versatility of the FVFG and its successful application to a variety of different pathologies. It also covers the applied anatomy, indications, operative techniques, complications and donor-site morbidity. Though technically challenging and demanding, the FVFG is an extremely useful salvage option and can facilitate limb reconstruction in the most complex of cases.

Spontaneous rupture of giant liver hemangioma: case report.

INTRODUCTION: Hemangioma is the most frequent benign solid tumor of the liver. It is well known that a giant liver hemangioma carries the risk of spontaneous rupture, followed by hemoperitoneum and hemorrhagic shock with possible fatal outcome. CASE OUTLINE: This is a case report of the spontaneous rupture of a giant cavernous hemangioma of the liver in an 85-year old patient.The patient was presented with abdominal pain and hemorrhagic shock. Emergency ultrasonography and computed tomography of the abdomen showed a heterogeneous ruptured solid tumor of the right liver lobe, multiple cysts in the left lobe and massive hemoperitoneum. The patient was successfully managed by immediate exploratory laparotomy, surgical enucleation of the hemangioma under intermittent inflow vascular occlusion, temporary perihepatic packing and planned second look relaparotomy. CONCLUSION: Immediate surgical procedure is indicated mandatory in unstable patients with a ruptured giant hemangioma of the liver. Surgical enucleation under intermittent inflow vascular occlusion and temporary perihepatic packing could be a life-saving procedure in those patients.

Routine chest radiographs in the surgical intensive care unit: can we change clinical habits with no proven benefit?

Daily routine chest radiographs (CR) are commonly performed in surgical ICU. Unnecessary CR increase costs and expose the staff and the patients to radiation risk. The goal of our study was to estimate the value of daily routine CR in the ICU and to determine the correlation between CR and physical findings in surgical ICU patients. Prospective observational study was conducted during period of two months at the ICU department at the Clinic for Digestive Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade. It included 97 consecutive patients who underwent digestive surgery and stayed at the ICU for at least two days. During their ICU stay, CRs were obtained as a clinical routine or to monitor lung pathology. Patients were followed daily, and CRs (as the proportion of positive findings) were compared with physical examination and clinical presentation. A total of 717 CRs were obtained, median number per patient was 4.0 (2.0-7.0). Proportion of positive findings was significantly higher comparing to auscultation until the sixth day of ICU stay. There was no difference in CR findings from day to day after the sixth day. Therapeutic efficacy of CRs was low as only 56 (7.8%) resulted in a change of patient management. We conclude that daily routine CRs are justified in the first six days of ICU stay, and after that time they show no advantages over clinical examination.

Glissonean pedicle approach in major liver resections.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Liver resections are still one of the most challenging operations. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency and safety of the intrahepatic Glissonean pedicle approach vs. classical Hilar dissection in major hepatectomies. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-four patients were assigned to the Glissonean approach (GA, n=34), while the Hilar dissection were assessed as historical control, matched for the age, gender, comorbidities and Child-Pugh score (HD, n=34). RESULTS: The GA was associated with significantly shorter surgery duration (191.18±41.10 vs. 246.62± 56.55), transection time (38.94±14.56 vs. 56.32±19.40) and ischemic duration (26.03±11.27 vs. 41.18±12.80) than HD (p<0.001 for all). The amount of blood loss was significantly lower in GA (245.59±169.39 vs. 344.71±166.25; p=0.018). The amount of blood transfusion was significantly lower in GA during surgery (322.86±102.07 vs. 414.76±135.48) as well as postoperatively than HD (246.67±5.77 vs. 336.67±120.55) (p=0.038 and p=0.026. respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Major hepatectomy can be performed more easily using the Glissonean pedicle approach than by hilar dissection. En-masse transection of pedicles, as well as hepatic veins, using endo-GIA vascular stapler could be performed safely. Liver surgeons should know the Glissonean pedicle approach.

Risk factors and distribution of symptomatic venous thromboembolism in total hip and knee replacements: prospective study.

