Repeat imaging increases detection of delayed pseudoaneurysms in patients with high-grade solid organ injury following abdominal trauma.

BACKGROUND: Nonoperative management of abdominal trauma can be complicated by the development of delayed pseudoaneurysms. Early intervention reduces the risk of rupture and decreases mortality. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of repeat computed tomography (CT) imaging in detecting delayed pseudoaneurysms in patients with abdominal solid organ injury. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study reviewing Montreal General Hospital registry between 2013 and 2019. Patients with The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade 3 or higher solid organ injury following abdominal trauma were identified. A chart review was completed, and demographics, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score (ISS) score, AAST injury grade, CT imaging reports, and interventions were collected. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression model were completed. RESULTS: We identified 195 patients with 214 solid organ injuries. The average age was 38.6 years; 28.2% were female, 90.3% had blunt trauma, and 9.7% had penetrating trauma. The average ISS score was 25.4 (SD 12.8) in patients without pseudoaneurysms and 19.5 (SD 8.6) in those who subsequently developed pseudoaneurysms. The initial management was nonoperative in 57.0% of the patients; 30.4% had initial angioembolization, and 12.6% went to the operating room. Of the cohort, 11.7% had pseudoaneurysms detected on repeat CT imaging within 72 h. Grade 3 represents the majority of the injuries at 68.0%. The majority of these patients underwent angioembolization. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with high-grade solid organ injury following abdominal trauma, repeat CT imaging within 72 h enabled the detection of delayed development of pseudoaneurysms in 11.7% of injuries. The majority of the patients were asymptomatic.

Predictors of clinical deterioration and intensive care unit admission in trauma patients transferred from northern Quebec to a level 1 trauma centre: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Trauma care in Nunavik, Quebec, is highly challenging. Geographic distances and delays in transport can translate into precarious patient transfers to tertiary trauma care centres. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of clinical deterioration during transport and eventual intensive care unit (ICU) admission for trauma patients transferred from Nunavik to a tertiary trauma care centre. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) trauma registry. All adult trauma patients transferred from Nunavik and admitted to the MGH from 2010 to 2019 were included. Main outcomes of interest were hemodynamic and neurologic deterioration during transport and ICU admission. RESULTS: In total, 704 patients were transferred from Nunavik and admitted to the MGH during the study period. The median age was 33 (interquartile range [IQR] 23-47) years and the median Injury Severity Score was 10 (IQR 5-17). On multiple regression analysis, transport time from site of injury to the MGH (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.06), thoracic injuries (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.03-2.99), and head and neck injuries (OR 3.76, 95% CI 2.10-6.76) predicted clinical deterioration during transfer. Injury Severity Score (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08), abnormal local Glasgow Coma Scale score (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.34-4.95), clinical deterioration during transfer (OR 4.22, 95% CI 1.99-8.93), traumatic brain injury (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.05-5.68), and transfusion requirement at the MGH (OR 4.63, 95% CI 2.35-9.09) were independent predictors of ICU admission. CONCLUSION: Our study identified several predictors of clinical deterioration during transfer and eventual ICU admission for trauma patients transferred from Nunavik. These factors could be used to refine triage criteria in Nunavik for more timely evacuation and higher level care during transport.

Surgical, trauma and telehealth capacity in Indigenous communities in Northern Quebec: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Delivering trauma and surgical care to Northern Quebec presents unique challenges owing to the region's remoteness, extreme weather and limited transport; the expansion of telehealth could help address these difficulties. We aimed to evaluate current surgical, trauma and telemedicine capacity in Nunavik, Quebec. METHODS: We used validated assessment tools, including the Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedures, Equipment and Supplies survey, the International Assessment of Capacity for Trauma index and the Maryland Health Care Commission Telemedicine Readiness tool to evaluate surgical, trauma and telemedicine capacity, respectively. We adapted these tools to the Northern Quebec context through discussions with local leadership. Data were collected in 2 regional hospitals - the Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre (UTHC) and the Inuulitsivik Health Centre (IHC) - and 12 Centres locaux de services communautaires (CLSCs; local community services centres) in 6 villages along the Hudson Bay coast and 6 villages along the Ungava Bay coast through iterative discussions with 4 chief nurses from each regional hospital and set of CLSCs; resources were confirmed through on-site evaluation by the respondents. We performed a descriptive analysis of the data. RESULTS: Surgical capacity was highest in the IHC (6.76) and lowest in the Ungava Bay CLSCs (5.52). Personnel (0%-0%) and procedures (13%-33%) were the least available resources. Trauma capacity was highest in the IHC (7.25) and lowest in the Hudson Bay CLSCs (5.58). Although equipment (90%-100%) and supplies (100%-100%) were readily available, personnel (0%-0%) and procedures (25%-56%) were lacking. The UTHC was most prepared for telehealth (67.80%), and the Ungava Bay CLSCs achieved a lower score (51.13%). Underdeveloped telehealth criteria included funding, administrative support, quality improvement and physical spaces (all 33%-67%). CONCLUSION: Acute care capacity in Nunavik appears heterogeneous, with readily available equipment and supplies, but a lack of personnel capable of performing lifesaving procedures. To address the need for telemedicine, future initiatives should focus on improving funding, administrative support, physical spaces and quality-improvement initiatives.

