Prehospital Simple Thoracostomy Does Not Improve Patient Outcomes Compared to Needle Thoracostomy in Severely Injured Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: ATLS suggests simple thoracostomy (ST) after failure of needle thoracostomy (NT) in thoracic trauma. Some EMS agencies have adopted ST into their practice. We sought to describe our experience implementing ST in the prehospital setting, hypothesizing that prehospital ST would reduce failure rates and improve outcomes compared to NT. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of adult trauma patients who received prehospital ST or NT from 2017 to 2020. RESULTS: There were 48 patients with 64 procedures included. 83.7% were male and 65.8% injured by penetrating mechanism and of median (IQR) age of 31 (25-46) years. 28 (43.8%) procedures were NT and 36 (56.3%) were ST. Rates of improved patient response (P = .15), noted return of blood/air (P = .19), and return of spontaneous circulation (P = .62) did not differ. On-scene times were higher for ST (16.8 vs 11.5 minutes; P < .02). Overall mortality did not differ between ST and NT (68.2% vs 46.4%, respectively; P = .125). For patients that survived beyond the ED, procedure-related complication rates were 2 of 21 patients (9.5%) in ST and 1 of 12 (8.3%) in NT. In penetrating trauma, simple thoracostomy had longer on-scene time and total prehospital time. DISCUSSION: ST did not improve success rates of ROSC and was associated with prolonged prehospital times, especially in penetrating trauma patients. Given the benefit of "scoop and run" in urban penetrating trauma, consideration should be given to direct transport in lieu of ST. Use of ST in blunt trauma should be evaluated prospectively.

Enfoque terapéutico en el trauma penetrante de esófago cervical / Therapeutic Approach in the Penetrating Cervical Esophageal Trauma

Introducción: Las perforaciones del esófago cervical por traumas externos son lesiones raras asociadas con una morbilidad significativa. Los mecanismos primarios son los traumatismos penetrantes por heridas de bala, cerca del 80 por ciento de los casos, seguidas de las heridas con armas cortopunzantes en el 15 al 20 por ciento. Objetivo: Describir los criterios actuales sobre la conducta y enfoque terapéutico ante el trauma penetrante de esófago cervical. Métodos: Se realizó revisión descriptiva narrativa, de fuentes primarias y secundarias que abordaron el tema durante el primer semestre del año 2021. Los criterios de selección de los artículos a examinar fueron determinados, entre otros, por el objetivo de la actual revisión. Desarrollo: El estándar diagnóstico para estas lesiones, en ausencia de inestabilidad hemodinámica, se basó en estudios como el esofagograma, la endoscopia y la tomografía. La reparación primaria con o sin reforzamiento fue la opción más utilizada, aunque las condiciones locales y tipo de lesión en esófago cervical marcan en gran medida el proceder a realizar. Conclusiones: Las lesiones traumáticas del esófago cervical son raras pero muy mórbidas. El tratamiento depende de la ubicación de la perforación y cualquier lesión concurrente. La mayoría de los casos son susceptibles de reparación primaria con refuerzo de colgajo. Otros principios del tratamiento incluyen el drenaje adecuado alrededor de la reparación, la descompresión del esófago y el estómago (mediante sonda nasogástrica o sonda de gastrostomía) y nutrición enteral distal (yeyunostomía de alimentación). El cirujano ha de ser incisivo en los esfuerzos por descubrir la lesión de forma temprana y manejarla adecuadamente(AU)

Introduction: Cervical esophageal perforations for external trauma are rare injuries associated with a significant morbidity. The primary mechanisms are penetrating trauma for gunshot wounds, accounting for about 80 percent of cases, followed by sharp weapon injuries, accounting for 15 percent to 20 percent. Objective: To describe the current criteria on the behavior and therapeutic approach to cervical esophageal penetrating trauma. Methods: A descriptive narrative review was carried out of primary and secondary sources that addressed the subject during the first semester of the year 2021. The selection criteria of the articles to be examined were determined, among others, by the objective of the current review. Development: The standard diagnosis for these lesions, in the absence of hemodynamic instability, was based on studies such as esophagogram, endoscopy and tomography. Primary repair with or without reinforcement was the most commonly used option, although local conditions and type of lesion in cervical esophagus largely mark the procedure to be performed. Conclusions: Traumatic cervical esophageal injuries are rare but very morbid. Their treatment depends on the location of the perforation and any concurrent injury. Most cases are amenable to primary repair with flap reinforcement. Other principles of treatment include adequate drainage around the repair, decompression of the esophagus and stomach (by nasogastric tube or gastrostomy tube), as well as distal enteral nutrition (feeding jejunostomy). The surgeon must be incisive in efforts to discover the injury early and manage it appropriately(AU)

Sharp cardiac trauma through the sternum caused by an automatic nail gun: A case report.

