Required distal mesorectal resection margin in partial mesorectal excision: a systematic review on distal mesorectal spread.

BACKGROUND: The required distal margin in partial mesorectal excision (PME) is controversial. The aim of this systematic review was to determine incidence and distance of distal mesorectal spread (DMS). METHODS: A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar databases. Articles eligible for inclusion were studies reporting on the presence of distal mesorectal spread in patients with rectal cancer who underwent radical resection. RESULTS: Out of 2493 articles, 22 studies with a total of 1921 patients were included, of whom 340 underwent long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). DMS was reported in 207 of 1921 (10.8%) specimens (1.2% in CRT group and 12.8% in non-CRT group), with specified distance of DMS relative to the tumor in 84 (40.6%) of the cases. Mean and median DMS were 20.2 and 20.0 mm, respectively. Distal margins of 40 mm and 30 mm would result in 10% and 32% residual tumor, respectively, which translates into 1% and 4% overall residual cancer risk given 11% incidence of DMS. The maximum reported DMS was 50 mm in 1 of 84 cases. In subgroup analysis, for T3, the mean DMS was 18.8 mm (range 8-40 mm) and 27.2 mm (range 10-40 mm) for T4 rectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: DMS occurred in 11% of cases, with a maximum of 50 mm in less than 1% of the DMS cases. For PME, substantial overtreatment is present if a distal margin of 5 cm is routinely utilized. Prospective studies evaluating more limited margins based on high-quality preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and pathological assessment are required.

Local recurrence after local excision of early rectal cancer: a meta-analysis of completion TME, adjuvant (chemo)radiation, or no additional treatment.

BACKGROUND: The risks of local recurrence and treatment-related morbidity need to be balanced after local excision of early rectal cancer. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine oncological outcomes after local excision of pT1-2 rectal cancer followed by no additional treatment (NAT), completion total mesorectal excision (cTME) or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (aCRT). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was local recurrence. Statistical analysis included calculation of the weighted average of proportions. RESULTS: Some 73 studies comprising 4674 patients were included in the analysis. Sixty-two evaluated NAT, 13 cTME and 28 aCRT. The local recurrence rate for NAT among low-risk pT1 tumours was 6·7 (95 per cent c.i. 4·8 to 9·3) per cent. There were no local recurrences of low-risk pT1 tumours after cTME or aCRT. The local recurrence rate for high-risk pT1 tumours was 13·6 (8·0 to 22·0) per cent for local excision only, 4·1 (1·7 to 9·4) per cent for cTME and 3·9 (2·0 to 7·5) per cent for aCRT. Local recurrence rates for pT2 tumours were 28·9 (22·3 to 36·4) per cent with NAT, 4 (1 to 13) per cent after cTME and 14·7 (11·2 to 19·0) per cent after aCRT. CONCLUSION: There is a substantial risk of local recurrence in patients who receive no additional treatment after local excision, especially those with high-risk pT1 and pT2 rectal cancer. The lowest recurrence risk is provided by cTME; aCRT has outcomes comparable to those of cTME for high-risk pT1 tumours, but shows a higher risk for pT2 tumours.