S116: Impact of incisional negative pressure wound therapy on surgical site infection after complex incisional hernia repair: a retrospective matched cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) may reduce surgical site infections (SSI), which can have devastating consequences after incisional hernia repair. Few comparative studies investigate the effectiveness of this wound management strategy in this population. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of iNPWT on the incidence of SSI after complex incisional hernia repair. METHODS: All adult patients undergoing open incisional hernia repair at a single center from 2016 to 2019 were reviewed. A commercial iNPWT dressing was used at the discretion of the surgeon. Patients were grouped by type of dressing; iNPWT and standard sterile dressings (SSD). Coarsened exact matching was used to create balanced cohorts for comparison using age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, wound classification, and surgical urgency. The primary outcome was the composite incidence of superficial and deep SSI within 30 days. Secondary outcomes included non-infectious surgical site occurrences (SSO), overall complications, length of stay (LOS), emergency department visits, and readmission at 30 days. RESULTS: 134 patients underwent complex hernia repair, with 114 patients included after matching (34 iNPWT, 51 SSD). Composite incidence of superficial and deep SSI was 19.3% (11.8% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.107), with significantly lower rates of deep SSI in patients receiving iNPWT (2.9% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.045). After accounting for residual differences between groups, iNPWT was associated with decreased incidence of composite SSI (RR 0.36, 95% CI [0.16, 0.87]). Median LOS was longer in patients with iNPWT (7 vs. 5 days, p = 0.001). There were no differences in SSO, overall complications, readmission, or emergency department visits. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing incisional hernia repair, the use of iNPWT was associated with a lower incidence of SSI at 30 days. Future studies should focus on cost effectiveness of iNPWT, its impact on long-term hernia recurrences, and the identification of patient selection criteria in this population.

Guidance for management of cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Summary: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, delaying lifesaving cancer surgeries must be done with extreme caution and thoughtfulness. Modelling indicates that delays in high-risk cancer surgeries beyond 6 weeks could affect long-term outcomes for thousands of Canadians. Consequently, it is possible that postponing cancer surgery without consideration of its implications could cost more lives than can be saved by diverting all surgical resources to COVID-19. This article provides general guidance on supporting curative surgical treatment where appropriate and with available resources.

Management of Open Abdomen After Trauma Laparotomy: A Comparative Analysis of Dynamic Fascial Traction and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems.

BACKGROUND: Management of the post-traumatic open abdomen (OA) using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) alone is associated with low rates of primary fascial closure. The abdominal reapproximation anchor (ABRA) system exerts dynamic medial fascial traction and may work synergistically with NPWT to facilitate primary fascial closure. METHODS: Patients with an OA following trauma laparotomy between 2009 and 2018 were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Patients treated with ABRA in conjunction with NPWT (ABRA) versus NPWT alone (NPWT) were compared in terms of primary fascial closure rate, number of surgeries to closure, tracheostomy duration, length of stay and incidence of entero-atmospheric fistula. Multivariable linear regression was performed to identify predictors of tracheostomy duration. RESULTS: We identified 48 patients [ABRA, 12 and NPWT, 36]. The ABRA group was significantly younger (25 vs. 37 years, p = 0.027) and included a lower proportion of males (58% vs. 89%, p = 0.032). Groups were similar with respect to the incidence of hollow viscus injury, injury severity score and abdominal abbreviated injury score. Compared to the NPWT group, the ABRA group had a significantly higher rate of primary fascial closure (100% vs. 28%, p < 0.001), fewer surgeries to abdominal closure (2 vs. 2.5, p = 0.023) and shorter duration of tracheostomy (15.5 vs. 36 days, p = 0.008). There were no differences in length of stay or incidence of entero-atmospheric fistula. On multivariable linear regression, ABRA placement was an independent predictor of shorter tracheostomy duration, after adjusting for covariates (ß = - 0.294, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: For the post-traumatic OA, ABRA coupled with NPWT achieves a higher rate of primary fascial closure compared to NPWT alone, while requiring fewer surgeries and a shorter duration of tracheostomy.

