Creation of Three-dimensional Anatomic Models in Pediatric Surgical Patients Using Cross-sectional Imaging: A Demonstration of Low-cost Methods and Applications.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric surgery patients often present with complex congenital anomalies or other conditions requiring deep understanding of their intricate anatomy. Commercial applications and services exist for the conversion of cross-sectional imaging data into three-dimensional (3D) models for education and preoperative planning. However, the associated costs and lack of familiarity may discourage their use in centers with limited resources. The purpose of this report is to present a low-cost, reproducible method for generating 3D images to visualize patient anatomy. METHODS: De-identified DICOM files were obtained from the hospital PACS system in preparation for assorted pediatric surgical procedures. Using open-source visualization software, variations in anatomic structures were examined using volume rendering and segmentation techniques. Images were further refined using available editing tools or artificial intelligence-assisted software extensions. RESULTS: Using the described techniques we were able to obtain excellent visualization of desired structures and associated anatomic variations. Once structures were selected and modeled in 3D (segmentation), they could be exported as one of several 3D object file formats. These could then be retained for 3D printing, visualization in virtual reality, or as an anatomic reference during the perioperative period. Models may also be imported into commercial gaming engines for rendering under optimal lighting conditions and with enhanced detail. CONCLUSION: Pediatric surgeons are frequently tasked with the treatment of patients with complex and rare anomalies. Visualization and preoperative planning can be assisted by advanced imaging software at minimal to no cost, thereby facilitating enhanced understanding of these conditions in resource-limited environments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V, Case Series, Description of Technique.

Utility of continuous pulse CO-oximetry for hemoglobin monitoring in pediatric patients with solid organ injuries at level 1 trauma centers: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Hemorrhage is a major cause of preventable death in injured children. Monitoring after admission often requires multiple blood draws, which have been shown to be stressful in pediatric patients. The Rainbow-7 device is a continuous pulse CO-oximeter that measures multiple wavelengths of light, permitting continuous estimation of the total hemoglobin (Hb) level. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of the noninvasive Hb measurement for monitoring pediatric trauma patients admitted with solid organ injury. METHODS: This is a prospective, dual-center, observational trial for patients younger than age 18 years admitted to a Level I pediatric trauma center. Following admission, blood was routinely measured as per current solid organ injury protocols. Noninvasive Hb monitoring was initiated after admission. Time-synced data for Hb levels were compared with that taken using blood draws. Data were evaluated using bivariate correlation, linear regression, and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Over a 1-year period, 39 patients were enrolled. The mean ± SD age was 11 ± 3.8 years. Forty-six percent (n = 18) of patients were male. The mean ± SD Injury Severity Score was 19 ± 13. The average change in Hb levels between laboratory measurements was -0.34 ± 0.95 g/dL, and the average change in noninvasive Hb was -0.12 ± 1.0 g/dL per measurement. Noninvasive Hb values were significantly correlated with laboratory measurements ( p < 0.001). Trends in laboratory Hb measurements were highly correlated with changes in noninvasive levels ( p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated similar deviation from the mean throughout the range of Hb values, but the differences between measurements were increased by anemia, African American race, and elevated shock index, pediatric age-adjusted score and Injury Severity Score. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive Hb values demonstrated correlation with measured Hb concentration as isolated measurements and trends, although results were affected by skin pigmentation, shock, and injury severity. Given the rapid availability of results and the lack of requirement of venipuncture, noninvasive Hb monitoring may be a valuable adjunct for pediatric solid organ injury protocols. Further study is required to determine its role in management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Dianostic Test or Criteria; Level III.

The Sinister Surgeon: Advanced Pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery for Left-Handed Surgeons.

Purpose: Left-handed (LH) surgeons face unique challenges in their training and practice. Contrary to the historical and unjust perception of technical inferiority, LH surgeons can thrive under appropriate mentorship and support. Here, we describe modifications to pediatric minimally invasive surgeries to benefit the LH surgeon. Methods: The surgical approaches to common and complex pediatric surgical operations were modified to facilitate training of an LH pediatric surgical fellow. Results: Preoperative preparation, including communication with the operating room team, patient positioning, and provision of appropriate equipment, allowed the procedures to be accomplished in a safe and efficient manner. Conclusions: Modifying complex minimally invasive surgery to allow for use of the dominant hand is feasible and safe.

Improving Billing and Collections in a High-Volume Pediatric Surgery Practice: Denials-Based Approach.

