Nonskeletal injuries related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation: An autopsy study.

The current standard technique for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), initially described in the early 1960s, has quickly become the expected response for all persons found without a pulse or respiration. Despite the potentially lifesaving properties of external cardiac massage, the mainstay of resuscitation, it consists of repeated blunt force trauma to the chest, which can lead to extensive traumatic skeletal and nonskeletal injuries. Numerous autopsy-based studies have documented the incidence and patterns of rib and sternal fractures associated with attempted CPR, but there is relatively little data on the incidence and severity of nonskeletal CPR-related injuries. We reviewed reports from 1878 autopsies performed between September 2017 and December 2019 (inclusive), for documentation of CPR-related injuries. Among these cases, there were 93 cases with resuscitation-related nonskeletal injuries. The most common type of injury identified were visceral contusions, documented in 57.0% of cases. These contusions predominantly involved the heart, lungs, neck soft tissue, and surrounding structures. Resuscitation-related lacerations were seen in 17.2% of the cases, most predominantly involving the pericardium, heart, and liver. Statistical analysis of the data demonstrated that lacerations were more likely to be seen in females and with associated sternal fractures. Additionally, hemothoraces were present in 34.4% of cases and hemopericardium was seen in 8.6% of cases. This study provides additional documentation of the range, severity, and incidence of various types of resuscitation-related visceral injuries to better assist autopsy pathologists in distinguishing these injuries from other antecedent traumatic injuries.

Reanimación cardiopulmonar extrahospitalaria / Out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation

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The German Evidence-Based Child Protection Guideline - Imaging in Suspected Child Abuse. / Die deutsche S3-Kinderschutzleitlinie ­ Bildgebung bei Verdacht auf Kindesmisshandlung.

AIM: Development of a fully evidence-based guideline including all aspects of child abuse. METHODS: In a case-based procedure, 144 primary PICO questions were generated from 476 presented cases of child abuse. Literature research was performed in 5 databases (Pubmed, CINHAL, Embase, PsycInfo, Eric) and in the Cochrane Library. The literature was evaluated according to SIGN and AGREE II. RESULTS: 137 recommendations were developed. Those related to imaging procedures are presented and discussed in this article. CONCLUSION: The first fully evidence-based German guideline concerning all aspects of child abuse has been established. For imaging, several relevant new approaches have been proposed. KEY POINTS: · The average radiation exposure is significantly reduced for the whole group of examined children.. · The pelvic view and lateral spine are no longer basic views of the skeletal survey but are only performed additionally in the case of a positive survey.. · Oblique views and a follow-up survey are performed in the case of a negative skeletal survey and ongoing suspicion of child abuse.. CITATION FORMAT: · Born M, Schwier F, Stoever B et al. The German Evidence-Based Child Protection Guideline - Imaging in Suspected Child Abuse. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 343 - 348.

Abscesos residuales en apendicitis aguda: comparación entre abordaje laparotómico vs. laparoscópico / Residual abscesses in acute appendicitis: comparison between laparotomy vs. laparoscopic / Abcessos residuais na apendicite aguda: comparação entre laparotômico vs. laparoscópico

La apendicitis aguda es la urgencia quirúrgica más frecuente con una incidencia de 1.17 pacientes/1,000 habitantes. Con el advenimiento de la laparoscopía, un nuevo enfoque mini invasivo surgió para el tratamiento de la apendicitis aguda. Se han demostrado algunas ventajas de este abordaje como menor dolor posoperatorio, incisiones más pequeñas, estadías hospitalarias más cortas y un rápido reintegro a las actividades diarias y laborales, con menor frecuencia de infecciones a nivel de la herida operatoria. Sin embargo, se ha asociado también con un aumento en la frecuencia de abscesos residuales intra-abdominales. En este trabajo analizamos de manera retrospectiva a todos los pacientes operados en el Hospital Maciel de Montevideo, a los que se les realizó una apendicectomía entre el 1° de Junio de 2013 y el 30 de junio de 2016, tanto por vía laparoscópica como laparotómica. Esto correspondió a un total de 426 pacientes. 235 (55%) eran hombres y 191 (45%) mujeres. La media de edad fue de 32,6 en un rango desde los 15 años hasta los 96 años de edad. 128 pacientes presentaban apendicitis edematosas (30%), 157 apendicitis flemonosa (36,9%) 76 pacientes apendicitis gangrenosas (17,8%) 37 pacientes absceso o plastrón (8,7%) y peritonitis en 28 pacientes (6,6%). Con respecto al abordaje, 287 se realizaron por vía laparoscópica (67,4%) y 139 se abordaron por vía laparotómica (32,6%). Los abscesos residuales representan el 3,28% del total, no habiendo diferencias significativas entre los diferentes abordajes. La gran mayoría de estos abscesos residuales pueden tratarse con antibioticoterapia exclusivamente. La tasa de conversión fue del 8,7%. No se observaron lesiones de víscera hueca con el abordaje laparoscópico en esta serie.

