Early restricted oxygen therapy after resuscitation from cardiac arrest (ER-OXYTRAC): protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrest is a critical condition, and patients often experience postcardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) even after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Administering a restricted amount of oxygen in the early phase after ROSC has been suggested as a potential therapy for PCAS; however, the optimal target for arterial partial pressure of oxygen or peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) to safely and effectively reduce oxygen remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to validate the efficacy of restricted oxygen treatment with 94%-95% of the target SpO2 during the initial 12 hours after ROSC for patients with PCAS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: ER-OXYTRAC (early restricted oxygen therapy after resuscitation from cardiac arrest) is a nationwide, multicentre, pragmatic, single-blind, stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial targeting cases of non-traumatic cardiac arrest. This study includes adult patients with out-of-hospital or in-hospital cardiac arrest who achieved ROSC in 39 tertiary centres across Japan, with a target sample size of 1000. Patients whose circulation has returned before hospital arrival and those with cardiac arrest due to intracranial disease or intoxication are excluded. Study participants are assigned to either the restricted oxygen (titration of a fraction of inspired oxygen with 94%-95% of the target SpO2) or the control (98%-100% of the target SpO2) group based on cluster randomisation per institution. The trial intervention continues until 12 hours after ROSC. Other treatments for PCAS, including oxygen administration later than 12 hours, can be determined by the treating physicians. The primary outcome is favourable neurological function, defined as cerebral performance category 1-2 at 90 days after ROSC, to be compared using an intention-to-treat analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Keio University School of Medicine (approval number: 20211106). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants or their legal representatives. Results will be disseminated via publications and presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000046914).

Is resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for computed tomography diagnosis feasible or not? A Japanese single-center, retrospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Advances in medical equipment have resulted in changes in the management of severe trauma. The role of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in this scenario is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the usage of REBOA and utility of computed tomography (CT) in the setting of aortic occlusion in our current trauma management. METHODS: This Japanese single-tertiary center, retrospective, and observational study analyzed 77 patients who experienced severe trauma and persistent hypotension between October 2014 and March 2020. RESULTS: All patients required urgent hemostasis. Twenty patients underwent REBOA, 11 underwent open aortic cross-clamping, and 46 did not undergo aortic occlusion. Among patients who underwent aortic occlusion, 19 patients underwent prehemostasis CT, and 7 patients underwent operative exploration without prehemostasis CT for identifying active bleeding sites. The 24-hour and 28-day survival rates in patients who underwent CT were not inferior to those in patients who did not undergo CT (24-hour survival rate, 84.2% vs. 57.1%; 28-day survival rate, 47.4% vs. 28.6%). Moreover, the patients who underwent CT had less discordance between primary hemostasis site and main bleeding site compared with patients who did not undergo CT (5% vs. 71.4%, p = 0.001). In the patients who underwent prehemostasis CT, REBOA was the most common approach of aortic occlusion. Most of the bleeding control sites were located in the retroperitoneal space. There were many patients who underwent interventional radiology for hemostasis. CONCLUSION: In a limited number of patients whose cardiac arrests were imminent and in whom no active bleeding sites could be clearly identified without CT findings, REBOA for CT diagnosis may be effective; however, further investigations are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management study, level V.

Indications for early plasma transfusion and its optimal use following trauma.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of plasma transfusion before urgent hemostasis initiation on in-hospital mortality in hemodynamically unstable patients with severe trauma. METHODS: This retrospective observational study of patients admitted to hospital between January 2011 and January 2019 grouped patients according to whether plasma transfusion was initiated before (Before group) or after (After group) hemostasis initiation. Patients with severe trauma who were unable to wait for plasma transfusion and had started hemostasis before the plasma infusion were excluded. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the effect of plasma transfusion before the initiation of urgent hemostasis on in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: We included 47 and 73 patients in the Before and After groups, respectively. Blunt trauma was more common, and the D-dimer levels and Injury Severity Score were significantly higher in the Before group than in the After group (median D-dimer, 57.5 versus 38.1 µg/mL; P = 0.040; median Injury Severity Score, 50 versus 34; P < 0.001). Plasma given before hemostasis initiation was associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.078-0.900; P = 0.033) in contrast with the total plasma volume given in the first 6 or 24 h. CONCLUSION: Plasma transfusion before hemostasis initiation could be an important factor for improving outcomes in hemodynamically unstable patients with blunt trauma, high D-dimer levels, or a high Injury Severity Score.

