Factor tiempo en la atención inicial del paciente politraumatizado / Factor time in the initial attention of the poly-traumatized patient

RESUMEN Introducción: el politraumatismo por si solo constituye uno de los problemas más grandes de la sociedad moderna. Las lesiones traumáticas en Cuba aparecen en el quinto lugar entre las causas globales de muerte para todas las edades. Objetivo: determinar cómo incidió el factor tiempo en la organización de las acciones para la atención de urgencia al paciente politraumatizado. Materiales y método: se realizó un estudio observacional, conformado por 183 pacientes politraumatizados, atendidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Emergentes del Hospital Provincial". José R. López Tabrane " de Matanzas, durante el año 2014. Las variables a considerar fueron: edad, sexo, tiempo en que recibieron las primeras acciones, tiempo de llegada al Hospital, factores asociados que influyeron en la aparición de injuria secundaria. Se utilizó la técnica estadística de análisis de distribución de frecuencias. Resultados: el mayor porcentaje de los pacientes (82,6 %) acudieron 4-6 h después de sufrido el traumatismo. Aparecieron factores como la hipotensión, la hipoxia (66,1 y 50,2 %) respectivamente, que tuvieron lesiones asociadas y fueron valoradas en la primera hora del traumatismo. Conclusiones: el trauma severo es una de las entidades prevenibles que más vida cobra en la sociedad. El sexo masculino y edades más productivas de la vida fueron los que más morbimortalidad presentaron. El hecho de que la mayor cantidad de estos pacientes arribaron al Hospital después de la hora dorada, propició un mayor número de complicaciones por el no control a tiempo de los elementos que forman la injuria secundaria (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: polytrauma, by itself, is one of the biggest problems of the modern society. Trauma lesions in Cuba are in the fifth place among the death global causes for all age groups. Objective: to determine how time factor had an impact in the actions organization for the emergency care to polytrauma patient. Materials and method: an observational study was performed in 183 poly-trauma patients who attended the Intensive Care Unit of the Provincial Hospital "Jose Ramón López Tabrane" of Matanzas during 2014. The considered variables were: age; sex; time of receiving the first actions; time of arrival to the hospital; associated factors influencing in the appearance of secondary injury. The authors used the statistic technique of analysis of frequency distribution. Results: the highest percent of patients (82.6 %) assisted the consultation 4-6 hours after suffering the trauma. There were found factors like hypotension and hypoxia (66.1 and 50.2 % respectively that had associated lesions and were assessed in the first hour of the trauma. Conclusions: acute trauma is one of the preventable entities taking more lives in the society. Male sex predominated and the more productive ages of life were the ones presenting more morbid-mortality. The fact that the biggest quantity of these patients arrived to the hospital after the golden hour favored a higher number of complications due to the untimely control of the elements forming the secondary injury (AU).

Perfil epidemiológico de crianças de 0-18 anos vítimas de queimaduras atendidas no Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica e Queimados de um Hospital Universitário no Sul do Brasil / Epidemiological profile of 0­18-year-old child victims of burns treated at the Plastic Surgery and Burns Service of a University Hospital in Southern Brazil

Introdução: Lesões geradas por queimaduras representam um importante problema de saúde pública, constituindo a quarta causa de morte na infância no Brasil e Estados Unidos. Além disso, poucas são as doenças que trazem prejuízos tão importantes, com considerável morbidade pelo desenvolvimento de sequelas físicas e psicossociais. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo é traçar o perfil epidemiológico de crianças de 0-18 anos atendidas em um hospital escola de Curitiba, Paraná. Métodos: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo realizado através da análise de 625 prontuários de internação de crianças de 0-18 anos vítimas de queimaduras, entre janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2017. Foram coletadas informações sobre idade, sexo, tempo de internação, óbito, região corporal atingida, extensão da superfície corporal, grau de profundidade, agente etiológico e abordagem terapêutica. Resultados: A maior parte da amostra era composta por lactentes (43%), com média de idade de 12,6 anos. O sexo mais afetado foi o masculino e os pacientes permaneceram cerca de 14,5 dias internados. No estudo, 98% das queimaduras apresentaram como etiologia o agente térmico, principalmente por líquido quente. Em relação ao grau de profundidade, a maioria das queimaduras foram de 2º grau (61,3%), atingindo até 25% de superfície corporal queimada (SCQ), sendo o tronco o mais afetado. Dentre as modalidades de tratamento, 44% dos pacientes necessitaram de intervenção cirúrgica com debridamento e enxertia. Conclusão: Crianças mais novas são mais propensas a sofrerem queimaduras principalmente no ambiente domiciliar e, além disso, uma equipe preparada e capacitada é de crucial importância no prognóstico destes doentes.