The Financial Burden of Road Traffic Injuries in Mozambique: A Hospital-Related Cost-of-Illness Study of Maputo Central Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are increasingly being recognized for their significant economic impact. Mozambique, like other low-income countries, suffers staggering rates of road traffic collisions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to estimate direct hospital costs of RTIs using a bottom-up, micro-costing approach in the Mozambican context. This study aims to calculate the direct, inpatient costs of RTIs in Mozambique and compare it to the financial capacity of the Mozambican public health care system. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-centre study. Charts of all patients with RTIs admitted to Maputo Central Hospital over a period of 2 months were reviewed. The costs were recorded and analysed based on direct costs, human resource costs, and overhead costs. Costs were calculated using a micro-costing approach. RESULTS: In total, 114 patients were admitted and treated for RTIs at Maputo Central Hospital during June-July 2015. On average, the hospital cost per patient was US$ 604.28 (IQR 1033.58). Of this, 44% was related to procedural costs, 23% to diagnostic imaging costs, 17% to length-of-stay costs, 9% to medication costs, and 7% to laboratory test costs. The average annual inpatient cost of RTIs in Mozambique was almost US$ 116 million (0.8% of GDP). CONCLUSION: The financial burden of RTIs in Mozambique represents approximately 40% of the annual public health care budget. These results help highlight the economic impact of trauma in Mozambique and the importance of an organized trauma system to reduce such costs.

Perioperative Mortality Rates as a Health Metric for Acute Abdominal Surgery in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Future Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 5 billion people do not have access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical and anesthesia care, with this number disproportionately affecting those from low-middle-income countries (LMICs). Perioperative mortality rates (POMRs) have been identified by the World Health Organization as a potential health metric to monitor quality of surgical care provided. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate published reports of POMR and suggest recommendations for its appropriate use as a health metric. METHODS: The protocol was registered a priori with PROSPERO. A peer-reviewed search strategy was developed adhering with the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant articles were identified through Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, CDSR, LILACS, PubMed, BIOSIS, Global Health, Africa-Wide Information, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Two independent reviewers performed a primary screening analysis based on titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text screen. Studies describing POMRs of adult emergency abdominal surgeries in LMICs were included. RESULTS: A total of 7787 articles were screened of which 7466 were excluded based on title and abstract. Three hundred and twenty-one articles entered full-text screen of which 70 articles met the inclusion criteria. Variables including timing of POMR reporting, intraoperative mortality, length of hospital stay, complication rates, and disease severity score were collected. Complication rates were reported in 83% of studies and postoperative stay in 46% of studies. 40% of papers did not report the specific timing of POMR collection. 7% of papers reported on intraoperative death. Additionally, 46% of papers used a POMR timing specific to the duration of their study. Vital signs were discussed in 24% of articles, with disease severity score only mentioned in 20% of studies. CONCLUSION: POMR is an important health metric for quantifications of quality of care of surgical systems. Further validation and standardization are necessary to effectively use this health metric.

Intermittent use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in penetrating gunshot wound of the lower extremity

Summary: The use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in penetrating injuries is an emerging adjunct in the civilian trauma surgeon's toolbox for the management of traumatic hemorrhagic shock. Furthermore, within the Canadian civilian context, little has been reported with regard to its use as an assisted damage-control measure in vascular reconstruction of the lower extremity. We report a case of penetrating gunshot injury of the lower extremity where the preoperative deployment of REBOA had a remarkable positive impact in the resuscitation phase and the intraoperative control of blood loss. A description of the procedure and the advantage gained from REBOA are discussed.