Impact of a streamlined trauma management approach and determinants of mortality among hemodynamically unstable patients with severe multiple injuries: a before-and-after retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Trauma management requires a multidisciplinary approach, but coordination of staff and procedures is challenging in patients with severe trauma. In October 2014, we implemented a streamlined trauma management system involving emergency physicians trained in severe trauma management, surgical techniques, and interventional radiology. We evaluated the impact of streamlined trauma management on patient management and outcomes (study 1) and evaluated determinants of mortality in patients with severe trauma (study 2). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 125 patients admitted between January 2011 and 2019 with severe trauma (Injury Severity Score ≥16) and persistent hypotension (≥2 systolic blood pressure measurements <90 mm Hg). Patients were divided into a Before cohort (January 2011 to September 2014) and an After cohort (October 2014 to January 2019) according to whether they were admitted before or after the new approach was implemented. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Compared with the Before cohort (n=59), the After cohort (n=66) had a significantly lower in-hospital mortality (36.4% vs. 64.4%); required less time from hospital arrival to initiation of surgery/interventional radiology (median, 41.0 vs. 71.5 minutes); and was more likely to undergo resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (24.2% vs. 6.8%). Plasma administration before initiating hemostasis (adjusted OR 1.49 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.14)), resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (9.48 (95% CI 1.25 to 71.96)), and shorter time to initiation of surgery/interventional radiology (0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99)) were associated with significantly lower mortality. DISCUSSION: Implementing a streamlined trauma management protocol improved outcomes among hemodynamically unstable patients with severe multiple trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Optimal Treatment for Diverticulum-like Projections of the Retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava Occurring after Inferior Vena Cava Packing: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Although the outcomes of patients with retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) injury have improved because of damage control (DC) strategies, some rare complications have been observed. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 35-year-old man with diverticulum-like projections (DLPs) of the retrohepatic IVC that occurred following peri-IVC packing based on DC strategies. The DLPs were treated conservatively with anticoagulant therapy and he recovered completely. CONCLUSIONS: Caution must be exercised regarding such rare complications after abbreviated surgery. Conservative therapy may be the optimal treatment for patients with DLPs of the retrohepatic IVC after peri-IVC packing.

Effect of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in hemodynamically unstable patients with multiple severe torso trauma: a retrospective study.

Background: Although resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) may be effective in trauma management, its effect in patients with severe multiple torso trauma remains unclear. Methods: We performed a retrospective study to evaluate trauma management with REBOA in hemodynamically unstable patients with severe multiple trauma. Of 5899 severe trauma patients admitted to our hospital between January 2011 and January 2018, we selected 107 patients with severe torso trauma (Injury Severity Score > 16) who displayed persistent hypotension [≥ 2 systolic blood pressure (SBP) values ≤ 90 mmHg] regardless of primary resuscitation. Patients were divided into two groups: trauma management with REBOA (n = 15) and without REBOA (n = 92). The primary endpoint was the effectiveness of trauma management with REBOA with respect to in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints included time from arrival to the start of hemostasis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted for clinically important variables, was performed to evaluate clinical outcomes. Results: Trauma management with REBOA was significantly associated with decreased mortality (adjusted odds ratio of survival, 7.430; 95% confidence interval, 1.081-51.062; p = 0.041). The median time (interquartile range) from admission to initiation of hemostasis was not significantly different between the two groups [with REBOA 53.0 (40.0-80.3) min vs. without REBOA 57.0 (35.0-100.0) min ]. The time from arrival to the start of balloon occlusion was 55.7 ± 34.2 min. SBP before insertion of REBOA was 48.2 ± 10.5 mmHg. Total balloon occlusion time was 32.5 ± 18.2 min. Conclusions: The use of REBOA without a delay in initiating resuscitative hemostasis may improve the outcomes in patients with multiple severe torso trauma. However, optimal use may be essential for success.

Impact of emergency physicians competent in severe trauma management, surgical techniques, and interventional radiology on trauma management.