Introduction: Injuries caused by burns represent a significant public health problem, constituting the fourth leading cause of childhood death in Brazil and the United States. In addition, few diseases carry such substantial losses as burns, with considerable morbidity due to the development of physical and psychosocial sequelae. This study aimed to outline the epidemiological profile of 0­18-year-old children treated for burns at a teaching hospital in Curitiba, Paraná. Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective study involved analysis of 625 medical records of 0­18-year-old children who were victims of burns from January 2010 to December 2017. Information was collected on age, sex, length of hospitalization, death, body region affected, burned body surface area (BSA), depth, etiologic agent, and therapeutic approach. Results: A plurality of the sample were infants (43%), and the average age of the sample was 12.6 years. Most of the sample was comprised males, and the patients remained hospitalized for an average of 14.5 days. Of the burns, 98% were caused by thermal agents, particularly hot liquids. Most burns were second-degree burns (61.3%), reaching up to 25% of the BSA, and the most affected region was the trunk. Among the treatment modalities, 44% of the patients needed surgical intervention with debridement and grafting. Conclusion: Younger children are more prone to burns, especially in the home environment. A prepared and qualified team is of crucial importance for optimizing outcomes in these patients.

Tracheobronchial injuries in chest trauma: a 17-year experience / Lesões traqueobrônquicas no trauma torácico: experiência de 17 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: to discuss the clinical and therapeutic aspects of tracheobronchial lesions in victims of thoracic trauma. Methods: we analyzed the medical records of patients with tracheobronchial lesions treated at the São Paulo Holy Home from April 1991 to June 2008. We established patients' severity through physiological (RTS) and anatomical trauma indices (ISS, PTTI). We used TRISS (Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score) to evaluate the probability of survival. Results: nine patients had tracheobronchial lesions, all males, aged between 17 and 38 years. The mean values ​​of the trauma indices were: RTS - 6.8; ISS - 38; PTTI - 20.0; and TRISS - 0.78. Regarding the clinical picture, six patients displayed only emphysema of the thoracic wall or the mediastinum and three presented with hemodynamic or respiratory instability. The time interval from patient admission to diagnosis ranged from one hour to three days. Cervicotomy was performed in two patients and thoracotomy, in seven (77.7%), being bilateral in one case. Length of hospitalization ranged from nine to 60 days, mean of 21. Complications appeared in four patients (44%) and mortality was nil. Conclusion: tracheobronchial tree trauma is rare, it can evolve with few symptoms, which makes immediate diagnosis difficult, and presents a high rate of complications, although with low mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: discutir os aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos de lesões traqueobrônquicas em vítimas de trauma torácico. Métodos: análise de dados dos prontuários de pacientes com lesões traqueobrônquicas atendidas na Santa Casa de São Paulo no período de abril de 1991 a junho de 2008. A caracterização da gravidade dos doentes foi feita por meio de índices de trauma fisiológico (RTS) e anatômicos (ISS, PTTI). O TRISS (Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score) foi utilizado para avaliar a probabilidade de sobrevida. Resultados: nove doentes tinham lesões traqueobrônquicas, todos do sexo masculino, com idades entre 17 e 38 anos. Os valores médios dos índices de trauma foram: RTS- 6,8; ISS- 38; PTTI-20,0; TRISS-0,78. Com relação ao quadro clínico, seis apresentaram apenas enfisema de parede torácica ou do mediastino e três doentes se apresentaram com instabilidade hemodinâmica ou respiratória. O intervalo de tempo necessário para se firmar o diagnóstico, desde a admissão do doente, variou de uma hora a três dias. Cervicotomia foi realizada em dois pacientes e toracotomia foi realizada em sete (77,7%), sendo bilateral em um caso. O tempo de internação variou de nove a 60 dias, média de 21 dias. Complicações apareceram em quatro pacientes (44%) e a mortalidade foi nula. Conclusão: o trauma da árvore traqueobrônquica é raro, pode evoluir com poucos sintomas, o que dificulta o diagnóstico imediato, e apresenta alto índice de complicações embora com baixa mortalidade.