ANTECEDENTES: Tras una resección temprana de un cáncer de recto localizado, hay que considerar el equilibrio entre el riesgo de recidiva local y la morbilidad relacionada con el tratamiento. El objetivo de este metaanálisis era determinar los resultados oncológicos tras la resección de un cáncer de recto pT1-T2 seguida de ningún tratamiento adicional (no additional treatment, NAT), escisión total del mesorrecto (completion total mesorectal excision, cTME) o quimiorradioterapia adyuvante (adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, aCRT). METHODS: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda sistemática en PubMed, Embase y biblioteca Cochrane. La variable principal de resultado era la recidiva local (local recurrence, LR). En el análisis estadístico se calcularon las medias ponderadas de proporciones. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el análisis 76 estudios con un total de 4.793 pacientes. NAT fue evaluada en 72 estudios, cTME en 13 y aCRT en 28. La tasa de LR para NAT en tumores pT1 de bajo riesgo era de 6,7% (i.c. del 95% 4,8-9,3). No se observaron casos de LR en tumores pT1 de bajo riesgo tras cTME o aCRT. La tasa de LR para tumores pT1 de alto riesgo fue de 13,6% (i.c. del 95% 8,0-22,0) para la resección local como único tratamiento, 4,1% (i.c. del 95% 1,7-9,4) para cTME y 3,9% (i.c. del 95% 2,0-7,5) para aCRT. La tasa de LR para tumores pT2 fue de 28,9% (i.c. del 95% 22,3-36,4) para NAT, 4,3% (i.c. del 95% 1,4-12,5) para cTME y 14,7% (i.c. del 95% 11,2-19,0) para aCRT. CONCLUSIÓN: Tras la resección local de cáncer pT1 de alto riesgo y pT2, existe un riesgo sustancial de recidiva local en ausencia de tratamiento adicional. La escisión total del mesorrecto se asocia con el menor riesgo de recidiva. La quimiorradioterapia adyuvante ofrece resultados similares a la escisión total del mesorrecto en tumores pT1 de alto riesgo, pero presenta un mayor riesgo en tumores pT2.

MRI cT1-2 rectal cancer staging accuracy: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Adequate MRI-based staging of early rectal cancers is essential for decision-making in an era of organ-conserving treatment approaches. The aim of this population-based study was to determine the accuracy of routine daily MRI staging of early rectal cancer, whether or not combined with endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS). METHODS: Patients with cT1-2 rectal cancer who underwent local excision or total mesorectal excision (TME) without downsizing (chemo)radiotherapy between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2018 were selected from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit. The accuracy of imaging was expressed as sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value. RESULTS: Of 7382 registered patients with cT1-2 rectal cancer, 5539 were included (5288 MRI alone, 251 MRI and ERUS; 1059 cT1 and 4480 cT2). Among patients with pT1 tumours, 54·7 per cent (792 of 1448) were overstaged by MRI alone, and 31·0 per cent (36 of 116) by MRI and ERUS. Understaging of pT2 disease occurred in 8·2 per cent (197 of 2388) and 27·9 per cent (31 of 111) respectively. MRI alone overstaged pN0 in 17·3 per cent (570 of 3303) and the PPV for assignment of cN0 category was 76·3 per cent (2733 of 3583). Of 834 patients with pT1 N0 disease, potentially suitable for local excision, tumours in 253 patients (30·3 per cent) were staged correctly as cT1 N0, whereas 484 (58·0 per cent) and 97 (11·6 per cent) were overstaged as cT2 N0 and cT1-2 N1 respectively. CONCLUSION: This Dutch population-based analysis of patients who underwent local excision or TME surgery for cT1-2 rectal cancer based on preoperative MRI staging revealed substantial overstaging, indicating the weaknesses of MRI and missed opportunities for organ preservation strategies.