A Canadian strategy for surgical quality improvement

Summary: The Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) Board of Directors hosted a symposium to develop a Canadian strategy for surgical quality and safety at its mid-term meeting on Feb. 24, 2018. The following 6 principles outline the consensus of this symposium, which included diverse stakeholders and surgeon leaders across Canada: 1) a Canadian quality-improvement strategy for surgery is needed; 2) quality improvement requires continuous, active and intentional effort; 3) outcome measurement alone will not drive improvement; 4) increased focus on standardization and process improvement is necessary; 5) new, large electronic medical record systems pose challenges as well as benefits in Canadian hospitals; and 6) surgeons in remote and rural hospitals must be engaged using tailored approaches.

Biologic mesh for repair of ventral hernias in contaminated fields: long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend biologic prosthetics for ventral hernia repair (VHR) in contaminated fields, yet long-term and patient-reported data are limited. We aimed to determine the long-term rate of hernia recurrence, and other clinical and patient-reported outcomes following the use of porcine small intestine submucosa (PSIS) for VHR in a contaminated field. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing open VHR with PSIS mesh in a contaminated field from 2004 to 2014 were prospectively evaluated for hernia recurrence and other post-operative complications. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses identified predictors of hernia recurrence and surgical site infection. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using SF-36, Hernia-Related Quality-of-Life Survey (HerQLes) and Body Image Questionnaire instruments. RESULTS: Forty-six hernias were repaired in clean-contaminated [16 (35 %)], contaminated [11 (24 %)] and dirty [19 (41 %)] fields. Median follow-up was 47 months [interquartile range: 31-79] and all patients had greater than 12-month follow-up. Sixteen patients (35 %) were not re-examined. Incidence of surgical site events and surgical site infection were 43 % (n = 20) and 56 % (n = 25), respectively. American Society of Anesthesiologists score 3 or greater was an independent predictor of surgical site infection (odds ratio 5.34 [95 % confidence interval 1.01-41.80], p = 0.04). Hernia recurrence occurred in 61 % (n = 28) with a median time to diagnosis of 16 months [interquartile range 8-26]. After bridged repair, 16 of 18 patients (89 %) recurred, compared to 12 of 28 (43 %) when fascia was approximated (p < 0.01). Bridged repair was an independent predictor of recurrence (odds ratio 10.67 [95 % confidence interval 2.42-76.08], p < 0.01). Patients with recurrences had significantly worse scores on the SF-36 mental health component and self-perceived body image, whereas HerQLes scores were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Hernia recurrences and wound infections are high with the use of biologic PSIS mesh in contaminated surgical fields. Careful consideration is warranted using this approach.

Elimination of 24-hour continuous medical resident duty in Quebec.

SUMMARY: In 2012 Quebec limited continuous in-hospital duty to 16 consecutive hours for all residents regardless of postgraduate (PGY) level. The new restrictions in Quebec appeared to have a profound, negative effect on the quality of life of surgical residents at McGill University and a perceived detrimental effect on the delivery of surgical education and patient care. Here we discuss the results of a nationwide survey that we created and distributed to general surgery residents across Canada to capture and compare their perceptions of the changes to duty hour restrictions.

Predictors of mortality and morbidity for acute care surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: As the implementation of exclusive acute care surgery (ACS) services thrives, prognostication for mortality and morbidity will be important to complement clinical management of these diverse and complex patients. Our objective is to investigate prognostic risk factors from patient level characteristics and clinical presentation to predict outcomes including mortality, postoperative complications, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and prolonged duration of hospital stay. METHODS: Retrospective review of all emergency general surgery admissions over a 1-year period at a large teaching hospital was conducted. Factors collected included history of present illness, physical exam and laboratory parameters at presentation. Univariate analysis was performed to examine the relationship between each variable and our outcomes with chi-square for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon rank-sum statistic for continuous variables. Multivariate analysis was performed using backward stepwise logistic regression to evaluate for independent predictors. RESULTS: A total of 527 ACS admissions were identified with 8.1% requiring ICU stay and an overall crude mortality rate of 3.04%. Operative management was required in 258 patients with 22% having postoperative complications. Use of anti-coagulants, systolic blood pressure <90, hypothermia and leukopenia were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Leukopenia, smoking and tachycardia at presentation were also prognostic for the development of postoperative complications. For ICU admission, use of anti-coagulants, leukopenia, leukocytosis and tachypnea at presentation were all independent predictive factors. A prolonged length of stay was associated with increasing age, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, tachycardia and presence of complications on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Factors present at initial presentation can be used to predict morbidity and mortality in ACS patients.