Thoracic damage control surgery / Cirurgia de controle de danos torácico

ABSTRACT The damage control surgery came up with the philosophy of applying essential maneuvers to control bleeding and abdominal contamination in trauma patients who are within the limits of their physiological reserves. This concept was extended to thoracic injuries, where relatively simple maneuvers can shorten operative time of in extremis patients. This article aims to revise the various damage control techniques in thoracic organs that must be known to the surgeon engaged in emergency care.

RESUMO A cirurgia de controle de danos surgiu com a filosofia de se aplicar manobras essenciais para controle de sangramento e contaminação abdominal, em doentes traumatizados, nos limites de suas reservas fisiológicas. Este conceito se estendeu para as lesões torácicas, onde manobras relativamente simples, podem abreviar o tempo operatório de doentes in extremis. Este artigo tem como objetivo, revisar as diversas técnicas de controle de dano em órgãos torácicos, que devem ser de conhecimento do cirurgião que atua na emergência.

La cirugía de control de daños como paradigma de actuación para la actividad quirúrgica en los lesionados severos / Damage Control Surgery as an Intervention Paradigm for Surgical Activity in the Severely Injured

El presente trabajo recopila las publicaciones que con respecto al desarrollo de la técnica denominada Cirugía de Control de Daños han sido publicadas en la Base de Datos Academic Search Premier utilizando los beneficios de la Plataforma de Servicios de Información EBSCO. El abordaje de esta temática resulta pertinente en los momentos actuales en el contexto de la práctica quirúrgica en escenarios de acciones combativas en Medio Oriente y África a propósito de los conflictos bélicos regionales que ahí se desarrollan. En el contenido del trabajo se señalan las experiencias reportadas en la cirugía ortopédica, cirugía abdominal con especial referencia a las lesiones hepáticas, cirugía del tórax, cirugía vascular intra abdominal, así como algunas peculiaridades de empleo en otras contingencias condicionadas por el empleo cada vez más frecuente de esta modalidad de intervención quirúrgica, la cual se extiende en los momentos actuales a otros campos no relacionados con el trauma, tal como la cirugía del páncreas. Por último, se reportan las consideraciones acerca del empleo rutinario de esta técnica habida cuenta del desarrollo tecnológico de la determinación de parámetros clínicos y humorales disponibles actualmente(AU)

This paper compiles the papers that have been published in the Academic Search Premier Database using the benefits of EBSCO Information Services Platform. The approach of this topic is pertinent in the current moments of the context of the surgical practice in scenarios of combat actions in Middle East and Africa in relation to the regional warlike conflicts occuring there. This paper points out the experiences reported in orthopedic surgery, abdominal surgery with special reference to hepatic lesions, thoracic surgery, intra-abdominal vascular surgery, as well as some peculiarities its use in other contingencies conditioned by the increasingly frequent use of this modality of surgical intervention, which extends at present to other fields not related to trauma, such as pancreatic surgery. Finally, we report the considerations on the routine use of this technique taking into account the technological development in the decision of clinical and humoral parameters currently available(AU)

Epidemiological analysis of polytrauma patients with kidney injuries in a university hospital / Análise epidemiológica de politraumatizados com lesões renais em um hospital universitário

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of trauma patients with renal lesions treated at a university hospital in Curitiba. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study guided by review of medical records of trauma victims who underwent surgical treatment. The variables analyzed were age, gender, mechanism of injury, degree of kidney damage, conduct individualized according to the degree of renal injury, associated injuries, complications and deaths. We classified lesions according to the American Association of Trauma Surgery (TSAA). Results: We analyzed 794 records and found renal lesions in 33 patients, with mean age 29.8 years, most (87.8%) being male. Penetrating trauma accounted for 84.8% of cases. The most common renal injuries were grade II (33.3%), followed by grade I (18.1%), III, IV and V. Nephrectomy treated 45.4% of injuries, 73.3% being total nephrectomy, and 45.4% by nephrorraphy. In 9% treatment was non-surgical. Only 12.1% of patients had isolated renal lesions. Complications ensued in 15.1% and mortality was 6.06%. Conclusion: The surgical approach was preferred due to penetrating trauma mechanism. We achieved low rates of complications and deaths, and neither case could be directly related to kidney damage, and there were patients with multiple lesions. In this sample, we could not observe a direct relationship between kidney damage and complications, deaths or the type of conduct employed.