AIM: Despite recent advancements in trauma management following introduction of interventional radiology (IVR) and damage-control strategies, challenges remain regarding optimal use of resources for severe trauma. METHODS: In October 2014, we implemented a trauma management system comprising emergency physicians competent in severe trauma management, surgical techniques, and IVR. To evaluate this system, of 5,899 trauma patients admitted to our hospital from January 2011 to January 2018, we selected 107 patients with severe trauma (injury severity score ≥ 16) who presented with persistent hypotension (two or more systolic blood pressure measurements <90 mmHg), regardless of primary resuscitation. Patients were divided according to the date of admission: Conventional (January 2011-September 2014) or Current (October 2014-January 2018). The primary end-point was in-hospital mortality. Secondary end-points included time from arrival to start of surgery/IVR. RESULTS: There were 59 patients in the Conventional group and 48 in the Current group. Although patients in the Current group were more severely ill compared with those in the Conventional group, mortality in the Current group was significantly lower (Conventional 64.4% versus Current 41.7%, P = 0.019), especially among patients whose first intervention was IVR (Conventional 75.0% versus Current 28.6%, P = 0.001). Time from arrival to initiation of surgery/IVR was shorter in the Current group (Conventional 71.5 [53.8-130.8] min versus Current 41.0 [26.0-58.5] min, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This trauma management system based on emergency physicians competent not only in severe trauma management, but also surgical techniques and IVR, could improve outcomes in patients with severe multiple lethal trauma.

Use of interventional radiology as initial hemorrhage control to improve outcomes for potentially lethal multiple blunt injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, trauma management has been markedly improved with interventional radiology (IVR) and damage-control strategies. However, the indications for its use in hemodynamically unstable patients with severe trauma remains unclear. In some cases, IVR may be more effective than surgery for damage-control hemostasis; however, performing IVR in life-threatening trauma settings is challenging. To address this, we practiced and evaluated a trauma-management system with emergency physicians who trained for both severe trauma management, and techniques of surgery and IVR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the 1822 patients with severe trauma admitted between October 2014 and December 2016, 201 underwent emergency surgery or IVR. Among these, 16 patients whose systolic blood pressure was ≤90 mmHg, without improvement following primary resuscitation, and whose first intervention was IVR, were analyzed. We retrospectively evaluated the admission characteristics, IVR-related characteristics, and prognoses, and compared several parameters before and after IVR. RESULTS: This study included 10 men and 6 women (median age: 46 years). IVR was performed for 10 pelvic fractures; five liver-, one splenic-, and one renal injury; and one transection each of the external carotid-, vertebral-, axillosubclavian-, intercostal-, and lumbar arteries. The mean times from the patient arrival, and diagnosis to the start of IVR were 56.3 ±â€¯26.6 and 15.1 ±â€¯3.8 min, respectively. The mean time spent in the angiography suite was 50 min. The systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, base excess/deficit, serum-lactate levels, and D-dimer values were significantly improved after IVR. Although two patients needed additional treatment for morbidities following IVR intervention, all achieved complete recovery. The mortality rate was 25.0%, and no preventable deaths were noted. Eight patients showed unexpected survival. CONCLUSIONS: In some cases, IVR may be the best first measure for resuscitative hemostasis in potentially lethal multiple injuries, given efficient diagnoses/actions and the ability to deal with complications.

Importance of the capability for complete resuscitative treatment combining surgery and interventional radiology for potentially lethal multiple injuries: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Recently, trauma management has been complicated owing to the introduction of damage-control strategies and interventional radiology. Here, we discuss important aspects regarding survival of patients with severe trauma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old Japanese woman experienced a traffic accident on a highway. On arrival, paramedics were unable to measure her blood pressure, and her condition deteriorated. The patient was immediately transferred to our hospital in a physician-staffed emergency helicopter, during which she was administered emergency blood transfusions. On admission, her systolic blood pressure was 44 mmHg, and focused assessment with sonography for trauma yielded positive findings at the anterior mediastinum, right thoracic cavity, and intra-abdominal cavity. Plain radiography revealed a partial unstable-type pelvic fracture. Immediately, cardiac tamponade caused by the massive anterior mediastinal hematoma with internal thoracic vessel injuries was diagnosed through a median sternotomy, while a diaphragmatic rupture and hemorrhage from the intra-abdominal cavity were diagnosed through right anterior-lateral thoracotomy. Furthermore, massive bowel and mesenteric vessel injuries were diagnosed through laparotomy; all of these injuries were treated sequentially as a simplified process. The patient then underwent transcatheter arterial embolization for the retroperitoneal hematoma and the pelvic fracture. Reestablishing intestinal continuity was performed after intensive care. All procedures were seamlessly performed by trained emergency physicians, and the postoperative course was uneventful, with the patient recovering completely after rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: The capability to perform complete resuscitative treatments that seamlessly combine surgery and interventional radiology in the appropriate order is important for the survival of patients with multiple traumatic injuries.