A systematic review of the effects of resident duty hour restrictions in surgery: impact on resident wellness, training, and patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In 2003, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandated 80-hour resident duty limits. In 2011 the ACGME mandated 16-hour duty maximums for PGY1 (post graduate year) residents. The stated goals were to improve patient safety, resident well-being, and education. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the impact of resident duty hours (RDH) on clinical and educational outcomes in surgery. METHODS: A systematic review (1980-2013) was executed on CINAHL, Cochrane Database, Embase, Medline, and Scopus. Quality of articles was assessed using the GRADE guidelines. Sixteen-hour shifts and night float systems were analyzed separately. Articles that examined mortality data were combined in a random-effects meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of RDH on patient mortality. RESULTS: A total of 135 articles met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 42% (N = 57) were considered moderate-high quality. There was no overall improvement in patient outcomes as a result of RDH; however, some studies suggest increased complication rates in high-acuity patients. There was no improvement in education related to RDH restrictions, and performance on certification examinations has declined in some specialties. Survey studies revealed a perception of worsened education and patient safety. There were improvements in resident wellness after the 80-hour workweek, but there was little improvement or negative effects on wellness after 16-hour duty maximums were implemented. CONCLUSIONS: Recent RDH changes are not consistently associated with improvements in resident well-being, and have negative impacts on patient outcomes and performance on certification examinations. Greater flexibility to accommodate resident training needs is required. Further erosion of training time should be considered with great caution.

An innovative paradigm for surgical education programs in resource-limited settings.

The burden of surgical disease in low-income countries remains significant, in part owing to continued surgical workforce shortages. We describe a successful paradigm to expand Rwandan surgical capacity through the implementation of a surgical education partnership between the National University of Rwanda and the Centre for Global Surgery at the McGill University Health Centre. Key considerations for such a program are highlighted.

Vascular access complications associated with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in adult trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is gaining popularity worldwide for managing hypotensive trauma patients. Vascular access complications related to REBOA placement have been reported, with some cases resulting in permanent morbidity. We aim to capitalize on the increase in literature to further describe and estimate the incidence of REBOA-associated vascular access complications in adult trauma patients. METHODS: We searched Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and CINAHL for studies reporting vascular access complications of REBOA in adult trauma patients from inception to October 14, 2021. Studies reporting data from adult trauma patients who underwent REBOA insertion were eligible. Exclusion criteria included patients 15 years and younger, nontrauma patients, non-REBOA use, non-vascular access complications and patient duplication. Study data was abstracted using the PRISMA checklist and verified independently by three reviewers. Meta-analysis of proportions was performed using a random effects model with Freeman-Turkey double-arcsine transformation. Post hoc meta-regression by year of publication, sheath-size, and geographic region was also performed. The incidence of vascular access complications from REBOA insertion was the primary outcome of interest. Subgroup analysis was performed by degree of bias, sheath size, technique of vascular access, provider specialty, geographical region, and publication year. RESULTS: Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review and the meta-analysis, for a total of 675 trauma patients who underwent REBOA insertion. The incidence of vascular access complications was 8% (95% confidence interval, 5%-13%). In post hoc meta-regression adjusting for year of publication and geographic region, the use of a smaller (7-Fr) sheath was associated with a decreased incidence of vascular access complications (odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.99; p = 0.046; R 2 = 35%; I 2 = 48%). CONCLUSION: This study provides a benchmark for quality of care in terms of vascular access complications related to REBOA insertion in adult trauma patients. Smaller sheath size may be associated with a decrease in vascular access complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Level III.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical Use and Utility of Advanced Imaging in the Evaluation of Near-Hanging and Strangulation Injuries at a Canadian Level One Trauma Centre.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography (CT) of the neck is highly sensitive and may effectively rule-out cervical spine, cerebrovascular, and aerodigestive injuries after blunt and penetrating trauma. However, CT may be overutilized in the evaluation of hanging or strangulation injuries. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield of CT imaging among patients evaluated for hanging or strangulation mechanisms at a Canadian level-1 trauma center. METHODS: All adult patients evaluated for hanging or strangulation injuries over an eight-year period were reviewed. The primary outcome was the diagnostic yield of CT imaging for major aerodigestive, cervical spine, cerebrovascular, or neurological injuries. Multiple logistic regression were performed to determine predictive factors for the use of CT imaging and the identification of injury on imaging. RESULTS: Among 124 patients evaluated for hanging or strangulation injuries during the study period, 101 (80%) were evaluated with CT of the head or neck. A total of 26 injuries were identified in 21 patients (18 anoxic brain injuries, 4 aerodigestive, 3 cerebrovascular, and 1 of cervical spine injury). The overall diagnostic yield of neck CT for cervical injuries was 7.8%, 4.7% for laryngeal-tracheal injuries, 3.5% for carotid and vertebral artery injuries, and 1.1% for cervical spine injury. The diagnostic yield of CT head for anoxic brain injury was 22.8%. Factors predicting the use of CT imaging were abnormal physical exam findings (RR 1.7 95% CI [1.2, 2.3]) and transfer accepted by the trauma team leader (RR 1.3 95% CI [1.1, 1.5]). CONCLUSION: CT imaging is often used in the evaluation of patients presenting with hanging or strangulation mechanisms. Seven cerebrovascular, aerodigestive, or cervical spine injuries were identified on imaging during the study period, representing a diagnostic yield of 7%. No injuries were identified among patient with a normal GCS or physical exam. Factors predicting the use of CT imaging included transfer accepted by the trauma team leader and abnormal physical exam findings. The variable clinical presentation of near-hanging and strangulation injuries and the relatively low diagnostic yield of CT imaging should prompt the development of tools and institutional protocols to guide the evaluation of hanging and strangulation injuries.