Objetivo: analisar as características de pacientes vítimas de trauma, com lesões renais atendidos em um hospital universitário de Curitiba. Métodos: estudo transversal retrospectivo guiado por revisão de prontuários de vítimas de trauma submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico. As variáveis analisadas foram idade, sexo, mecanismo de trauma, grau das lesões renais, conduta individualizada de acordo com o grau da lesão renal, lesões associadas, complicações e óbitos. As lesões foram classificadas de acordo com a Associação Americana de Cirurgia do Trauma (AAST). Resultados: foram analisados 794 prontuários, a lesão renal foi encontrada em 33 pacientes, a média de idade foi 29,8 anos, a maioria dos pacientes era (87,8%) do sexo masculino. O trauma penetrante foi responsável por 84,8% dos casos. As lesões mais frequentes foram as de grau II (33,3%), seguidas pelas lesões de grau I (18,1%) e pelas lesões de grau III, IV e V. Foram tratadas com nefrectomia, 45,4% das lesões, 73,3% por nefrectomia total e 45,4%, por nefrorrafia. Em 9% o tratamento não foi cirúrgico. Apenas 12,1% dos pacientes apresentaram lesões renais isoladas. Complicações foram observadas em 15,1% e a taxa de óbito foi 6,06%. Conclusão: a abordagem cirúrgica foi a preferencial devido ao mecanismo de trauma penetrante. Obtivemos baixos índices de óbitos e complicações, sendo que nenhum dos casos pôde ser relacionado diretamente à lesão renal, e ocorreram em pacientes com múltiplas lesões. Nesta amostra, não foi possível provar relação direta entre lesão renal e complicações, óbitos ou com o tipo de conduta empregada.

Fracturas múltiples de la columna cervical: Reporte de un caso / Multiple cervical spine fractures: Case report

Introducción: Las fracturas múltiples en la columna cervical son una entidad relativamente infrecuente, acerca de la cual la información disponible a nivel mundial es escasa. Existe una tendencia en los casos reportados a manejar dicha entidad de manera conservadora, con combinación de tracciones esqueléticas y diversas órtesis, con resultados variables. Existen pocos reportes de fracturas múltiples manejadas quirúrgicamente. Objetivo: Reportar un caso clínico de fractura múltiple cervical manejado quirúrgicamente en dos tiempos y su seguimiento, en el Centro de Atención a Lesionados Raquimedulares de la Ciudad de México, en el Hospital General "La Villa" de los SSDF. Material y métodos: Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 46 años de edad quien sufre accidente automovilístico con trauma raquimedular con fracturas de C2 a C6, ASIA C. Se decide su tratamiento quirúrgico a dos tiempos con instrumentación posterior y anterior sucesivamente. Se reporta el seguimiento clínico y radiológico a casi dos años de evolución. Resultados: A 19 meses de seguimiento el paciente se encuentra neurológicamente en ASIA D, con un leve déficit motor en el miembro torácico izquierdo. Reincorporado a su trabajo habitual y con movilidad aceptable en la columna cervical. Conclusiones: La evolución satisfactoria presentada por el paciente, tanto en su recuperación neurológica como en la reincorporación a sus labores cotidianas permite recomendar el manejo quirúrgico de fracturas múltiples, individualizando cada caso e interviniendo de acuerdo con la personalidad de cada fractura, con lo cual se puede esperar la obtención de resultados favorables.

Introduction: Multiple cervical spine fractures are a relatively infrequent entity and thus the available information on them is scarce worldwide. The cases reported are usually managed conservatively, with a combination of skeletal traction and various braces, with variable results. There are only a few reports of multiple fractures treated surgically. Objective: This is a report of a clinical case of a multiple cervical fracture treated surgically in 2 stages at the Mexico City Center for Patients with Spine and Spinal Cord Injury (Centro de Atención a Lesionados Raquimedulares de la Ciudad de México), located at "La Villa" General Hospital, SSDF. Material and methods: We report the clinical case of a male, 46 year-old patient involved in a motor vehicle accident who sustained spine and spinal cord injuries consisting of ASIA C C2-C6 fractures. It was decided to perform two-stage surgery with posterior and anterior instrumentation. We report the 19-month clinical and radiological follow-up. Results: In the 19-month follow-up visit, the patient was found to be ASIA D according to the neurological assessment, with mild motor deficit of the left thoracic limb. The patient had returned to his usual job and had acceptable cervical spine mobility. Conclusions: The patient's appropriate course from the neurological perspective and his return to his daily activities leads to recommending the surgical management of multiple fractures, customizing it in each case according to the fractures' characteristics. Favorable results may be expected from this approach.