BACKGROUND: Despite minimal coding and billing training, surgeons are frequently tasked with both in clinical practice. This often results in denials for reimbursement based on incorrect or insufficient documentation, and reduced collections for work performed. We sought to evaluate how to correct these deficits while improving reimbursement for the most frequently rejected procedures at a high-volume academic center. STUDY DESIGN: Hospital billing data were analyzed for a 4-year period (2018 to 2021) to determine the CPT code denials with the largest overall cost. The denials were then stratified according to payor, reason for denial, and preventability. Assigned ICD-10 codes were categorized based on specificity as related to the procedure. The distribution of denials according to ICD-10 specificity was evaluated using the chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 8,833 denials representing $11,009,108 in billing were noted during the study period. The CPT code 44970 (laparoscopic appendectomy) was the code associated with the largest financial impact, representing 12.8% of the total denied amount ($1.41M). Of the 823 denials for CPT 44970, 93.3% were associated with nonspecific ICD-10 codes, whereas only 42.0% had been associated with procedure-specific ICD-10 codes. Of the patients with nonspecific codes, 80.7% of denials were due to criteria that could be remedied with supplemental information or timely filing, representing $1,059,968 in collections. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to systematically evaluate a pathway for using denial data to improve collections for work performed at a high-volume academic pediatric surgery practice. Using this methodology, targets for improvement in coding and/or documentation can be identified to improve the financial performance of a surgical department. This study also provides evidence that association with nonspecific diagnostic codes is correlated with initial denial of payment by insurance companies.

24-hour and 30-day perioperative mortality in pediatric surgery.

PURPOSE: The low perioperative mortality rate in pediatric surgery precludes effective analysis of mortality at individual institutions. Therefore, analysis of multi-institutional data is essential to determine any patterns of perioperative death in children. The aim of this study was to determine diagnoses associated with 24-hour and 30-day perioperative mortality. METHODS: A retrospective review of the 2012-2015 Pediatric Participant Use Data File (PUF) was performed. Statistical comparisons were made between survivors and nonsurvivors and between those with 24-hour and 30-day mortality using Fischer's exact tests. P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: 103,444 patients who underwent a pediatric surgical operation were evaluated. There were 732 deaths with a 30-day perioperative mortality of 0.7% (732/103,444). Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was the diagnosis associated with the highest 30-day perioperative mortality (175/901, 19%). A significantly higher proportion NEC deaths occurred in the first 24 hours (67% (118/175) vs 33% (57/175) 30 day mortality, p<0.001). Compared to patients who survived following operation for NEC, those who died were statistically more likely to require inotropic support (56% vs. 15%, p<0.001), be diagnosed with sepsis (52% vs. 22%, p < 0.001), and undergo blood transfusion within 48 hours of operation (49% vs. 34%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Although the overall pediatric surgical operative mortality rate is low, the largest proportion of perioperative deaths occur secondary to NEC. Based on the high immediate mortality, optimization of operative care for septic patients with NEC should be targeted. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognosis Study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Evaluation of toxicity after acute accidental methotrexate ingestions in children under 6 years old: a 16-year multi-center review.

CONTEXT: There is little data on the frequency of adverse events following acute methotrexate ingestions in pediatric patients. Likewise, recommendations for observation length, site and management strategies in this population are not well established. Therefore, most recommendations are modeled after management of chronic overdose in patients with underlying medical conditions. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study is to determine the frequency of acute toxicity after acute methotrexate accidental unsupervised ingestions in patients less than six years. In addition, we describe the frequency of late toxicity and characterize the management site and approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of pediatric accidental unsupervised methotrexate ingestions reported to six poison centers in the United States over a 16 year period. Demographic information, exposure details, signs, symptoms, treatments, length and location of observation and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: 103 patients met inclusion criteria. Methotrexate dose was reported in 86 patients (84%) and ranged from 1.3 mg-75 mg. The majority of cases (97%) ingested a dose ≤20 mg. The significant majority of cases experienced no clinical effects (99 of 103 cases; 96%). Three children experienced minor outcome (3%). There were no patients with a major outcome or death. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of toxicity from pediatric single, acute ingestions of methotrexate is rare and when it occurs is generally limited to no or only minimally concerning effects. Because concentrations from single ingestions were consistent with low subtoxic exposures, we believe that home monitoring without hospital referral and without methotrexate specific therapy is reasonable in those with acute ingestions up to 20 mg.