ANTECEDENTES: Una adecuada estadificación mediante resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) de los cánceres de recto en estadios precoces es esencial para la toma de decisiones en una era en la existen diferentes opciones de tratamiento preservadoras del recto. El objetivo de este estudio de base poblacional fue determinar la precisión de la estadificación mediante RMN del cáncer de recto precoz en la práctica diaria, ya sea combinada o no con la ecografía endorectal (endorectal ultrasound, ERUS). MÉTODOS: Los pacientes con cáncer de recto en estadio cT1-2 que se sometieron a resección local o resección total del mesorrecto (total mesorectal excision, TME) sin (quimio) radioterapia neoadyuvante fueron seleccionados a partir del registro auditado ColoRectal holandés, entre el 1 de enero de 2011 y el 31 de diciembre de 2018. La precisión de las imágenes se expresó como sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos positivo y negativo (positive- and negative predicting value, PPV / NPV). RESULTADOS: De un total de 7.382 pacientes registrados con cáncer de recto en estadio cT1-2, se incluyeron 5.539 pacientes (5.288 solamente RMN, 251 RMN + ERUS; 1.059 cT1 y 4.480 cT2). Los pacientes pT1 fueron sobreestadificados cuando se utilizó únicamente la RMN en un 54,7% de los casos (792/1.448) y cuando se combinó RMN y ERUS en un 31,0% (36/116). La infraestadificación de pT2 ocurrió en un 8,2% (197/2.388) y en un 27,9% (31/111), respectivamente. La RMN utilizada como única prueba sobreestadificó los casos pN0 en el 17,3% (570/3.303) y el VPP del estadio cN0 fue del 76,3% (2.733/3.583). De los 834 pacientes con estadio pT1N0, potencialmente adecuado para la resección local, 253 pacientes (30,3%) se clasificaron correctamente como cT1N0, y 484 (58,8%) y 97 (11,6%) pacientes se sobreestadificaron como cT2N0 y cT1-2N1, respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio de base poblacional holandés en pacientes que se sometieron a una resección local o a cirugía TME por cáncer de recto cT1-2 con estadificación preoperatoria mediante RMN, muestra una considerable sobreestadificación, lo que indica las debilidades y oportunidades en las estrategias de preservación del recto.

Locoregional recurrences after transanal total mesorectal excision of rectal cancer during implementation.

BACKGROUND: Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has been proposed as an approach in patients with mid and low rectal cancer. The TaTME procedure has been introduced in the Netherlands in a structured training pathway, including proctoring. This study evaluated the local recurrence rate during the implementation phase of TaTME. METHODS: Oncological outcomes of the first ten TaTME procedures in each of 12 participating centres were collected as part of an external audit of procedure implementation. Data collected from a cohort of patients treated over a prolonged period in four centres were also collected to analyse learning curve effects. The primary outcome was the presence of locoregional recurrence. RESULTS: The implementation cohort of 120 patients had a median follow up of 21·9 months. Short-term outcomes included a positive circumferential resection margin rate of 5·0 per cent and anastomotic leakage rate of 17 per cent. The overall local recurrence rate in the implementation cohort was 10·0 per cent (12 of 120), with a mean(s.d.) interval to recurrence of 15·2(7·0) months. Multifocal local recurrence was present in eight of 12 patients. In the prolonged cohort (266 patients), the overall recurrence rate was 5·6 per cent (4·0 per cent after excluding the first 10 procedures at each centre). CONCLUSION: TaTME was associated with a multifocal local recurrence rate that may be related to suboptimal execution rather than the technique itself. Prolonged proctoring, optimization of the technique to avoid spillage, and quality control is recommended.

ANTECEDENTES: La escisión total del mesorrecto por vía transanal (Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision, TaTME) se ha propuesto como abordaje quirúrgico en pacientes con cáncer de recto medio e inferior. La técnica TaTME se ha introducido en los Países Bajos mediante un proceso de formación estructurado que incluye la supervisión. Este estudio evaluó el porcentaje de recidiva local durante la fase de implementación de TaTME. MÉTODOS: Se recogieron los resultados oncológicos de los primeros 10 procedimientos realizados mediante TaTME en cada uno de los 12 centros participantes como parte de una auditoría externa de implementación del procedimiento. Se reunió una cohorte más amplia de pacientes procedentes de 4 centros para analizar los efectos de la curva de aprendizaje. El criterio de valoración principal fue la presencia de recidiva locorregional. RESULTADOS: La cohorte de implementación de 120 pacientes tuvo una mediana de seguimiento de 21,9 meses. Los resultados a corto plazo incluyeron una tasa del margen de resección circunferencial positivo del 5% y una tasa de fuga anastomótica del 17,4%. La tasa global de recidiva local en la cohorte de implementación fue del 10% (12/120) con un intervalo medio de recidiva de 15,2 (DE 7) meses. El patrón de recidiva local fue multifocal en 8 de 12 casos (67%). En la cohorte ampliada (n = 266), la tasa global de recidiva fue del 5,6% (4,0%, excluyendo a los primeros 10 pacientes). CONCLUSIÓN: TaTME se asoció con un porcentaje de recidiva local multifocal que puede relacionarse con una ejecución subóptima, más que con la técnica en sí. Se recomienda una supervisión prolongada, la optimización de la técnica para evitar la diseminación tumoral, así como un control de calidad.