Fractura múltiple en miembro superior: Caso clínico / Multiple fracture of the upper limb: Case report

Las fracturas multifocales de la extremidad superior son poco frecuentes. Presentamos un caso de fractura de húmero proximal ipsilateral, fracturas de antebrazo proximal y distal y su manejo quirúrgico.

Multifocal fractures of the upper limb are infrequent. We report a case of ipsilateral proximal humerus fracture, proximal and distal forearm fractures, and their surgical management.

A lei seca cumpriu sua meta em reduzir acidentes relacionados à ingestão excessiva de álcool? / Reducing accidents related to excessive alcohol intake? A retrospective study of polytraumatized patients undergoing surgery at a Brazilian University Hospital

OBJETIVO: avaliar se a Lei Seca cumpriu sua meta após três anos da promulgação. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo dos pacientes com fraturas craniofaciais submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico em um hospital universitário, em dois períodos: antes (2005 a 2008) e após a implantação da lei (2008 a 2011). RESULTADOS:foram operados 265 pacientes (220 homens e 45 mulheres) nesse período sendo, 149 (56%) antes da lei e 116 (44%) após a lei, indicando redução no número de traumatismos (p=0,04). Houve predomínio da faixa etária entre 19 e 40 anos, em ambos os períodos. As principais causas dos traumas foram os acidentes automobilísticos, as agressões físicas e as quedas. O abuso de álcool foi identificado em 15,4% dos pacientes antes e 19% após a lei. A mandíbula e o complexo maxilozigomático foram os ossos mais acometidos. CONCLUSÃO:a redução no número de politraumatizados operados ficou aquém do esperado e almejado.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the Brazilian Driving Dry Law reached its goal after the three years following its enactment. METHODS: We onnducted a retrospective study of patients with craniofacial fractures who underwent surgery at a university hospital in two periods: before the Law (2005 to 2008) and after the Law (2008 to 2011). RESULTS: 265 patients (220 men and 45 women) were operated on during this period, 149 (56%) before and 116 (44%) after the Law, which indicates a reduction in the number of traumatisms (p=0.04). The age range between 19 and 40 years predominated in both periods. The main causes of traumas were car accidents, physical aggression and falls. Alcohol abuse was identified in 15.4% patients before and 19% patients after the enactment. The jaw and the maxillo-zygomatic complex were the most affected bones. CONCLUSION: The drop in the number of polytraumatized patients operated on at this institution in the three years following the Driving Dry Law was 22%, which is below the expected and desired percentage. These results must be compared to those of different services offering the same attendance type in order to compile data and enlarge statistics. The low index of reduction in the number of traumatisms and the report of alcohol abuse by several patients at the moment of trauma, even after the law, evidence the need of adopting stricter measures to control and punish violators.

Fratura de pênis com trauma uretra / Penile fracture with urethral trauma

We reported a case of a twenty-nine-year-old male who presented a penile fracture associated with urethral injury caused by a sexual intercourse. An ideal anamnesis and a special physical examination were determinant to correct diagnostics. Ultrasonography and uretrocistography must be performed for confirmation. The treatment is based on the presence of associated urethral injury. The surgical repair of cavernous body and urethra can produce good results, with a favorable prognosis and minimal rate of complications.