Efficacy of early anticoagulant therapy for venous thromboembolism in polytrauma patients in the acute phase.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether antithrombotic therapy with warfarin is effective and safe in patients who developed venous thromboembolism in the acute stage of polytrauma, which is associated with bleeding risk. METHOD: A retrospective study of 11 patients (8 males, 3 females; mean age, 39.8 years; injury severity score, 30.1; no fatalities) with deep venous thromboembolism and/or pulmonary embolism who were medicated with heparin and warfarin during their iCU stay. RESULTS: Thrombosis was diagnosed at an average of 11.8 days after admission. Thrombus formation was confirmed in pulmonary arteries in 5 cases and in deep veins in 9 cases. Diagnosis was based on Doppler ultrasound findings in 6 cases and on computed tomography findings in 5 cases. anticoagulant therapy was used in 10 cases, but not in 1 case with cerebral contusion. approximately 33 days after starting anticoagulant therapy, thrombi had disappeared or were reduced in size in 9 of 10 patients with no complications observed. CONCLUSIONS: Heparin and warfarin therapy cleared deep vein and pulmonary artery thrombosis after polytrauma without any bleeding complications. Further studies are necessary to determine the safe anticoagulant dosage and duration for rapid thrombus removal.

Sudden asphyxia caused by retropharyngeal hematoma after blunt thyrocervical artery injury.

BACKGROUND: Retropharyngeal hematomas are often associated with blunt cervical spine injury. Generally, they improve with conservative treatment; however, rarely, airway obstruction occurs due to delayed swelling of retropharyngeal hematoma. OBJECTIVES: To report a case of sudden asphyxia due to retropharyngeal hematoma caused by blunt thyrocervical artery injury. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old woman was admitted to the Emergency Department of Tokai University Hospital 4h after injury in a motor vehicle collision. On arrival, she had severe dyspnea and neck swelling; thereafter, a 26-mm-thick retropharyngeal swelling was visualized on lateral cervical plain X-ray study, extending from C1 anterior vertebrae to mediastinum. Emergency intubation was performed for the asphyxia. Because extravasation of contrast agent was observed in the hematoma on emergency contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan, emergency angiography was performed, from which we diagnosed a hemorrhage from the right thyrocervical artery. CONCLUSION: If a patient with a non-displaced cervical spine injury suffers airway obstruction due to retropharyngeal hematoma, vigorous hemorrhage from a thyrocervical artery injury should be considered as the cause, and emergency contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck should be performed after emergent tracheal intubation.

Gluteal compartment syndrome due to prolonged immobilization after alcohol intoxication: a case report.

Gluteal compartment syndrome is a relatively rare condition that mostly result from atraumatic causes such as prolonged immobilization due to drug abuse or alcoholic intoxication and incorrect positioning during surgical procedures rather than traumatic causes. Early diagnosis is difficult and sometimes delayed or overlooked because of poor physical signs resulting from altered mental status and inappropriate diagnosis by clinicians. It has been reported that more than half of the cases of gluteal compartment syndrome are associated with crush syndrome and sciatic nerve palsy. Early diagnosis and immediate fasciotomy are necessary to improve the functional prognosis. Here, we report the case of a patient with gluteal compartment syndrome caused by prolonged immobilization after acute alcoholic intoxication. After disease onset, the patient developed complications of crush syndrome and sciatic nerve palsy, but immediate fasciotomy improved his condition.

Efficacy of portable and percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass rewarming versus that of conventional internal rewarming for patients with accidental deep hypothermia.

OBJECTIVE: Since 2001, at our institution, a portable and percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass system has been used for rewarming of patients with accidental deep hypothermia. Before 2001, a conventional internal rewarming technique was used. The aim of this research is to examine the efficacy of portable and percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass for rewarming of patients with accidental severe hypothermia and compare it with that of conventional rewarming methods. DESIGN: Historical study. SETTING: The exclusive emergency medical center and trauma center level 1 in Western Kanagawa, Japan. PATIENTS: From April 1992 to March 2009, 70 patients with accidental deep hypothermia (core temperature <28°C) were transferred to our hospital. Two patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage on initial head computed tomography scans. These two patients were excluded because each required an emergency operation. Therefore, 68 patients were included in this study. We compared patients' clinical characteristics and outcomes. The parameters included the following: sex, age, vital signs on arrival to our hospital (Glasgow coma Scale scores, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, core temperature), electrocardiogram on arrival to our hospital, rewarming speed, time of rewarming until 34°C was reached, ventricular fibrillation occurrence rate during rewarming, cause of cold environmental exposure, Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, and mortality. In addition, we divided the conventional and portable and percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass rewarming groups into two categories depending on whether cardiopulmonary arrest occurred on arrival to our hospital. We also compared the survival rate and average Glasgow Outcome Scale scores for each group. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients' clinical backgrounds did not differ significantly between the conventional and portable and percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass rewarming groups. Glasgow Outcome Scale scores and survival rates of the portable and percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass rewarming group patients, irrespective of whether cardiopulmonary arrest was experienced on arrival to our hospital, were significantly higher than those of the conventional rewarming group. CONCLUSIONS: Portable and percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass rewarming can improve the mortality rates and Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of accidental deep hypothermia patients.