Structured training pathway and proctoring; multicenter results of the implementation of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a new complex technique with potential to improve the quality of surgical mesorectal excision for patients with mid and low rectal cancer. The procedure is technically challenging and has shown to be associated with a relative long learning curve which might hamper widespread adoption. Therefore, a national structured training pathway for TaTME has been set up in the Netherlands to allow safe implementation. The aim of this study was to monitor safety and efficacy of the training program with 12 centers. METHODS: Short-term outcomes of the first ten TaTME procedures were evaluated in 12 participating centers in the Netherlands within the national structured training pathway. Consecutive patients operated during and after the proctoring program for rectal carcinoma with curative intent were included. Primary outcome was the incidence of intraoperative complications, secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and pathological outcomes. RESULTS: In October 2018, 12 hospitals completed the training program and from each center the first 10 patients were included for evaluation. Intraoperative complications occurred in 4.9% of the cases. The clinicopathological outcome reported 100% for complete or nearly complete specimen, 100% negative distal resection margin, and the circumferential resection margin was positive in 5.0% of patients. Overall postoperative complication rate was 45.0%, with 19.2% Clavien-Dindo ≥ III and an anastomotic leak rate of 17.3%. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the nationwide structured training program for TaTME delivers safe implementation of TaTME in terms of intraoperative and pathology outcomes within the first ten consecutive cases in each center. However, postoperative morbidity is substantial even within a structured training pathway and surgeons should be aware of the learning curve of this new technique.

Transperineal minimally invasive APE: preliminary outcomes in a multicenter cohort.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoperineal excision (APE) for rectal cancer is associated with a relatively high risk of positive margins and postoperative morbidity, particularly related to perineal wound healing problems. It is unknown whether the use of a minimally invasive approach for the perineal part of these procedures can improve postoperative outcomes without oncological compromise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of minimally invasive transperineal abdominoperineal excision (TpAPE) METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included all patients having TpAPE for primary low rectal cancer. The primary endpoint was the intraoperative complication rate. Secondary endpoints included major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3), histopathology results, and perineal wound healing. RESULTS: A total of 32 TpAPE procedures were performed in five centers. A bilateral extralevator APE (ELAPE) was performed in 17 patients (53%), a unilateral ELAPE in 7 (22%), and an APE in 8 (25%). Intraoperative complications occurred in five cases (16%) and severe postoperative morbidity in three cases (9%). There were no perioperative deaths. A positive margin (R1) was observed in four patients (13%) and specimen perforation occurred in two (6%). The unilateral extralevator TpAPE group had worse specimen quality and a higher proportion of R1 resections than the bilateral ELAPE or standard APE groups. The rate of uncomplicated perineal wound healing was 53% (n = 17) and three patients (9%) required surgical reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: TpAPE seems to be feasible with acceptable perioperative morbidity and a relatively low rate of perineal wound dehiscence, while histopathological outcomes remain suboptimal. Additional evaluation of the viability of this technique is needed in the form of a prospective trial with standardization of the procedure, indication, audit of outcomes and performed by surgeons with vast experience in transanal total mesorectal excision.

Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Metastases in Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Synchronous lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) involvement occurs in a significant number of patients with rectal cancer. The aim of this study is to determine the rate of LPLN metastases in rectal cancer patients with LPLN suspicious for metastases (LPLNSM) on pretreatment imaging, treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Additionally, the influence of LPLN responsiveness to nCRT as determined by post-nCRT restaging scan was investigated. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies on patients with author-defined LPLNSM that reported the pathological outcomes after total mesorectal excision (TME) with lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLD). MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched. The primary outcome was the percentage of pathologically confirmed LPLN metastases. RESULTS: A total of 462 patients from eleven studies were identified. The number of pathologically confirmed LPLN metastases in 361 patients that underwent uni- or bilateral LPLD ranged from 21.9 to 61.1%. The LPLD resulted in pathologically confirmed metastases in a range from 0 to 20.4% of patients with responsive LPLNSM and in a range from 25.0 to 83.3% of patients with persistent nodes. However, radiologic cutoff criteria for the evaluation of LPLN differed between studies. CONCLUSIONS: In a large number of patients with LPLNSM on initial imaging, metastatic LPLN are present after nCRT and surgical treatment. Even in LPLN that are considered responsive on restaging, significant rates of pathologically confirmed metastases are reported.

Organ preservation in rectal cancer: a synopsis of current guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The high morbidity associated with radical resection for rectal cancer is an incentive for surgeons to adopt strategies aimed at organ preservation, particularly for early disease. There are a number of different approaches to achieve this. In this study we have collated current national and international guidelines to produce a synopsis to support this changing practice. METHODS: The databases PubMed, Embase, Trip database, national guideline clearinghouse, BMJ Best practice were interrogated. Guidelines published before 2010 were excluded. The AGREE-II tool was used for quality assessment. RESULTS: 24 guidelines were drawn from 2278 potential publications. A consensus exists for local excision for "low risk" T1 rectal cancer but there is no agreement how to stratify the risk of treatment failure. There is a low level of agreement for rectal preservation for more advanced disease but when mentioned is recommended for unfit patients or in th context of a clinical trial. Guidelines are inconsistent with respect to surveillance in node negative disease and after, complete response to chemoradiotherapy CONCLUSION: According to current guidelines and consensus statements organ preservation for rectal cancer beyond low risk T1, is still considered experimental and only indicated in patients unsuitable for radical surgery.. Follow up strategies and cN0 staging deserve attention and highlight the need for high quality clinical trials. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The role of REBOA in patients in traumatic cardiac arrest subsequent to hemorrhagic shock: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a useful adjunct in treatment of patients in severe hemorrhagic shock. Hypothetically, REBOA could benefit patients in traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) as balloon occlusion of the aorta increases afterload and may improve myocardial performance leading to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). This scoping review was conducted to examine the effect of REBOA on patients in TCA. METHODS: This scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Statement. PubMed, EMBASE.com and the Web of Science Core Collection were searched. Articles were included if they reported any data on patients that underwent REBOA and were in TCA. Of the included articles, data regarding SBP, ROSC and survival were extracted and summarized. RESULTS: Of 854 identified studies, 26 articles met criteria for inclusion. These identified a total of 785 patients in TCA that received REBOA (presumably less because of potential overlap in patients). This review shows REBOA elevates mean SBP in patients in TCA. The achievement of ROSC after REBOA deployment ranged from 18.2% to 67.7%. Survival to discharge ranged from 3.5% to 12.1%. CONCLUSION: Overall, weak evidence is available on the use of REBOA in patients in TCA. This review, limited by selection bias, indicates that REBOA elevates SBP and may benefit ROSC and potentially survival to discharge in patients in TCA. Extensive further research is necessary to further clarify the role of REBOA during TCA.

Single incision laparoscopic approach for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 5% of patients with acute pancreatitis develop infected necrotizing pancreatitis, with reported mortality rates up to 32%. Surgical interventions are postponed as long as possible, but if surgical debridement is needed the optimal approach has not been found yet. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old male was referred to our tertiary centre with infected necrotizing pancreatitis. Two months after initial presentation and repeated percutaneous drainage, surgical retroperitoneal debridement of the necrotic tissue was performed using a single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) port. Postoperatively, percutaneous drainage was performed two more times, but no additional surgical interventions were needed. The patient was discharged one month after the surgical procedure. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a minimally invasive technique using a SILS port for debridement of necrotizing pancreatitis. The ability to create a stable pneumo-retroperitoneum leads to optimal visualisation, better haemostasis, more space to operate in, better instrument handling, and better tissue control.