Terapia por pressão negativa na ferida traumática complexa do períneo / Negative pressure wound therapy in complex trauma of perineum

OBJETIVO: rever a experiência (2011 e 2012) do Centro de Feridas da Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo com tratamento de feridas traumáticas complexas na região perineal, pela associação da terapia com pressão negativa seguida de procedimento cirúrgico para cobertura cutânea. MÉTODOS: análise retrospectiva de dez pacientes com ferida complexa no períneo consequente a traumatismo atendidas pelo Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica no HC-FMUSP. A terapia por pressão negativa foi utilizada como alternativa para melhoria das condições locais visando o tratamento definitivo com enxertos de pele ou retalhos. RESULTADOS: a terapia por pressão negativa foi empregada para o preparo do leito da ferida. Nos pacientes atendidos, o tempo médio de utilização do sistema de pressão negativa foi 25,9 dias, com trocas de curativos a cada 4,6 dias. Após a terapia por pressão negativa, foram realizados 11 retalhos locais em nove pacientes, com o retalho fáscio-cutâneo antero-lateral da coxa utilizado em quatro destes pacientes. O tempo médio de internação hospitalar foi 58,2 dias e de acompanhamento no Serviço da Cirurgia Plástica foi 40,5 dias. CONCLUSÃO: a utilização da terapia por pressão negativa levou à melhoria das condições locais da ferida mais rapidamente do que curativos tradicionais, sem complicações significativas, demonstrando ser a melhor alternativa adjuvante atualmente para o tratamento deste tipo de lesão, seguida sempre por reconstrução cirúrgica com enxertos e retalhos.

OBJECTIVE: To review the experience (2011 and 2012) of Wound Center of Plastic Surgery Service, Clinics Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, with treatment of complex traumatic wounds in the perineal region with the association of negative pressure wound therapy followed by a surgical skin coverage procedure. METHODS: This was retrospective analysis of ten patients with complex wound in the perineum resulting from trauma assisted by the Department of Plastic Surgery in HC-USP. Negative pressure was used as an alternative for improving local conditions, seeking definitive treatment with skin grafts or flaps. RESULTS: Negative pressure was used to prepare the wound bed. In patients, the mean time of use of negative pressure system was 25.9 days, with dressing changes every 4.6 days. After negative pressure therapy, 11 local flaps were performed in nine patients, with fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap used in four of these. Mean hospital stay was 58.2 days and accompaniment in Plastic Surgery was 40.5 days. CONCLUSION: The use of negative pressure therapy led to improvement of local wound conditions faster than traditional dressings, without significant complications, proving to be the current best alternative as an adjunct for the treatment of this type of injury, always followed by surgical reconstruction with grafts and flaps.

Blunt abdominal trauma requiring laparotomy in poly-traumatized patients

To investigate the impact of associated extra-abdominal injury on morbidity and mortality in poly-traumatized patients with blunt abdominal trauma. This analysis included poly-traumatized patients with blunt abdominal trauma treated at the Emergency Unit of Minia University Hospital and Misr University for Science and Technology Hospital, Minia, Egypt, between March 2006 and March 2008. This study included patients aged 4-73 years with injury severity score [ISS] more than 18 and indicated for surgical intervention. Data were analyzed with details of injury, treatment, complications, and mortality. Inclusion criteria were met by 94 patients with mean ISS of 29.3 +/- 6.4. Most frequent injuries were seen in the spleen [61.7%] and liver [47.9%]. Chest trauma represents most common extra-abdominal trauma [67%] Thirty-six patients [38.3%] died during their hospital stay. Most frequent reasons for death were hemorrhagic shock [27.8%], acute respiratory distress syndrome [27.8%], and head trauma [22.2%]. There was a positive relationship between liver injury and mortality, which not found in splenic injuries. Significantly more deaths were attributed to primarily extra-abdominal injuries [66.7%] and then to intra-abdominal injuries [19.4%]. In 5 patients [13.9%], a combination of intra- and extra- abdominal injuries caused post-traumatic death. Extra-abdominal injuries add to the morbidity and mortality from blunt abdominal trauma in poly-traumatized patients. Routine computerized tomography scanning can minimize negative abdominal exploration and facilitate better management of extra- abdominal injuries

Avaliação da abordagem palpebral subtarsal no tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas zigomático-orbitais / Evaluation of palpebral subtarsal approach in surgical treatment of orbito-zigomatic fractures