Trauma induced hypercoagulablity in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: Coagulation changes in pediatric trauma patients are not well defined. To fill this gap, we tested the hypothesis that trauma evokes a hypercoagulable response. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in hospitalized patients (age 8months to 14years) admitted for trauma or elective surgery. Informed consent was obtained from the parents and informed assent was obtained in patients 7years of age or older. Coagulation changes were evaluated on fresh whole blood using thromboelastography (TEG) and on stored plasma using assays for special clotting factors. RESULTS: Forty three patients (22 trauma, median injury severity score =9; and 21 uninjured controls) were evaluated. For trauma vs control, prothrombin time (PT) was higher by about 10% (p<0.001), but activated partial thromboplastin time was not altered. TEG clotting time (R;p=0.005) and fibrin cross-linking were markedly accelerated (K time, alpha angle; p<0.001) relative to the control patients. d-Dimer, Prothrombin Fragment 1+2, and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 were all elevated, whereas Protein S activity was reduced (all p<0.01). Importantly, a large fraction of TEG values and clotting factor assays in the pediatric control group were outside the published reference ranges for adults. CONCLUSION: A hypercoagulable state is associated with minor trauma in children. More work is needed to determine the functional significance of these changes and to establish normal pediatric reference ranges.

Pre-existing hypercoagulability in patients undergoing potentially curative cancer resection.

BACKGROUND: Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a new point-of-care test that allows a rapid and comprehensive evaluation of coagulation. We were among the first to show that ROTEM identifies baseline hypercoagulability in 40% of patients with intra-abdominal malignancies and that hypercoagulability persists for ≥1 month after resection. The purpose of this follow-up study was to confirm and extend these observations to a larger population in outpatient preoperative clinics. The hypothesis is that pre-existing hypercoagulability is present in patients undergoing surgery for malignant disease and that coagulation status varies by tumor type. METHODS: After informed consent, preoperative blood samples were drawn from patients undergoing exploratory laparotomies for intra-abdominal malignancies and analyzed with ROTEM. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were enrolled, including 72 with a confirmed pathologic diagnosis and 10 age-matched controls with benign disease. The most common cancers involved the pancreas (n = 23; 32%), esophagus (n = 19; 26%), liver (n = 12; 17%), stomach (n = 7; 10%), and bile ducts (n = 5; 7%). Preoperative hypercoagulability was detected in 31% (n = 22); these patients were more likely to have lymphovascular invasion (88% vs 50%; P = .011), perineural invasion (77% vs 36%; P = .007), and stage III/IV disease (80% vs 62%; P = .039). More patients with pancreatic tumors (9/23, 39%) were hypercoagulable than with esophageal (3/19, 16%) or liver (2/13, 15%, P = .034) tumors. When only resectable malignancies were considered, clot formation was more rapid (low clot formation time, high alpha) with enhanced maximum clot strength (high maximum clot firmness) in pancreatic versus esophageal or liver cancers and in all cancers versus those with benign disease. CONCLUSION: Preoperative hypercoagulability can be identified with ROTEM and is associated with lymphovascular/perineural invasion and advanced-staged disease in cancer. Compared with other tumor types, pancreatic adenocarcinomas have the greatest risk for hypercoagulability.

Use of CT enterography for the diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in pediatric patients.

Diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) represents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for any physician. While CT enterography (CTE) has been applied in adults with occult LGIB, its use in children has been limited to evaluation of Crohn's disease. We reviewed 6 patients ages 4-15 who underwent CTE for LGIB at a tertiary pediatric institution. In sum, CTE appears to be a valuable tool for localizing the source of LGIB prior to surgical or endoscopic intervention. However, rapid lesion identification must be weighed against the increased radiation exposure and patient discomfort due to bowel distention associated with this diagnostic technique.

Persistence of hypercoagulable state after resection of intra-abdominal malignancies.