PURPOSE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of orthopaedic surgery in the industrialised world; though there may be variability between population groups. This study aims to define the incidence and risk factors for symptomatic VTE following primary elective total hip and knee arthoplasty surgery in a single centre in Eastern Europe. METHODS: This prospective study included 499 adult patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty for symptomatic osteoarthritis over a two-year period at the Clinic of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Belgrade. RESULTS: The overall rate of confirmed symptomatic VTE during hospitalisation was 2.6%. According to the univariate logistic regression, an age greater than 75 years (OR = 3.08; 95%CI = 1.01-9.65), a family history of VTE (OR = 6.61; 95% CI = 1.33-32.90), varicose veins (OR = 3.13; 95% CI = 1.03-9.48), and ischemic heart disease (OR = 4.93; 95% CI = 1.61-15.09) were significant risk factors for in-hospital VTE. A family history of VTE and ischemic heart disease were independent risk factors according to multivariate regression analysis. Preoperative initiation of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis (p = 0.03) and a longer duration of thromboprophylaxis (p = 0.001) were protective for postoperative DVT. Though thromboprophylaxis was safe, with very few patients suffering major haemorrhage or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, there was a general reluctance by our local surgeons to use prolonged thromboprophylaxis. CONCLUSION: VTE is common following hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. Orthopaedic patients with a family history of VTE, heart failure and coronary heart disease are at a considerable risk of thromboembolic complications in the postoperative period. There may be a role for preoperative thromboprophylaxis in addition to prolonged postoperative treatment.

The development of internal fixation - historical overview.

Since the ancient times, man was faced with the problem of fracture treatment, which is first described in the records from ancient Egypt. Ever since, many treatment methods have been developed, but the real revolution in the fracture treatment was achieved by internal fixation. Since it was described for the first time, at the end of the 18th century, this method has continuously developed, but sterilization, radiographies, anaesthesiology, antibiotics made this surgery modern and safe. The great ideas and practical solutions of the new methods were done by Albin Lambotte, William Arbuthnot Lane, Robert Danis, William Hey Groves. They lead to the expansion of this method and truly made the principles for the future AO school. New methods, biological internal fixation, minimally invasive procedures, new technologies and devices for internal fixation are introduced in the surgical practice daily.

Calcaneal fractures - the orthopaedic challenge.

Calcaneal fractures, since their description in 1843 by Malgaigne, still remain a challenge in orthopaedic surgery. They are significant from an epidemiological point of view - they represent 60% of all tarsal fractures, and of an increasing number of fractures due to traffic accidents and their outcome is unpredictable. In contrast to the disappointing results after nonoperative treatment and at the beginnings of calcaneal surgery, the outcome is promising nowadays. New imaging and fixation devices, with proper classification and indication for certain surgical procedures have led to the improved outcome. But, there are still controversies, and we emphasize the most rationale treatment for the calcaneal fractures, as well as best surgical options.

Segment-oriented liver resections based on posterior intrahepatic glissonian approach.

BACKGROUND: Segment-oriented liver resections can be performed effective by posterior intrahepatic approach. A significance of such resection - is that they are oncologically radical as well as parenchyma-sparing. METHODOLOGY: Segmental liver resections were performed in 102 patients with liver tumors. Suprahilar control of the appropriate glissonean pedicle was achieved by the posterior intrahepatic approach. Liver parenchyma was transsected by ultrasonic dissector, under intermittent vascular occlusion (IVO). Pedicle was divided at the end of resection using "endo-GIA" vascular stapler. RESULTS: The overall transection time was 30,14+/-12,56 min. The amount of blood loss was 285,59+/-129,92 ml. The postoperative complication rate was 25,49%. R0 resection had 94 (92,16%) patients.There was no liver failure or perioperative death. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior intrahepatic approach for segmental resection is safe, can expedite the liver transection and reduce intraoperative hemorrhage. This approach provides adequate tumor clearance with preservation of normal parenchyma, as well as the vasculature or the biliary drainage of the contralateral liver.

Clamp-crushing vs. radiofrequency-assisted liver resection:changes in liver function tests.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Liver resection is the gold standard in managing patients with metastatic or primary liver cancer. The aim of our study was to compare the traditional clamp-crushing technique to the radiofrequency- assisted liver resection technique in terms of postoperative liver function. METHODOLOGY: Liver function was evaluated preoperatively and on postoperative days 3 and 7. Liver synthetic function parameters (serum albumin level, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio), markers of hepatic injury and necrosis (serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin level) and microsomal activity (quantitative lidocaine test) were compared. RESULTS: Forty three patients completed the study (14 had clamp-crushing and 29 had radiofrequency assisted liver resection). The groups did not differ in demographic characteristics, pre-operative liver function, operative time and perioperative transfusion rate. In postoperative period, there were similar changes in monitored parameters in both groups except albumin levels, that were higher in radiofrequency-assisted liver resection group (p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Both, traditional clamp-crushing technique and radiofrequency assisted liver resection technique, result in similar postoperative changes of most monitored liver function parameters.

