Effective use of the hybrid emergency Department system in the treatment of non-traumatic critical care diseases.

BACKGROUND: The hybrid emergency room (ER) system can provide resuscitation, computed tomography imaging, endovascular treatment, and emergency surgery, without transferring the patient. However, although several reports have demonstrated the effectiveness of the hybrid ER for trauma conditions, only a few case reports have demonstrated its usefulness for non-traumatic critical diseases. In this observational cohort study, we aimed to identify endogenous diseases that may benefit from treatment in the hybrid ER. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics of patients with non-traumatic conditions treated in a hybrid ER between August 2017 and July 2022 at our institution. Patients who underwent surgery, endoscopy, or interventional radiology (IR) in the hybrid ER were selected and pathophysiologically divided into a bleeding and non-bleeding group. The rate of shock or cardiac arrest, blood transfusion, and death within 24 h of admission or in-hospital death were compared among the groups using Fisher's exact test. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the relationships among in-hospital mortality, transfusion, and hemorrhagic conditions in patients who underwent endoscopy and IR. RESULTS: Among the 726 patients with non-traumatic conditions treated in a hybrid ER system, 50 (6.9%) experienced cardiac arrest at or before admission to the hybrid ER, 301 (41.5%) were in shock, 126 (17.4%) received blood transfusions, 42 (5.8%) died within 24 h of admission to the hybrid ER, and 141 (19.4%) died in the hospital. Emergency surgery was performed in 39 patients (7 in the bleeding group and 32 in the non-bleeding group). Significantly more blood transfusions were administered in the bleeding group (71.4% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.01); there were no significant differences in the rate of shock or cardiac arrest, death within 24 h, or in-hospital death between groups. Endoscopy was performed in 122 patients (80 in the bleeding group and 42 in the non-bleeding group). The bleeding group had a significantly higher rate of shock or cardiac arrest (87.5% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.008) and rate of blood transfusion (62.5% vs. 4.8%, P < 0.0001); there was no significant difference in death within 24 h and in-hospital death between groups. IR was performed in 100 patients (68 in the bleeding group and 32 in the non-bleeding group). Significantly more blood transfusions were administered in the hemorrhage group (67.7% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.0001); there was no difference in the rate of shock or cardiac arrest, death within 24 h, or in-hospital death between groups. Multivariable analysis in patients who underwent endoscopy showed a trend toward more in-hospital deaths in non-hemorrhagic conditions than in hemorrhagic conditions (odds ratio = 3.8, 95% confidence interval: 0.88-17, P = 0.073); however, no significant relationship with in-hospital death was observed for any of the adjusted variables. CONCLUSION: Among endogenous diseases treated in the hybrid ER, there is a possible association between in-hospital mortality and hemorrhagic conditions. Future studies are needed to focus on diseases to demonstrate the effectiveness of the hybrid ER.

Optimal tentative abdominal closure for open abdomen: a multicenter retrospective observational study (OPTITAC study).

BACKGROUND: Primary fascia closure is often difficult following an open abdomen (OA). While negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is recommended to enhance successful primary fascia closure, the optimal methods and degree of negative pressure remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate optimal methods of NPWT as a tentative abdominal closure for OA to achieve primary abdominal fascia closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective, cohort study of adults who survived OA greater than 48 h was conducted in 12 institutions between 2010 and 2022. The achievement of primary fascia closure and incidence of enteroatmospheric fistula were examined based on methods (homemade, superficial NPWT kit, or open-abdomen kit) or degrees of negative pressure (<50, 50-100, or >100 mmHg). A generalized estimating equation was used to adjust for age, BMI, comorbidities, etiology for laparotomy requiring OA, vital signs, transfusion, severity of critical illness, and institutional characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 279 included patients, 252 achieved primary fascia closure. A higher degree of negative pressure (>100 mmHg) was associated with fewer primary fascia closures than less than 50 mmHg [OR, 0.18 (95% CI: 0.50-0.69), P =0.012] and with more frequent enteroatmospheric fistula [OR, 13.83 (95% CI: 2.30-82.93)]. The methods of NPWT were not associated with successful primary fascia closure. However, the use of the open-abdomen kit was related to a lower incidence of enteroatmospheric fistula [OR, 0.02 (95% CI: 0.00-0.50)]. CONCLUSION: High negative pressure (>100 mmHg) should be avoided in NPWT during tentative abdominal closure for OA.

Hybrid emergency rooms reduce the requirement of blood transfusion in patients with severe trauma.