Automatic nail gun injuries to the hand commonly occur with the use of these machines in construction. However, such injuries to the cardiothoracic area are atypical. Herein, we report a case of emergency surgery to remove a nail, which was accidentally shot through the sternum and reached the heart. A 24-year-old man was working in a narrow space at a construction site, where he tripped over the air hose of an automatic pneumatic nail gun. The trigger was accidentally pulled, while the machine was facing his direction, and a nail entered his sternum. The patient felt chest pain, walked to a nearby orthopedic clinic, and then was transferred to our hospital for treatment. On examination, the nail was completely embedded in the midline of the precordial chest. Chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) images showed a rod-shaped nail penetrating the sternum from the precordial region and reaching the anterior medi-astinum. The nail tip was located between the pulmonary artery and the aorta; it was touching the main trunk of the pulmonary artery. Emergency surgery was performed to remove the 45-mm-long nail (2 mm in diameter) on the same day, considering the possibility of massive bleeding and infection. An auxiliary circulatory system was not used, and intraoperative blood transfusion was not required. The patient was extubated on the same day. On post-operative day 7, CT confirmed that there were no issues of concern and no signs of infection. The patient was discharged on post-operative day 8 and returned home on foot. The patient was followed up for 6 months in the outpatient clinic, and there were no signs of infection or abnormal hemodynamics. This case demonstrates the need for careful assessment of nail gun injuries, which may initially appear insignificant.

Management of Renal Artery-Inferior Vena Cava Fistula Following Nephrectomy for Penetrating Trauma.

Background: Renal artery to inferior vena cava fistula is a rare event postnephrectomy. We report a case of an adult male in whom a renal artery to inferior vena cava fistula was detected on non-invasive studies following nephrectomy for penetrating trauma. Case Report: A fistula between the right renal artery and inferior vena cava was confirmed with diagnostic angiography. The fistula was successfully embolized using microcoils. Discussion: This case highlights the importance of exploring retroperitoneal hematomas secondary to penetrating trauma.

Delayed Tracheal Perforation Following Total Thyroidectomy.

Delayed tracheal rupture following total thyroidectomy (TT) is rare and represents a potential airway emergency. A 34-year-old female with Felty Syndrome underwent TT for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. On post-operative day 10, she presented with subcutaneous emphysema and an anterolateral tracheal perforation on CT scan. Urgent operative exploration revealed transmural tracheal necrosis and a 5 mm perforation. This was oversewn with non-absorbable suture and a strap muscle flap rotated over the defect to promote healing. Repeat direct laryngoscopy at 72 hours revealed healing tissue. Tracheal necrosis and perforation following TT constitutes a potential airway emergency and should be promptly explored and repaired. Laryngoscope, 132:17-19, 2022.

A 10-year study of penetrating head and neck injury by assault in the North East of England.

INTRODUCTION: Assaults inflicting penetrating head and neck trauma have potential for serious morbidity or mortality. This paper studies in-depth all cases treated at a level one trauma centre in the North East of England over 10 years. METHODS: All patients assaulted with sharp implements to the head and neck treated from 2010 to 2019 were identified using clinical codes. RESULTS: Retrospective data collection were as follows: 214 patients identified (189 male, 25 female). Average age was 31.5 years (range 3-80). The majority presented between 20:00 and 05:00. Knives were the commonest weapon. Fifty-two had scalp, 137 face and 69 neck injuries. Forty-eight percent had additional non-head and neck injuries. Eighty-six percent required admission, 16.6% to intensive care. Oral and maxillofacial and plastic surgeons provided most treatment. One hundred two required treatment under general and 96 local anaesthetic. Sixteen patients had significant vascular injury, 1 brachial plexus injury, 4 facial nerve injuries (of which 3 repaired) and one required parotid duct repair. Mean length of stay was 3.7 days. No mortality was recorded. Incidence significantly increased from 2010 to 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Head and neck penetrating injuries occur frequently, often with other injuries and mainly in young males. Incidence of significant vascular or nerve injury was low. This study provides important data for those planning trauma services.

The Self-Inflicted Multiple Organs Injury with Nail Gun.

We report the case of a patient with injuries to multiple organs as a result of attempted suicide with a nail gun. The patient shot 12 nails into his chest, causing damage to multiple organs, including the heart, lungs, and stomach. With timely emergency surgery, we successfully removed all the nails, and the patient was discharged from the hospital two weeks after surgery.

Five-Year Management of Vascular Injuries of the Extremities in the "Real-World" Setting in Northeastern Greece: The Role of Iatrogenic Traumas.