BACKGROUND: The hypercoagulable state associated with cancer imparts considerable risk for venous thromboembolism. Surgical resection of malignancies should theoretically reverse tumor-induced hypercoagulability. However, coagulation changes in cancer patients postresection have not been described thoroughly. Conventional coagulation tests are unable to detect hypercoagulable states. In contrast, rotational thromboelastography (ROTEM) can detect hypo- or hypercoagulable conditions. We hypothesized that the cancer-induced hypercoagulable state would improve after surgical resection. METHODS: After informed consent, blood samples of patients undergoing surgical resection for curative intent were analyzed with serial ROTEM. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (mean ± SD age 66 ± 17 years; 67% male) had cancers involving the pancreas (n = 12 [34%]), esophagus (n = 10 [29%]), stomach (n = 7 [20%]), bile ducts (n = 3 [9%]), and duodenum (n = 3 [9%]). Preoperative ROTEM identified 14 (40%) who were hypercoagulable. After surgical resection, patients became progressively hypercoagulable with more rapid clot formation time (low clot formation time, high alpha) and higher maximum clot firmness. By week one, 86% (n = 30) had abnormal ROTEM values, including 17 of 21 (81%) who had normal coagulation profiles preoperatively. Most (n = 30 [86%]) remained hypercoagulable at 3 to 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Rotational thromboelastography identifies baseline hypercoagulability in more than one third of patients with intra-abdominal malignancies. This is among the first studies to demonstrate progressive hypercoagulability that persists for at least 1 month after resection. These data support postdischarge thromboprophylaxis regimens in high-risk cancer patients.

Military trauma training at civilian centers: a decade of advancements.

In the late 1990s, a Department of Defense subcommittee screened more than 100 civilian trauma centers according to the number of admissions, percentage of penetrating trauma, and institutional interest in relation to the specific training missions of each of the three service branches. By the end of 2001, the Army started a program at University of Miami/Ryder Trauma Center, the Navy began a similar program at University of Southern California/Los Angeles County Medical Center, and the Air Force initiated three Centers for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) at busy academic medical centers: R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland (C-STARS Baltimore), Saint Louis University (C-STARS St. Louis), and The University Hospital/University of Cincinnati (C-STARS Cincinnati). Each center focuses on three key areas, didactic training, state-of-the-art simulation and expeditionary equipment training, as well as actual clinical experience in the acute management of trauma patients. Each is integral to delivering lifesaving combat casualty care in theater. Initially, there were growing pains and the struggle to develop an effective curriculum in a short period. With the foresight of each trauma training center director and a dynamic exchange of information with civilian trauma leaders and frontline war fighters, there has been a continuous evolution and improvement of each center's curriculum. Now, it is clear that the longest military conflict in US history and the first of the 21st century has led to numerous innovations in cutting edge trauma training on a comprehensive array of topics. This report provides an overview of the decade-long evolutionary process in providing the highest-quality medical care for our injured heroes.

Effect of hetastarch bolus in trauma patients requiring emergency surgery.

UNLABELLED: If blood products are not available, current military guidelines recommend a hetastarch bolus (HEX, Hextend 6% hetastarch in lactated electrolyte buffer, www. hospira.com) for initial treatment of hypovolemic shock in the field. We previously reported that a HEX bolus plus standard of care (SOC = crystalloid plus blood products) was safe during initial resuscitation in 1714 trauma patients. This study tests the hypothesis that HEX+SOC is more effective than SOC alone for volume expansion in trauma patients requiring urgent operation. METHODS: From July 2009 to August 2010, the records from all adults who required emergency surgery within 4 hours of admission were screened for a retrospective cohort observational study. Burns, and those with primary neurosurgical or orthopedic indications, were excluded. The study population was comprised of 281 patients with blunt (n = 72) or penetrating (n = 209) trauma; 141 received SOC and 140 received SOC+HEX in the emergency room only (ER, n = 81) or the ER and operating room (OR, n = 59). Each case was reviewed with waiver of consent. RESULTS: After penetrating injury, with SOC, the injury severity score was 17 and mortality was 12%; the corresponding values in the HEX(ER) and HEX(OR) groups were 19?21 and 8%, but these apparent differences did not reach significance. However, in patients receiving HEX, initial heart rate was higher, base deficit was lower, and hematocrit was lower (consistent with relative hypovolemia), even though blood product requirements were reduced, and urine output was greater (all p < 0.05). These effects were absent in patients with blunt trauma. Platelet consumption was higher with HEX after either penetrating (p = 0.004) or blunt trauma (p = 0.045), but coagulation tests were unchanged. CONCLUSION: HEX is safe for initial resuscitation in young patients who required urgent operation after penetrating trauma, but there was no apparent effect after blunt trauma. A bolus of HEX reduced transfusion requirements without inducing coagulopathy or causing renal dysfunction, but a randomized controlled trial is necessary to eliminate the possibility of selection bias.