OBJETIVO: avaliar as complicações, vantagens e desvantagens da abordagem subtarsal quando utilizada para exposição da borda infra-orbital e do assoalho da órbita em fraturas zigomático-orbitais. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 41 incisões subtarsais empregadas em 39 pacientes com fraturas do complexo zigomático e/ou do assoalho da órbita do tipo blow-out, no período de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2006. RESULTADOS: As complicações observadas foram conjuntivite, epífora e cicatriz aparente em seis (14,6 por cento), cinco (12,2 por cento) e dois (4,9 por cento) dos casos, respectivamente. Não houve presença de ectrópio, entrópio ou esclera aparente nos pacientes reavaliados. CONCLUSÃO: As principais vantagens dessa abordagem são os resultados estéticos e funcionais associados aos benefícios trans-operatórios.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the complications, advantages and disadvantages of the subtarsal approach when used to exposure the orbital rim and orbital floor in orbitozygomatic fractures. METHODS: Retrospective study of the 41 subtarsal incisions that were used in 39 patients with fractures of the zygomatic complex and/or orbital floor, of blowout type, between January 2002 and December 2006. RESULTS: The observed complications were conjunctivitis, epiphora and noticeable scar, in six (14,6 percent), five (12,2 percent) and two (4.9 percent) of the cases, respectively. There was no ectropion, entropion or scleral show in the patients reevaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The main advantages of this approach are the esthetic result together with the transoperative benefits.

Reparación primaria versus colostomía en lesiones del colon / Primary repair vs. colostomy in colon injuries

Introducción: El colon es el segundo órgano más frecuentemente lesionado en las heridas por trauma penetrante de abdomen. En México, las lesiones por arma blanca o de fuego van en aumento. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el principal manejo para las lesiones traumáticas de colon. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y aleatorizado de 178 pacientes con trauma abdominal y lesiones de colon, en un lapso de cinco años (enero de 2003 a junio de 2008) en el Hospital General de Balbuena. Se comparó el uso del cierre primario y cirugía derivativa con colostomía. Se analizó sexo, grupo de edad, tipo de herida, grado de lesión y mortalidad. Resultados: De 178 pacientes, 156 fueron hombres (87.6 %) y 22 mujeres (12.4 %). El grupo de edad con mayor afección fue el de 21 a 30 años; 74 pacientes (41.6 %) presentaron heridas por instrumento punzocortante y 104 pacientes (58.4 %) heridas por arma de fuego. El principal manejo fue mediante cierre primario: 92 casos (51.7 %) versus 86 (48.3 %) para cirugía derivativa; sin embargo, en las heridas por arma de fuego el principal manejo fue la colostomía (67 casos). La mortalidad fue de 17 casos (9.55 %) debido a causas diversas como lesiones a múltiples órganos de manera asociada. Conclusiones: En las lesiones colónicas debe individualizarse el tratamiento, según la etiopatogenia, grado de lesión y lesiones asociadas.

BACKGROUND: Colon trauma is frequent and its prevalence is difficult to establish because of the different factors that intervene in its origin. In Mexico, traumatic colon injuries, albeit stab wounds or gunshot wounds, are on the rise. Our objective was to evaluate the most appropriate management for traumatic colon injuries. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 178 case files of patients with abdominal trauma and colon lesions during a 5-year period from January 2003 to June 2008 from the General Hospital of Balbuena, Mexico City. The study compared the use of primary closure vs. colostomy, analyzing variables such as sex, age, type of wound, severity of lesion and mortality. RESULTS: There were a total of 178 patients; 156 were male (87.6%) and 22 were female (12.4%). The most affected age group was between 21 and 30 years; 74 patients (41.6%) had stab wounds and 104 patients (58.4%) had gunshot wounds. Management consisted mainly of primary closure in 92 cases (51.7%) vs. colostomy in 86 patients (48.3%). However, 64% of gunshot wounds were treated with colostomy. Reported mortality was 9.55% and this was due to different factors such as multiple organ injury. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of traumatic colon injury should be case specific, taking into account the mechanism of the lesion, its severity and associated injuries.