BACKGROUND: Vascular trauma comprises a diagnostic and surgical challenge. Aim of this study was to present the vascular traumas treated in our Tertiary Hospital during the last 5 years. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the surgical records of our vascular department and documented the site and type of vascular injuries of the extremities along with the concurrence of musculoskeletal injuries. The type and outcome of surgical interventions were also recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-eight cases of vascular trauma were recorded (39 in the upper and 19 in the lower extremities). Overall, iatrogenic traumas accounted for 41.3% of cases. The arterial injuries of the upper limb were blunt and penetrating in 27% and 67%, respectively. The most affected artery in the upper limb was the radial artery (37.8%), followed by the ulnar artery (27%) and the brachial artery (24.3%). Orthopedic injuries were recorded in 19% of patients. Management involved simple revascularization, bypass operations, patch arterioplasty and endovascular management in 48.7%, 33.3%, 5.1%, and 5.1%, respectively. The most affected site in the lower extremity was the common femoral artery (36.8%) followed by the popliteal artery (21%). Bone fractures were reported in 5 cases (26.3%). The surgical management involved bypass, simple revascularization, patch arterioplasty in 42.1%, 26.3%, and 21%, respectively. Endovascular management was performed in 10.5%. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable percentage of iatrogenic vascular injuries was recorded, affecting both the upper and lower limbs. Despite the trend toward centralization of vascular services, a basic service of vascular surgery should be available in most sites to ensure that patients with vascular injuries receive fast and appropriate care.

Iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm surgically repaired with combined bovine pericardial roll and autologous great saphenous vein grafts.

Iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm caused by invasive procedures is one of the common complications for endovascular interventions. We present a case of a young male with a complex iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm as a result of iatrogenic femoral artery puncture. The defective femoral artery was repaired with combined bovine pericardial tube and autologous great saphenous vein grafts. Computed tomography angiography showed the grafts were still patent one year after the surgery.

Risk Factors for Intraoperative Bladder Perforation at the Time of Midurethral Sling Placement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient-specific and perioperative factors that may be predictive of bladder perforation during midurethral sling placement. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of women who underwent a midurethral sling procedure at our institution between 2013 and 2017 was completed. All cases with bladder perforation were included. Patient demographics and perioperative factors were explored for associations with perforation. Bivariate analysis was used to compare baseline characteristics between those with and without perforation. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify predictors of perforation and associations between bladder perforation and postoperative sequelae. RESULTS: Four hundred and ten women had a urethral sling procedure at our institution between 2013 and 2017. Of these, 35 (9%) had evidence of bladder perforation on cystoscopy. This rate was higher for retropubic slings (15%) compared to transobturator slings (2%). Those with a perforation were younger (54 vs 61 years, P= .004) and had a lower average BMI (24.1 kg/m2 vs 26.3 kg/m2, P = .022). Other risk factors included lack of pre-existing apical prolapse (11% vs 4%, P = .012) and concomitant urethrolysis (27% vs 8%, P = .024). In multivariable analysis, age, BMI, and sling type were significantly associated with perforation. In univariate analysis, perforation was associated with postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (OR 2.3, P = .21) and urinary tract infection within 30 days of surgery (OR 2.2, P = .047). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative bladder perforation was associated with younger patient age and lower BMI. Additionally, bladder perforation is a risk factor for postoperative urinary tract infection and lower urinary tract symptoms.

Dose Assessment Following a 238Pu-contaminated Wound Case with Chelation and Excision.

The urinary excretion and wound retention data collected after a Pu-contaminated wound were analyzed using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) to obtain the posterior distribution of the intakes and doses. An empirical approach was used to model the effects of medical treatments (chelation and excision) on the reduction of doses. It was calculated that DTPA enhanced the urinary excretion, on average, by a factor of 17. The empirical analysis also allowed calculation of the efficacies of the medical treatments-excision and chelation averted approximately 76% and 5.5%, respectively, of the doses that would have been if there were no medical treatment. All bioassay data are provided in the appendix for independent analysis and to facilitate the compartmental modeling approaches being developed by the health physics community.

Development of a New Chelation Model: Bioassay Data Interpretation and Dose Assessment after Plutonium Intake via Wound and Treatment with DTPA.

The administration of chelation therapy to treat significant intakes of actinides, such as plutonium, affects the actinide's normal biokinetics. In particular, it enhances the actinide's rate of excretion, such that the standard biokinetic models cannot be applied directly to the chelation-affected bioassay data in order to estimate the intake and assess the radiation dose. The present study proposes a new chelation model that can be applied to the chelation-affected bioassay data after plutonium intake via wound and treatment with DTPA. In the proposed model, chelation is assumed to occur in the blood, liver, and parts of the skeleton. Ten datasets, consisting of measurements of C-DTPA, Pu, and Pu involving humans given radiolabeled DTPA and humans occupationally exposed to plutonium via wound and treated with chelation therapy, were used for model development. The combined dataset consisted of daily and cumulative excretion (urine and feces), wound counts, measurements of excised tissue, blood, and post-mortem tissue analyses of liver and skeleton. The combined data were simultaneously fit using the chelation model linked with a plutonium systemic model, which was linked to an ad hoc wound model. The proposed chelation model was used for dose assessment of the wound cases used in this study.