Insertion of central venous catheters induces a hypercoagulable state.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVCs) increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. We have previously demonstrated that pulmonary artery catheters are associated with a hypercoagulable state in an animal model and in patients. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the insertion of a CVC is associated with a similar response. ANIMAL: 7F femoral artery catheters were placed in healthy anesthetized swine (N = 16). Serial arterial blood samples were drawn immediately before and after an 8.5F jugular vein CVC and then for 3 hours after CVC removal. Samples were analyzed using kaolin-activated thromboelastography (TEG) at precisely 2 minutes. Human: An institutional review board-approved prospective observational trial was conducted, with informed consent, in patients with critical illness (N = 8) at a Level I trauma center. Blood was drawn from indwelling arterial catheters immediately before and 60 minutes after CVC insertion. Samples were stored in sodium citrate for 15 minutes before TEG. Routine and special coagulation tests were performed on stored samples in the hospital pathology laboratory. RESULTS: Insertion of a CVC decreased TEG clotting time (R) by 55% in swine and by 29% in humans (p < 0.001 and 0.019, respectively). Initial clot formation time (K) was reduced by 41% in swine and by 36% in humans (p = 0.003 and 0.019). Fibrin cross-linking (α) was accelerated by 28% in swine and by 17% in humans (p = 0.007 and 0.896), but overall clot strength (maximum amplitude) was not affected. There was no change in routine or special coagulation factors, including von Willebrand factor, antithrombin III, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, or activated partial thromboplastin time. In animals, the hypercoagulable TEG response was persistent for 3 hours after CVC removal and was prevented by pretreatment with enoxaparin (n = 4) but not heparin (n = 2). CONCLUSION: In healthy swine and patients with critical illness, a systemic hypercoagulable state occurred after CVC insertion, and this may partially account for an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. However, because the sample size was small and not powered to detect changes in coagulation proteins, no inferences can be made about the mechanism for the hypercoagulable response.

Segmental absence of intestinal musculature: an increasingly reported pathology.

BACKGROUND: Segmental absence of the intestinal musculature (SAIM) is a known but clinically rare entity involving partial or complete absence of the intestinal muscularis propria. Clinical presentation is consistent with peritonitis, and treatment involves an emergent laparotomy, bowel resection, and reanastamosis or possible ostomy creation. Diagnosis results from histopathologic evaluation of the resected intestinal specimen. Most of the publications are case reports. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all surgical pathology files at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2003 to 2010, identifying children who were noted to have absence of intestinal musculature on pathology. Patients meeting criteria were reviewed in detail, and data regarding clinical presentation, diagnostic testing, radiologic findings, treatment, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Five patients were identified between 2003 and 2010 who received the diagnosis of SAIM. Patient age ranged from 1 to 99 days of life. All children were born preterm by cesarean section, had a mean birth weight of 828 ± 338 g, and were intubated after birth. CONCLUSIONS: The 5 patients presented are reviewed and contrasted with previous cases presented in the literature. Theories of pathogenesis and classification are discussed, and the cases are labeled as primary versus secondary SAIM.

Operating room or angiography suite for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures?

BACKGROUND: Few patients require angiography and therapeutic embolization for bleeding pelvic fractures, but they are risk for significant morbidity and mortality. In hemodynamically unstable trauma patients with pelvic fractures, the decision to proceed to the operating room (OR) to address intraabdominal bleeding, or angiography to address pelvic bleeding (ANGIO), is rarely straightforward. This study tested the hypothesis that outcomes are similar regardless if the sequence was OR-ANGIO or ANGIO-OR. METHODS: All pelvic fractures between 1999 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed and stratified by initial management with ANGIO or OR. RESULTS: Of 2,922 patients with pelvic fractures, only 183 (6%) required angiography for suspected bleeding. For OR-ANGIO (n = 49) versus ANGIO (n = 134), injury severity score was similar (40 ± 15 vs. 35 ± 16), but systolic blood pressure (97 ± 28 vs. 108 ± 32 mmHg, p = 0.038) and base excess were both lower (-9 ± 5 vs. -5 ± 5 mEq/L, p < 0.001). During initial resuscitation and in the first 24 hours, crystalloid, blood product usage and total fluid requirements were all increased 50% to 100% (all p < 0.001). Despite these differences, lengths of stay (32 ± 32 vs. 26 ± 28 days) and mortality (33% vs. 31%) were similar. The same trends in fluid requirements remained in the subset of patients with unstable pelvic fractures, with an increased mortality (67% vs. 20%, p = 0.011) in those requiring ANGIO-OR versus OR-ANGIO. CONCLUSION: These data support current management algorithms. In hemodynamically unstable trauma patients with pelvic fractures, those who proceeded immediately to the OR to address intraabdominal bleeding tended to be sicker but had outcomes that were the same or better compared with those who received angiography to address pelvic bleeding. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective review.