Cierre primario en trauma de colon / Primary closure in colon trauma

Objetivo: Informar si la evolución > 6 horas, grado de contaminación y lesión, sitio anatómico lesionado, PATI (penetrating abdominal trauma index) > 25 y presencia de otras lesiones en trauma de colon, se asocian a mayor morbimortalidad en pacientes con lesión colónica a quienes se les realizó cierre primario. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, longitudinal, descriptivo, en el Hospital Central “Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto”, San Luis Potosí. Se incluyeron pacientes con trauma abdominal sometidos a cirugía que presentaron lesión colónica. Análisis estadístico básico con χ2. Resultados: 481 pacientes fueron intervenidos por trauma abdominal; 77 (16.1 %) tuvieron lesión colónica, de los cuales 90 % (n = 69) se intervino en las primeras seis horas; 91 % fue lesión penetrante. El colon transverso fue el más lesionado (38 %, n = 29); las lesiones grado I y II representaron 75.3 % (n = 58). Se efectuó cierre primario en 76.66 % (n = 46), resección con anastomosis en 8.3 % (n = 5) y colostomía en 15 % (n = 9). Hubo lesiones asociadas en 76.6 % (n = 59) y contaminación en 85.7 % (n = 66); 82.8 % (58) tuvo PATI < 25; complicaciones asociadas al procedimiento operatorio, 28.57 % (n = 22); reintervenciones, 10 % (n = 8); estancia hospitalaria promedio, 11.4 días; mortalidad no relacionada a lesión de colon, 3.8 % (n = 3). Conclusiones: El cierre primario es un procedimiento seguro para el tratamiento de lesiones colónicas. Los pacientes con cierre primario presentaron menor morbilidad (p < 0.009). Los pacientes con cirugía en las primeras seis horas (p < 0.006) y estabilidad hemodinámica (p < 0.014) tuvieron menor riesgo de complicación.

BACKGROUND: Primary repair of colon injuries is an accepted therapeutic option; however, controversy persists regarding its safety. Our objective was to report the evolution and presence of complications in patients with colon injury who underwent primary closure and to determine if the time interval (>6 h), degree of injury, contamination, anatomic site injured, PATI (Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index) >25, and the presence of other injuries in colon trauma are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, longitudinal and descriptive study conducted at the Central Hospital "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto," San Luis Potosí, Mexico, from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2007. We included patients with abdominal trauma with colon injury subjected to surgical treatment. chi(2) was used for basic statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 481 patients with abdominal trauma who underwent surgery; 77(16.1%) had colon injury. Ninety percent (n = 69) were treated in the first 6 h; 91% (n = 70) were due to penetrating injuries, and gunshot wound accounted for 48% (n = 37). Transverse colon was the most frequently injured (38%) (n = 29). Grade I and II injuries accounted for 75.3% (n = 58). Procedures included primary repair (76.66 %) (n = 46); resection with anastomosis (8.3%) (n = 5); and colostomy (15%) (n = 9). Associated injuries were present in 76.6% (n = 59). There was some degree of contamination in 85.7% (n = 66); 82.8% (58) had PATI <25. Complications associated with the surgical procedure were observed in 28.57% (n = 22). Reoperation was necessary in 10% (n = 8). Average hospital stay was 11.4 days. Mortality was 3.8% (n = 3); none of these were related to colon injury. CONCLUSIONS: Primary repair is a safe procedure for treatment of colon injuries. Patients with primary repair had lower morbidity (p <0.009). Surgery during the first 6 h (p <0.006) and in hemodynamically stable patients (p <0.014) had a lower risk of complications.

Uso adjunto de NovoSeven (factor VII-a recombinante) en trauma cardiaco penetrante / Adjunct use of NovoSeven (recombinant factor VIIa) for penetrating cardiac trauma

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled bleeding leads to 40-86% of preventable deaths due to trauma. Use of NovoSeven (rFVIIa) in trauma is promising, although data supporting its utilization are limited. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a patient who sustained a penetrating grade V cardiac injury (AAST-OIS) and presented postoperative massive coagulopathic bleeding arrested by the administration of platelet pools and NovoSeven. DISCUSSION: This report represents our initial experience and the very first case of successful use of NovoSeven for the treatment of traumatic coagulopathic hemorrhage at the Central Military Hospital in Mexico City. A further prospective trial justifying its use in our institution is warranted.

Fractura múltiple no contigua de la columna toracolumbar / Multiple non contiguous thoracolumbar spine fracture

A clinical case of a patient with a triple unstable non contiguous thoracolumbar spine fracture, operated by the spine group of the Hospital del Trabajador is presented. A brief review of the literature is done concerning the epidemiology and management of these kind of injuries.

Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente con una triple fractura inestable, no contigua, de la columna toraco-lumbar, operado por el equipo de columna del Hospital del Trabajador. Se hace una breve revisión de la literatura acerca de la epidemiología y el manejo de este tipo de lesiones.