Characteristics of elderly Japanese patients with severe burns.

In this study, we report the clinical characteristics of elderly Japanese patients with severe burns. We studied the clinical features of 76 adult patients with severe burns, 35 of whom (46.1%) were ≥65 years old. We evaluated the characteristics of patients with respect to each type of burn. In addition, we studied the rate of death and survival in the elderly and also between the elderly and non-elderly patients. The following parameters were either assessed or compared between the elderly and non-elderly: gender, average age, vital signs (Glasgow Coma Scale, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate) and PaO(2)/FiO(2) (P/F) ratio at admission, cause of burn and a history of physical or psychiatric disease. Further, we investigated whether the burn was caused by attempting suicide and determined the percent total body surface area (%TBSA), second- and third-degree burn area, burn index (BI), prognostic burn index (PBI), presence of tracheal burns, presence of alcohol intoxication and overdose poisoning, presence of tracheal intubation, outcome and cause of death. The male:female ratio of the elderly patients was 17:18 (average age, 78.1 (8.2) years). Burns were mostly caused by flame (26/35), followed by scalding (8/35). Ten patients had attempted suicide. The %TBSA, second-degree burn area, third-degree burn area, BI and PBI, respectively were 46.6% (26.7%), 15.3% (19.0%), 35.6% (26.0%), 41.1 (25.2) and 119.2 (25.9). Of the 35 patients, 23 died. The notable characteristics of the elderly patients who died were flame as the cause of the burns: high %TBSA, BI and PBI, and a high rate of tracheal intubation. Elderly patients constituted approximately 45% of our study population. Most burns were caused by flames. The incidence of accidental bathtub-related burns was higher and that of suicide attempts was lower in the elderly patients, as compared with the non-elderly patients. Severe burns were fatal for elderly patients. Therefore, elderly Japanese people should be educated on how to prevent non-intentional burns.

A 92-year-old man with retropharyngeal hematoma caused by an injury of the anterior longitudinal ligament.

Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare condition and may be lethal in some cases. In patients with this condition, the absence of a vertebral fracture or a major vascular injury is extremely rare. We present the case of a 92-year-old man who hit his forehead by slipping on the floor in his house. He had no symptoms at the time; however, he experienced throat pain and dyspnea at 6 hours after the injury. On arrival, he complained of severe dyspnea; therefore, an emergency endotracheal intubation was performed. A lateral neck roentgenogram after intubation showed dilatation of the retropharyngeal and retrotracheal space and no evidence of a cervical vertebral fracture. Cervical computed tomography (CT) with contrast medium revealed a massive hematoma extending from the retropharyngeal to the superior mediastinal space but no evidence of contrast medium extravasation or a vertebral fracture. However, sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an anterior longitudinal ligament (C4-5 levels) injury. We determined that the cause of the hematoma was an anterior longitudinal ligament injury and a minor vascular injury around the injured ligament. Therefore, we recommend that patients with retropharyngeal hematoma undergo sagittal cervical MRI when roentgenography and CT reveal no evidence of injury.

Curative resection by hybrid 2-port HALS in a patient with advanced cecal cancer invading the urinary bladder: a case report.

A 67-year-old woman was referred to our department for assessment of a tumor in the right lower abdomen. Advanced cecal cancer invading the urinary bladder was diagnosed, and laparoscopy assisted colorectal surgery (LACS)-hybrid 2-port hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) was performed in February 2008. Intraoperative laparoscopic observation revealed direct invasion of the urinary bladder by the primary tumor, so an approximately 6-cm transverse suprapubic incision was made. Under direct vision through this incision, full-thickness partial cystectomy was performed to remove the tumor invading the bladder. Then D3 right hemicolectomy was performed under pneumoperitoneum. In this patient with advanced cecal cancer invading the bladder, we performed radical curative surgery by hybrid 2-port HALS, a minimally invasive procedure in which a 6-cm incision was made in addition to the hand access site and favorable results were obtained.