Factors associated with bicycle helmet use and proper fit: a cross-sectional survey of Montreal cyclists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: With increased bicycle use during the COVID-19 pandemic and growing availability of bicycle-sharing programs in Montreal, we hypothesize helmet use has decreased. The aim of this study was to evaluate helmet use and proper fit among Montreal cyclists during the pandemic relative to historical data. METHODS: Nine observers collected data on bike type, gender, helmet use, and ethnicity using the iHelmet© app at 18 locations across the island of Montreal from June to September 2021. Proper helmet wear was assessed at one busy location. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with helmet wear and results were compared to a historical study. RESULTS: Of the 2200 cyclists observed, 1109 (50.4%) wore a helmet. Males (OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.65-0.95), young adults (OR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.51-0.84), visible minorities (OR = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.28-0.53), and bike-share users (OR = 0.21, 95%CI = 0.15-0.28) were less likely to be wearing a helmet, whereas children (OR = 3.92, 95%CI = 2.17-7.08) and cyclists using racing bicycles (OR = 3.84, 95%CI = 2.62-5.62) were more likely to be wearing a helmet. The majority (139/213; 65.3%) of assessed cyclists wore properly fitting helmets. Children had the lowest odds of having a properly fitted helmet (OR = 0.13, 95%CI = 0.04-0.41). Compared to 2011, helmet use during the pandemic increased significantly (1109/2200 (50.4%) vs. 2192/4789 (45.8%); p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Helmet use among Montreal cyclists was associated with age, gender, ethnicity, and type of bicycle. Children were least likely to have a properly fitted helmet. The recent increase in popularity of cycling and expansion of bicycle-sharing programs reinforce the need for bicycle helmet awareness initiatives, legislation, and funding prioritization.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Avec la popularité grandissante du vélo durant la pandémie COVID-19 et l'expansion du vélopartage à Montréal, nous croyons que le port du casque a diminué. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer l'utilisation du casque et le port adéquat parmi les cyclistes montréalais et de comparer nos résultats avec des données historiques. MéTHODE: Neuf observateurs, stationnés à 18 emplacements, ont recueilli les informations suivantes en utilisant l'application mobile iHelmet© : type de vélo, sexe, origine ethnique et port du casque. Le port adéquat du casque a été observé à un endroit. L'association de chaque variable avec le port et le port adéquat a été fait par régression multivariable et comparé à des données historiques. RéSULTATS: Des 2 200 cyclistes observés, 1 109 (50,4 %) portaient un casque. Les enfants (OR = 3,92, IC95% = 2,17­7,08) et les cyclistes de performance (OR = 3,84, IC95% = 2,62­5,62) portaient le casque plus fréquemment tandis que les hommes (OR = 0,78, IC95% = 0,65­0,95), les jeunes adultes (OR = 0,65, IC95% = 0,51­0,84), les minorités visibles (OR = 0,38, IC95% = 0,28­0,53), et les utilisateurs de vélopartage (OR = 0,21, IC95% = 0,15­0,28) le portaient moins. La majorité (139/213; 65,3 %) des casques étaient portés adéquatement. Les enfants étaient plus à risque de porter un casque mal ajusté (OR = 0,13, IC95% = 0,04­0,41). L'utilisation d'un casque chez les cyclistes montréalais a augmenté significativement depuis 2011 (1 109/2 200 (50,4 %) c. 2 192/4 789 (45,8 %); p = 0,032). CONCLUSION: Le port du casque à vélo à Montréal est associé à l'âge, le sexe, l'origine ethnique et le type de vélo. Les enfants sont plus à risque de mal porter un casque. Des stratégies de promotion ainsi que la législation peuvent favoriser des comportements sécuritaires à vélo.