Minimally invasive perineal redo surgery for rectovesical and rectovaginal fistulae: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Iatrogenic recto-urogenital fistulae are refractory complications that rarely heal without surgical intervention. The ongoing local infection causes pain, discomfort and substantially impacts quality of life. Surgical repair requires adequate exposure and space to fill with healthy tissue, which is a major challenge in pelvic redo surgery. An abdominal approach to repair the fistula is associated with major morbidity and often fails to expose the deep pelvis. In our experience a novel transperineal minimally invasive approach a utilizing single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) technique could offer improved results. PRESENTATION OF CASES: In the present study, three cases of patients with recto-urogenital fistulae after pelvic surgery are described. Two patients were diagnosed with a rectovesical fistula and one patient with a rectovaginal fistula. In all three cases, a minimally invasive perineal approach, using a SILS port, was used to perform surgical repair. The closure of the fistulae involved: a separate repair of the urethra/bladder or vaginal defect and the rectal defect, followed by interposition of vascularized tissue by either a pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap or omentoplasty. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study is the first to report on a minimally invasive perineal approach, utilizing a SILS technique for recto-urogenital fistulae repair after previous pelvic surgery. The current approach improves exposure, creates surgical space, optimizes view and allows the interposition of vascularized tissue, without causing substantial blood loss and avoiding major abdominal surgery.

[How can life-threatening external blood loss be stopped? Treatment options in the prehospital phase]. / Hoe stop je levensbedreigend uitwendig bloedverlies?

- 3,500 people die of injuries in the Netherlands every year; 40% of the deaths are attributable to bleeding.- Treatment of patients with life-threatening blood loss is part of the trauma care continuum: all the way from incident to hospital treatment.- This article presents an overview of all treatment options for stopping life-threatening external blood loss, divided in medical assistance phases. It also makes a distinction between different types of care providers, based on the presence or absence of their medical skills.

Prehospital control of life-threatening truncal and junctional haemorrhage is the ultimate challenge in optimizing trauma care; a review of treatment options and their applicability in the civilian trauma setting.

INTRODUCTION: Exsanguination following trauma is potentially preventable. Extremity tourniquets have been successfully implemented in military and civilian prehospital care. Prehospital control of bleeding from the torso and junctional area's remains challenging but offers a great potential to improve survival rates. This review aims to provide an overview of potential treatment options in both clinical as preclinical state of research on truncal and junctional bleeding. Since many options have been developed for application in the military primarily, translation to the civilian situation is discussed. METHODS: Medline (via Pubmed) and Embase were searched to identify known and potential prehospital treatment options. Search terms were|: haemorrhage/hemorrhage, exsanguination, junctional, truncal, intra-abdominal, intrathoracic, intervention, haemostasis/hemostasis, prehospital, en route, junctional tourniquet, REBOA, resuscitative thoracotomy, emergency thoracotomy, pelvic binder, pelvic sheet, circumferential. Treatment options were listed per anatomical site: axilla, groin, thorax, abdomen and pelvis Also, the available evidence was graded in (pre) clinical stadia of research. RESULTS: Identified treatment options were wound clamps, injectable haemostatic sponges, pelvic circumferential stabilizers, resuscitative thoracotomy, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), intra-abdominal gas insufflation, intra-abdominal self-expanding foam, junctional and truncal tourniquets. A total of 70 papers on these aforementioned options was retrieved. No clinical reports on injectable haemostatic sponges, intra-abdominal insufflation or self-expanding foam injections and one type of junctional tourniquets were available. CONCLUSION: Options to stop truncal and junctional traumatic haemorrhage in the prehospital arena are evolving and may offer a potentially great survival advantage. Because of differences in injury pattern, time to definitive care, different prehospital scenario's and level of proficiency of care providers; successful translation of various military applications to the civilian situation has to be awaited. Overall, the level of evidence on the retrieved adjuncts is extremely low.