One-year follow-up and convalescence evaluated by nuclear medicine studies and 24-hour holter electrocardiogram in 11 patients with myocardial injury due to a blunt chest trauma.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports on long-term convalescence with regard to cardiac injury caused by blunt chest trauma. Nuclear medicine study of the heart (NMSH) in the early stages of injury is reportedly superior to detect the correlation between injury and fatal arrhythmia. Therefore, we prospectively performed NMSH and Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) in the early and chronic stages for a cardiac injury patient, and we longitudinally examined the recovery process and the occurrence of fatal arrhythmia. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 202 patients with blunt chest trauma were admitted to our hospital between April 2006 and January 2007. Of 65 patients who were diagnosed with cardiac injury by ECG, a myocardial enzyme, or cardiac ultrasonography, 11 were enrolled in this study because they agreed to outpatient visiting for regular examinations for 1 year. NMSH showed positive findings in 6 of the 11 patients in the acute period of <1 month. Twelve months later, five patients improved but still exhibited protracted cardiac damage without complete recovery. Among the six patients in whom NMSH showed positive findings, Holter ECG indicated an abnormal finding in two patients in the acute period and in four patients in the chronic period, and detected one patient with a nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in the chronic period. CONCLUSION: Cardiac injuries may exacerbate cardiac functions and lead to fatal arrhythmia during the chronic period. Therefore, evaluating recovery for at least 12 months after myocardial damage is necessary to prevent sudden cardiac death.

Hybrid 2-port hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery for the 2-stage treatment of a complete bowel obstruction by distal sigmoid colon cancer: a case report.

In July 2008, a 40-year-old man presented to his local physician with diffuse abdominal pain and severe abdominal distension. Impending bowel rupture due to colonic obstruction was strongly suspected. Complete obstruction of the distal sigmoid colon by a tumor was diagnosed, and emergency surgery was performed. A sigmoid colon loop colostomy was created within the range of subsequent resection to relieve the obstruction. After his general condition had improved and the risks were assessed, curative resection including removal of the stoma was performed by hybrid 2-port hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery. The tumor showed invasion of the serosa without lymph node metastasis, and its pathological diagnosis was stage II. Postoperatively, mild wound infection occurred at the hand access site (stoma), but it resolved with conservative treatment, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 13. This case is reported here because of the good results.

Two cases in which myocardial injury could be only evaluated by nuclear medicine studies on electric shock patients whose electrocardiogram and myocardial enzyme levels were normal.

Heart injury due to electric shock is currently diagnosed based on electrocardiogram (ECG) changes or elevated levels of myocardial enzymes or both. However, the rate at which ECG detects abnormalities is very low; thus, the estimated rate of the diagnosis of myocardial damage due to electric shock is lower than the actual rate. The method of nuclear medicine study of the heart is superior with regard to evaluating transient ischemia, such as angina pectoris, in patients whose ECG and myocardial enzyme levels are normal. Therefore, we attempted to diagnose transient myocardial damage in electric shock patients by using nuclear medicine study of the heart.

Trans-anal reinforcing sutures after double stapling for lower rectal cancer: report of two cases.

To safely avoid the construction of a covering stoma in patients with advanced lower rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopy assisted colorectal surgery (LACS), we added circumferential manual reinforcing sutures via the transanal approach at the site of mechanical anastomosis. In June 2008, LACS was performed for a tumor of 6 cm in longer diameter in the Rb region of the lower rectum approximately 5 cm from the anal verge. After intraperitoneal coloproctal anastomosis was performed in the pelvis by the double stapling technique (DST), reinforcement was provided by manual trans-anal suturing (trans-anal reinforcing sutures: TARS). A covering stoma was constructed because this was a high-risk case. Complications such as mild wound infection and stoma trouble occurred, and the patient was discharged after conservative therapy. In June 2008, LACS was performed for a tumor of 5 cm in longer diameter in the Ra region of the lower rectum approximately 7 cm from the anal verge. After intraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis was performed in the pelvis by DST, TARS were added to avoid a covering stoma. Minor leakage occurred postoperatively, but this was controlled conservatively and the patient was discharged. In patients having surgical treatment of advanced lower rectal cancer, good results were obtained by adding circumferential reinforcing sutures via the trans-anal approach at the site of ultra-low anastomosis after DST.