The treatment of scaphoid nonunion using the Ilizarov fixator without bone graft, a study of 18 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Ilizarov fine-wire compression/distraction technique in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion (SNU), without the use of bone graft. DESIGN: A retrospective review of 18 consecutive patients in one centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 18 patients; 17 males; 1 female, with a mean SNU duration of 13.9 months. Patients with carpal instability, humpback deformity, carpal collapse, avascular necrosis or marked degenerative change, were excluded. Following frame application the treatment consisted of three stages: the frame was distracted 1 mm per day until radiographs showed a 2-3 mm opening at the SNU site (mean 10 days); the SNU site was then compressed for 5 days, at a rate of 1 mm per day, with the wrist in 15 degrees of flexion and 15 degrees of radial deviation; the third stage involved immobilization with the Ilizarov fixator for 6 weeks. The technique is detailed herein. RESULTS: Radiographic (CT) and clinical bony union was achieved in all 18 patients after a mean of 89 days (70-130 days). Mean modified Mayo wrist scores improved from 21 to 86 at a mean follow-up of 37 months (24-72 months), with good/excellent results in 14 patients. All patients returned to their pre-injury occupations and levels of activity at a mean of 117 days. Three patients suffered superficial K-wire infections, which resolved with oral antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: In these selected patients this technique safely achieved bony union without the need to open the SNU site and without the use of bone graft.

[Psoas major abscess by heroin addictive patients--a case report].

Drug abuse is related to many medical complications, which depend on the drug type, dose injected, the method of delivery and site of injection. We report a case of psoas abscess in young heroin addict, HIV negative, who was admitted in Emergency Center of Clinical Center in Belgrade because of fever, anaemia, prostration and right groin pain. Clinical and radiological examination were performed. CT showed large abscess of the right psoas muscle, 12 x 4 cm large. Treatment included percutaneous drainage and administration of iv antibiotics. There is regression of inflamation. At discharge patient was in good condition without signs of infection.

Decompressive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure versus percutaneous puncture with placement of abdominal catheter in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome during acute pancreatitis: background and design of multicenter, randomised, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Development of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has a strong impact on the course of disease. Number of patients with this complication increases during the years due more aggressive fluid resuscitation, much bigger proportion of patients who is treated conservatively or by minimal invasive approach, and efforts to delay open surgery. There have not been standard recommendations for a surgical or some other interventional treatment of patients who develop ACS during the SAP. The aim of DECOMPRESS study was to compare decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure and percutaneus puncture with placement of abdominal catheter in these patients. METHODS: One hundred patients with ACS will be randomly allocated to two groups: I) decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure or II) percutaneus puncture with placement of abdominal catheter. Patients will be recruited from five hospitals in Belgrade during two years period. The primary endpoint is the mortality rate within hospitalization. Secondary endpoints are time interval between intervention and resolving of organ failure and multi organ dysfunction syndrome, incidence of infectious complications and duration of hospital and ICU stay. A total sample size of 100 patients was calculated to demonstrate that decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure can reduce mortality rate from 60% to 40% with 80% power at 5% alfa. CONCLUSION: DECOMPRESS study is designed to reveal a reduction in mortality and major morbidity by using decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure in comparison with percutaneus puncture with placement of abdominal catheter in patients with ACS during SAP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NTC00793715.

[Surgical treatment of liver injury--5-year experience].

Due to improved methods of treatment and management of hemorrhage, the mortality from liver injuries has decreased significantly over the past few decades. In spite of that, liver injuries still represent diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This retrospective study included 197 patients surgically treated because of trauma of the liver at The Clinic for Emergency Surgery, during the period 2004-2009. The results showed significant difference in mortality rates in cases of penetrating wounds compared to blunt trauma and gunshot wounds. The severity of injury evaluated by Organ Injury Scale was significantly higher in gunshot wounds compared to blunt and penetrating trauma. The correlation of severity of injuries and mortality rates showed that the mortality is significantly lower in patients with grade 1, 2, and 3 injuries compared to grades 4 and 5 (p = 0.016). Specific complication rate was 28.4%, while mortality rate was 21.8%. The results reflect diagnostic and treatment problems, as well as the importance of multidisciplinary approach to the patients with liver trauma.