BACKGROUND: A hybrid emergency room (ER) is defined as an emergency unit with four functions-performing resuscitation, computed tomography (CT), surgery, and angiography. However, the safety and efficacy of performing CT in a hybrid ER are unclear in primary surveys. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the safety and clinical effects of hybrid ERs. METHODS: This retrospective observational study used data from the Shimane University Hospital Trauma Database from January 2016 to February 2019. Hospitalized patients with severe trauma and an injury severity score of ≥ 16 were divided into the non-hybrid ER group (n = 134) and the hybrid ER group (n = 145). The time from arrival to CT and interventions and the number of in-hospital survivors, preventable trauma deaths (PTD), and unexpected survivors (US) were assessed in both groups. Further, the amount of blood transfused was compared between the groups using propensity score matching. RESULTS: The time from arrival to CT and interventions was significantly reduced in the hybrid ER group compared to that in the non-hybrid ER group (25 vs. 6 min; p < 0.0001 and 101 vs. 41 min; p = 0.0007, respectively). There was no significant difference in the rate of in-hospital survivors (96.9% vs. 96.3%; p = 0.770), PTD (0% vs. 0%), and US (9.0 vs. 6.2%; p = 0.497) between the groups. The amount of blood transfused was significantly lower in the hybrid ER group than in the non-hybrid ER group (whole blood 14 vs. 8, p = 0.004; red blood cell 6 vs. 2, p = 0.012; fresh frozen plasma 9 vs. 6, p = 0.021). This difference was maintained after propensity score matching (whole blood 28 [10-54] vs. 6 [4-16.5], p = 0.015; RBC 8 [2.75-26.5] vs. 2 [0-8.5], p = 0.020, 18 [5.5-27] vs. 6 [3.5-7.5], p = 0.057). CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that trauma treatment in a hybrid ER is as safe as conventional treatment performed in a non-hybrid ER. Further, hybrid ERs, which can reduce the time for trauma surveys and treatment, do not require patient transfer and can reduce the amount of blood transfused during resuscitation.

Damage control surgery for spontaneous perforation of pyometra with septic shock: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although spontaneous perforation of pyometra is very rare, it sometimes causes severe peritonitis, leading to lethal conditions. Damage control surgery reportedly improves the survival of critically ill patients; however, there has been no report describing damage control surgery for ruptured pyometra. CASE PRESENTATION: An 83-year-old postmenopausal woman with generalized peritonitis and septic shock was admitted and underwent emergency laparotomy. Abbreviated surgery was carried out because of progressing septic shock, and planned reoperation was carried out 2 days after the initial surgery. Histopathological examination revealed the perforation of pyometra with no evidence of malignancy. The patient was discharged on the 32nd postoperative day in stable condition. CONCLUSION: We report a case of spontaneous perforation of pyometra with severe septic shock successfully treated by damage control surgery. Damage control surgery is a useful treatment option for hemodynamically unstable patients with diseases in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Delayed massive hemothorax due to diaphragm injury with rib fracture: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed massive hemothorax after blunt trauma is rare, although associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In most cases, the intercostal artery is the main bleeding source. We report a rare case of delayed massive hemothorax due to a diaphragm injury with a lower rib fractures. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 58-year-old man, transported to our hospital four hours after a 2-meter fall from a ladder, had left-sided fractures to ribs 11 and 12, thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures, and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. On admission, no left hemothorax was documented; however, 17 h post-injury he developed hypovolemic shock. Plain chest radiographs showed a massive left hemothorax with a mediastinal shift. Chest contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed extravasation of the contrast agent in the chest cavity. No intercostal arterial bleeding was evident on emergency angiography. A left anterolateral thoracotomy through the 6th intercostal space revealed rib fractures and active bleeding from the dorsal side of the left hemidiaphragm. Suture hemostasis was performed for the diaphragm injury and the disrupted ribs were repaired. DISCUSSION: Embolization of diaphragm-feeding arteries is not a simple or fast procedure. Clinically, predicting delayed hemothorax is challenging, and careful observation of trauma patients with lower rib fractures is needed. Thoracotomy should be considered for immediate hemostasis in patients with sudden shock, with complete hematoma drainage and repair of the disrupted rib. CONCLUSION: Diaphragmatic injury with lower rib fractures can result in delayed hemothorax, requiring thoracotomy.