Initial hematocrit in trauma: a paradigm shift?

BACKGROUND: After severe trauma and hemorrhage, it is generally assumed that the rate of fluid shift from the interstitial space into the vasculature is relatively slow and that initial hematocrit (Hct) does not reflect estimated blood loss. This study challenges that idea and tests the hypothesis that initial Hct correlates with signs of shock and hemorrhage in trauma patients. METHODS: Data were retrospectively reviewed from 198 trauma patients requiring emergency surgery at a Level I center from July 2009 to April 2010. Patients were divided into quartiles based on the initial Hct measured within 10 minutes of arrival. Categorical data were compared using χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Normally distributed data were compared using Student's t test or analysis of variance. Nonparametric data were compared with a Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test. Post hoc analysis was conducted using the Bonferroni correction or paired Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The study population was 83% male, aged 35 ± 1 years (mean ± SE), with 71% penetrating injuries. Lower initial Hct correlated with hypotension (p < 0.001), acidosis (p = 0.003), altered mental status (p < 0.001), Injury Severity Score (p < 0.001), Revised Trauma Score (p < 0.001), estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), and usage of packed red blood cells (p < 0.001), fresh frozen plasma (p = 0.003), crystalloid (p = 0.021), and vasopressors (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Admission Hct correlates with signs of shock and hemorrhage in trauma patients requiring emergency surgery because fluid shifts rapidly from the interstitial space into the vasculature. This finding of a rapid Hct change contradicts the current teaching in most trauma textbooks.

Portal venous gas and cardiopulmonary arrest during pneumatic reduction of an ileocolic intussusception.

We present the case of an 8-month-old infant with a small bowel obstruction secondary to an ileocolic intussusception without a pathologic lead point. During pneumatic reduction, the patient went into cardiopulmonary arrest, at which point portal venous gas (PVG) was visualized on radiography. Here we present-to our knowledge-the first reported case of PVG secondary to pneumatic reduction of an intussusception along with a review of the literature regarding known complications of pneumatic reduction and the etiologies of PVG.

Emergency department assessment and management of facial trauma from war-related injuries.

Facial trauma related to combat injury is of increasing prevalence and complex in nature when associated with the multiply injured trauma victim. Although rarely life-threatening, the treating physician must be aware of the presence of facial trauma and its associated injuries to seamlessly treat the combat casualty in accordance to the Advanced Trauma Life Support protocol while maintaining the armed forces' ultimate goals of returning "the greatest possible number of soldiers to combat and the preservation of life, limb and eyesight in those who must be evacuated." To this end, the treating physician must maintain a high index of suspicion for injury and have various maneuvers available to handle immediate threats to life, limb, or sight. This article will review the proper emergency department assessment and management of prevalent injuries associated with war-related facial trauma.

Predeployment mass casualty and clinical trauma training for US Army forward surgical teams.

Since the beginning of the program in 2002, 84 Forward Surgical Teams (FSTs) have rotated through the Army Trauma Training Center (ATTC) at the University of Miami/Ryder Trauma Center including all those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The purpose of this study was to provide the latest updates of our experience with FSTs at the ATTC. Before deployment, each FST participates in a 2-week training rotation at the ATTC. The rotation is divided into 3 phases. Phase 1 is to refresh FST knowledge regarding the initial evaluation and management of the trauma patient. Phase 2 is the clinical phase and is conducted entirely at the Ryder Trauma Center. The training rotation culminates in phase 3, the Capstone exercise. During the Capstone portion of their training, the entire 20-person FST remains at the Ryder Trauma Center and is primarily responsible for the evaluation and resuscitation of all patients arriving over a 24-hour period. Subject awareness concerning their role within the team improved from 71% to 95%, indicating that functioning as a team in the context of the mass casualty training exercise along with clinical codes was beneficial. The clinical component of the rotation was considered by 47% to be the most valuable aspect of the training. Our experience strongly suggests that a multimodality approach is beneficial for preparing a team of individuals with minimal combat (or trauma) experience for the rigors of medical care and triage on the battlefield. The data provided by participants rotating through the ATTC show that through clinical exposure and simulation over a 2-week period, FST performance is optimized by defining provider roles and improving communication. The mass casualty training exercise is a vital component of predeployment training that participants feel is valuable in preparing them for the challenges that lay ahead.