Mesenteric angiography for acute gastrointestinal bleed: predictors of active extravasation and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Ongoing gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) following endoscopic therapy and deciding between mesenteric angiography and surgery often challenge surgeons. We sought to identify predictors of positive angiographic study (active contrast medium extravasation) and characterize outcomes of embolization for acute GIB. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed angiographies for GIB at 2 teaching hospitals from January 2005 to December 2008. The χ2, Wilcoxon rank sum and t tests determined significance. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Eighteen of 83 (22%) patients had active extravasation on initial angiography and 25 (30%) were embolized. Patients with active extravasation had more packed red blood cell (PRBC; 5.3 v. 2.8 units, p < 0.001) and fresh frozen plasma (4.8 v. 1.7 units, p = 0.005) transfusions 24 hours preangiography and were more likely to be hemodynamically unstable at the time of the procedure (67% v. 28%, p = 0.001) than patients without active extravasation. Each unit of PRBC transfused increased the risk of a positive study by 30% (hazard ratio [HR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-1.6 per unit). Embolization did not decrease recurrent bleeding (53% v. 52%) or length of stay in hospital (28.1 v. 27.5 d, p = 0.95), but was associated with a trend toward fewer emergency surgical interventions (13% v. 26%, p = 0.31) and greater 30-day mortality (33% v. 7%, p = 0.006) than nonembolization. Blind embolization was performed in 10 of 83 (12%) patients and was found to be an independent predictor of death in patients without active extravasation (HR 9.2, 95% CI 1.5-55.9). CONCLUSION: The number of PRBC units transfused correlates with greater likelihood of a positive study. There was a significant increase in mortality in patients who underwent angioembolization. Large prospective studies are needed to further characterize the indications for angiography and blind embolization.

Feasibility of intraoperative angioembolization for trauma patients using C-arm digital subtraction angiography.

PURPOSE: Hemodynamically unstable trauma patients who would benefit from angioembolization (AE) typically also require emergent surgery for their injuries. The critical decision of transferring a patient to the operating room versus the interventional radiology (IR) suite can be bypassed with the advent of intra-operative AE (IOAE). Previously limited by the availability of costly rooms termed RAPTOR (resuscitation with angiography, percutaneous techniques and open repair) suites, it has been suggested that using C-arm digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a comparable alternative. This case series aims to establish the feasibility and safety of IOAE. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all trauma patients at our level 1 trauma center who underwent IOAE with a concomitant surgical intervention from January 2011 to May 2019. Descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients (80% male, 44 ± 17 years, 92% blunt) underwent IOAE using the C-arm DSA during the study period. All but one patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, 56% of which underwent an additional surgical procedure (ex. exploratory thoracotomy, orthopedic). Either Gelfoam® (Pfizer, New York, USA) (90%), coils (2.0%), or a combination (8.2%) were used for embolization. Internal iliac embolization was performed in 88% of cases (59% bilateral). IOAE was successful in all but four cases (8.2%) and thirty-day mortality was 31%. CONCLUSION: IOAE appears to be a feasible and safe management option in severe trauma patients with the advantage of concurrent operative intervention and ongoing active resuscitation with good success in hemorrhage control.