Thoracoscopic Oesophagectomy Using Prone Positioning for Oesophageal Cancer With Right Aortic Arch: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Right aortic arch (RAA) is a rare abnormality of the aortic arch that forms a vascular ring. Oesophageal cancer (EC) accompanied with RAA is even rarer, and in such cases, it is very important to understand the anatomical structure in the upper mediastinum in order to perform a safe and curative operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 67-year-old man who presented with pharyngeal discomfort was admitted to our hospital. Further examinations revealed advanced thoracic EC accompanied with RAA and aortic diverticulum. RESULTS: After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we successfully and safely performed thoracoscopic oesophagectomy and lymphadenectomy using the prone positioning. CONCLUSION: There exist only a few reports of thoracoscopic oesophagectomy for EC with RAA. Sufficient preoperative preparation and sharing an adequate strategy for the surgical approach with the surgical team are definitely necessary. Although the thoracoscopic approach for EC with RAA is useful, more considerations are needed for some issues.

Damage control surgery for unstable thoracic wall injury.

Damage control surgery (DCS) consists of three steps: an abbreviated initial operation, resuscitation in the ICU, and a planned reoperation. Although DCS for lung and heart injury have been established, there is no concept of DCS for the chest wall. We experienced a successful case, in which a DCS of chest wall lifting procedure and internal pneumatic stabilization were performed on the flail chest accompanied by a remarkable destruction of chest wall. As a result, the patient's abnormal breathing improved. Surgical fixations using KANI plate were performed at a later date. We suggest that the chest wall lifting procedure may be suitable as a DCS for thoracic cage destruction from severe chest wall injury.

Mediastinal, retroperitoneal, and subcutaneous emphysema due to sigmoid colon penetration: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema usually result from spontaneous rupture of the alveolar wall. We present an extremely rare case of massive mediastinal, retroperitoneal, and subcutaneous emphysema due to the penetration of the colon into the mesentery. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 57-year-old man presented to our institution with a history of chest pain. The patient's medical history included malignant rheumatoid arthritis during the use of steroids and an immunosuppressive agent. The patient had no signs of peritoneal irritation or abdominal pain. A chest radiography revealed subcutaneous emphysema of the neck, mediastinal emphysema, as well as subdiaphragmatic free air. Computed tomography showed extensive retroperitoneal, mediastinal, and mesenteric emphysema of the sigmoid colon without pneumothorax. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed and revealed perforation into the sigmoid mesentery. Segmental resection of the sigmoid colon and end-colostomy were performed. The diverticulum was communicating with the outside of the mesentery via the mesentery. The mediastinal emphysema disappeared a few days after the surgery. DISCUSSION: Colonic perforation generally results in free perforation. Colonic gas may spread via various anatomical pathways when perforation of the colon occurs in the retroperitoneum; thus, diverse atypical clinical symptoms may be present. Signs of peritoneal irritation can be hidden in cases of retroperitoneal colonic perforation. The atypical manifestation of a retroperitoneal colonic perforation can cause difficulties in making a diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Massive mediastinal and retroperitoneum emphysema are rare signs of colonic perforation. Emergency laparotomy should be considered in colonic penetration of the diverticulitis where the emphysema expands to the mediastinum extensively.

First establishment of a new table-rotated-type hybrid emergency room system.

The hybrid emergency room (hybrid ER) system was first established in 2011 in Japan. It is defined as an integrated system including an ER, emergency computed tomography (CT) and interventional radiology (IVR) rooms, and operating rooms. Severe trauma patients can undergo emergency CT examinations and therapies (surgeries) without being transferred. The hybrid ER system is attracting attention because trauma resuscitation using this system has been reported to potentially improve the mortality rate in severe trauma patients. In August 2017, we established a new table-rotated-type hybrid ER to facilitate surgical functions. Herein, we introduce a new table-rotated-type hybrid ER consisting of an IVR-CT-operating room system and discuss its efficiency and feasibility for trauma resuscitation, including surgery and IVR. This system includes four new concepts: (1) to secure a wide working space during trauma resuscitation by reconsidering the arrangement of the C-arm, (2) ensure an air-conditioned operating room in the hybrid ER, (3) adopt an operating table but not interventional radiology table, and (4) prepare a trauma bay with three additional beds for multiple victims. This hybrid ER system also adopted the rotated-type table to secure a wide working space during the resuscitation phase. The C-arm was located away from the patients and placed on the wall opposite to the CT gantry, in contrast to that in previous systems. If patients needed an emergency IVR, the table was just rotated, and the IVR could be conducted immediately. This improvement can secure a wide working space in the hybrid ER. Moreover, the patient table was also a surgical operating table, and the hybrid ER system had an air-conditioned operating room (class 10,000). In the anticipation of many trauma patients being transported to the ER, a new trauma bay with three additional beds next to the hybrid ER was established, which also had an air-conditioned operating room. This new rotated-type hybrid ER system facilitates efficient surgical functions during trauma resuscitation and can secure a wide working space for the medical team to immediately perform resuscitative procedures and IVRs without delay.