High-pressure injection injuries to the upper extremity and the review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: High-pressure injection injuries of the hand are rare severe injuries. This study aimed to present a retrospective analysis of current and possible prognostic factors, treatment modalities and evaluation criteria. METHODS: Ten patients who had high-pressure injection injury to their upper extremity between 2005-2018 were included in this study. All patients were evaluated for the compartment syndrome; if exists fasciotomy and wide debridement were performed. After the first debridement, the second debridement was considered within the first 24 hours. RESULTS: In this study, 10 patients (mean age: 30) were evaluated retrospectively. The injected materials were the animal vaccine, thinner, oil, diesel, water, plastic and paint. Preoperative and postoperative mean WBC levels were 14.73 K/µL and 9.62 K/µL, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative mean neutrophil levels were 11.4 K/µL and 6.49 K/µL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Early and serial debridement and compartment syndrome evaluation are required. Despite these cautions, amputation may occur. Material, injection force and the time elapsed are the main determinants in prognosis. Aggressive debridement is required in high-pressure injection injuries. However, the adequacy of debridement should be evaluated because it is mostly impossible to completely clean the tissue from diesel or thinner. According to the experience of 10 cases in our series, when clinical and macroscopic debridement adequacy was observed, a decrease in WBC and neutrophil levels was observed simultaneously. For this reason, WBC and neutrophil levels may be an indicator of the adequacy of debridement, although these injuries are very rare, larger series are needed for this interpretation.

Desgarro perineal con mucosa vaginal íntegra tras primera relación sexual / Perineal tear with intact vaginal mucosa after first sexual intercourse

RESUMEN Las lesiones del tracto genital femenino tras relaciones sexuales son un problema frecuente en las urgencias de ginecología, pero poco estudiado salvo su aspecto médico-legal. Su incidencia es desconocida ya que muchas mujeres no llegan a consultar por miedo o pudor. El reconocimiento precoz de estas lesiones y su correcto tratamiento puede evitar la parición de secuelas que acompañarán a nuestra paciente durante el resto de su vida. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 18 años con un desgarro perineal con mucosa vaginal íntegra tras su primera relación sexual.

ABSTRACT Injuries to the female genital tract after sexual intercourse are a frequent problem in gynecological emergencies, but little studied except for their medico-legal aspect. Its incidence is unknown since many women do not go to their specialist out of fear or embarrassment. Early recognition of these injuries and their correct treatment may prevent the appearance of sequelae that will accompany our patient for the rest of her life. We present the case of an 18-year-old patient with a perineal tear with intact vaginal mucosa after her first sexual intercourse.

Penetrating lung injury during Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum.

Life-threatening complications including cardiac perforation by the clamp or pectus bar during Nuss procedure have rarely been occurred. A rare case of lung entrapment between the pectus bar and chest wall after Nuss procedure was also reported. Thoracoscopy allows for direct visualization of the operative field, which prevents or promptly perceive these intrathoracic organ injuries. Recently, we encountered a case of penetrating lung injury during the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum. And we agree with Mennie et al. who concluded thoracoscopic vision during Nuss procedure reduces the risk of major complication. In addition, we would like to emphasize to keep in mind what to check for routines with thoracoscopy during Nuss procedure.

Current opinion in the assessment and management of ballistic trauma to the craniomaxillofacial region.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ballistic trauma represents a small proportion of injuries to the craniomaxillofacial (CMF) region, even in societies where the availability of firearms is more prevalent. The aim of this article is to review current opinion in the assessment and management of ballistic injuries sequentially from primary survey to definitive reconstruction. RECENT FINDINGS: For mandibular fractures because of ballistic trauma, load-bearing fixation remains the mainstay in the treatment. The use of load sharing fixation is rarely advised, even if the fracture pattern radiologically appears to fulfil the traditional indications for its use. Clinicians must be aware of specific situations in early internal fixation is contraindicated, particularly in those unstable patients requiring short damage control surgical procedures, avulsive soft and hard tissue defects and those injuries at increased risk of infection. SUMMARY: Staged surgery for complex injuries is increasingly becoming accepted, by which injuries are temporarily stabilized by means of maxillary--mandibular fixation (MMF) or an external fixation. Patients are subsequently repeat CT-scanned, and definitive internal fixation performed a few days later. Increased access to virtual surgical planning (VSP) and three-dimensional plates has revolutionized fracture reconstruction.