Short-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Advanced Gastric Cancer.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Between April 2003 and March 2014, LDG was performed for 392 patients, 91 patients (23.2%) had histopathologically diagnosed AGC beyond T2 depth. The clinicopathological features, postoperative outcomes, mortality, morbidity, recurrence rate, and survivals of those patients were reviewed. The TNM stages of the tumor were IB in 26 patients (28.5%), IIA in 20 (21.9%), IIB in 18 (19.7%), IIIA in 13 (14.2%), IIIB in 6 (6.5%), IIIC in 6 (6.5%), and IV in 2 (2.1%). Major morbidity occurred in 14 patients (15.3%), with no postoperative mortality. Median follow-up was 24.5 months; 10 patients developed recurrence during the follow-up period, and 10 patients died, including 6 cancer deaths. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 76.8% and 72.6%, respectively. By stage, OS/DFS was 92.3%/91.8% in stage IB, 85.4%/85.4% in stage II, and 49.3%/26.9% in stage III. Oncologic outcomes were good in patients with AGC, especially with stage IB-IIB, who underwent LDG. LDG appears to be an effective approach for treating stage IB and II gastric cancer.

Three-dimensional CT for preoperative detection of the left gastric artery and left gastric vein in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated 3-D CT imaging for preoperative classification of the left gastric artery and vein in patients with early gastric cancer and estimated its clinical benefit. METHODS: Between April 2009 and March 2014, 279 patients underwent preoperative 3-D CT using a 64-row multi-detector CT scanner, followed by laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy. The 3-D CT images of the arterial and portal phases were reconstructed and fused. The operative outcomes were compared between patients who had not undergone 3-D CT (2007-2008) and who had undergone 3-D CT (2009-2011). RESULTS: According to Adachi's classification, the numbers of type I, II, III, IV, V, and VI arterial patterns were 253, 15, 1, 3, 3, and 1, respectively. Three cases could not be classified. According to the Douglass classification, the left gastric vein flowed into the portal vein, splenic vein, junction of the portal vein and splenic vein, and left branch of the portal vein in 119, 111, 36, and 5 patients, respectively. The left gastric vein could not be visualized in six patients, and two patients could not be classified. In addition, the relation was absent for an Adachi type I vein and one of the "other" types of veins. The total operative time was significantly shorter with 3-D CT than without it (P = 0.01), and the degree of lymph-node dissection was significantly higher (P = 0.01). Inflammatory parameters and operative morbidity tended to decrease with 3-D CT. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional CT is a useful modality to visualize the vessel anatomy around the stomach, and it improves clinical effectiveness and reduces the invasiveness of surgery.

[A Case of Complete Pathological Response in a Patient with Locally Advanced Sigmoid Colon Cancer after FOLFOX IRI Chemotherapy].

A 61-year-old man with advanced sigmoid colon cancer was admitted to our hospital. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed locally advanced sigmoid colon cancer, with suspected invasion of the bladder and small intestine. The clinical stage of the disease was T4b, N1, M0, and Stage III a, with wild-type KRAS expression. A transverse colostomy was performed because of the presence of a bowel obstruction. The patient received 4 courses of Leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (FOLFOXIRI). The size of the tumor and lymph nodes decreased noticeably after chemotherapy and laparoscopic high anterior resection with lymph node dissection. During this phase, the pathological stage of the disease was ypT0, N0, and Stage 0(no viable carcinoma cells, Grade 3). This result suggested that preoperative FOLFOXIRI chemotherapy is a useful regimen for the treatment of locally advanced colon cancer.

[A case of gastric cancer in which grade 2 treatment effects were obtained with preoperative two-week S-1 administration].

In our hospital, a clinical trial on the effects of preoperative 2-week S-1 administration for advanced gastric cancer is being conducted. A7 5-year-old man presented to our hospital with a type 2 tumor(poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma)in the pyloric antrum. Subpyloric lymph node enlargement and a c-T2(MP), N1, M0, Stage II A tumor (according to the gastric cancer handling agreement, 14th edition)were diagnosed, and S-1(100mg/day)was subsequently administered for 14 days. On day 15, we performed laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy, with D2 dissection. Analysis of the resected specimen, ie the primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes, confirmed the effect of the treatment as Grade 2, and revealed a type 2 gastric cancer of 30×20mm in size; this tumor was downstaged to yp-T1b(SM), N1, Stage I B. No adverse events associated with perioperative S-1 were observed, and the postoperative course was good. At the latest follow-up(6 years after treatment), no recurrence was observed.