Acute appendicitis is the most frequent surgical emergency with an incidence of 17 patients/1,000 inhabitants. With the advent of laparoscopy, a new mini-invasive approach emerged for the treatment of acute appendicitis. Some advantages of this approach have been demonstrated, such as less postoperative pain, smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays and a rapid reintegration to daily and work activities, with a lower frequency of infections at the level of the operative wound. However, it has also been associated with an increase in the frequency of intra-abdominal residual abscesses. In this paper, we retrospectively analyzed all patients operated on at the Maciel Hospital in Montevideo, who underwent an appendectomy between June 1, 2013 and June 30, 2016, both laparoscopically and laparotomically. Of these 235 (55%) were men and 191 (45%) women. The average age was 32.6 in a range from 15 years to 96 years of age. 128 patients presented edematous appendicitis (30%), 157 phlegmonous appendicitis (36.9%), 76 patients gangrenous appendicitis (17.8%), 37 patients presented abscess or plastron (8.7%), and peritonitis had developed in 28 patients (6.6%). Regarding the approach, 287 were performed laparoscopically (67.4%) and 139 were approached via laparotomy (32.6%). The residual abscesses rate represents 3.28% of the series, with no significant differences in incidence between the two different approaches. The vast majority of these residual abscesses can be treated with antibiotic therapy alone. The conversion rate was 8.7%. No intestinal lesions were observed with the laparoscopic approach in this series.

A apendicite aguda é a emergência cirúrgica mais freqüente, com uma incidência de 17 pacientes/1.000 habitantes. Com o advento da laparoscopia, uma nova abordagem mini-invasiva surgiu para o tratamento da apendicite aguda. Isto têm demonstrado algumas vantagens, como menor dor pós-operatória, incisões menores, menor hospitalização e restabelecimento mais rápido as atividades diárias e ao trabalho, assim como infecções menos freqüentes ao nível da ferida cirúrgica. No entanto, também foi associado a um aumento na freqüência de abscessos residuais intra-abdominais. Foram analisados retrospectivamente todos os pacientes operados no Hospital Maciel de Montevidéu, submetidos a uma apendicectomia desde o dia 01 de Junho de 2013 a 30 de Junho de 2016, tanto por abordagem laparoscópica como laparotomica. Destes, 235 (55%) eram homens e 191 (45%) mulheres. A idade média foi de 32,6 com intervalo de 15 anos a 96 anos de idade. 128 pacientes apresentaram apendicite edematosa (30%), 157 apendicite flemonosa (36,9%) 76 pacientes apendicite gangrenosa (17,8%) 37 pacientes abscesso ou plastrão (8,7%) e peritonite em 28 pacientes (6,6% ) Quanto à abordagem, foram realizadas 287 apendicectomias por via laparoscópica (67,4%) e 139 foram abordadas por laparotomia (32,6%). Os abscessos residuais representam 3,28% do total, não havendo diferenças significativas entre as diferentes abordagens. A grande maioria desses abscessos residuais pode ser tratada apenas com antibioticoterapia. A taxa de conversão foi de 8,7% Nenhuma lesão visceral foi observada com a abordagem laparoscópica nesta série.

Prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation with manual or mechanical chest compression: A study of compression-induced injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Concerns for iatrogenic injuries associated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation led us to investigate the extent and the pattern of chest compression-related injuries in patients subjected to either mechanical and/or manual cardiac compression. METHOD: In a retrospective study, we performed a manual review of all prehospital discharge reports, in-hospital records, and autopsy reports for evidence of injuries related to chest compression. We included all patients receiving physician-administrated treatment for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the Region of Southern Denmark from 2015 to 2017. RESULTS: Eighty four patients undergoing manual and mechanical chest compression and 353 patients with manual chest compression only were included. Unadjusted, mechanical chest compression as an adjunct was associated with a higher risk of injuries than manual chest compression (P < 0.001, odds ratio, OR 3.10). Adjusted for the duration of compression, this difference waned. Visceral injuries were more frequent in patients receiving mechanical chest compression even when adjusted for the duration of compression, age, sex, body mass index and anticoagulant therapy (P < 0.001, OR 29.84). We found a higher incidence of potentially life-threatening injuries in patients receiving mechanical chest compression. The occurrence of injuries overall was associated with the duration of chest compression (P = 0.02, OR 1.02). CONCLUSION: Mechanical chest compression as an adjunct to manual chest compression was strongly associated with potentially life-threatening visceral injuries. The duration of chest compression was associated with injury. Our results suggest that mechanical chest compression should only be applied in situations where manual chest compression is unfeasible.

Abdomen agudo por actinomicosis / Acute abdomen caused by actinomycosis

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The spectrum of injuries resulting from abdominal stab wounds with isolated omental evisceration: A South African experience.

INTRODUCTION: The spectrum of injury associated with anterior abdominal stab wounds (SWs) is well established. The literature in the specific setting of isolated omental evisceration is limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed our experience of 244 consecutive patients with established indications for laparotomy over an eight year period at a major trauma centre in South Africa. RESULTS: Of the 244 patients (93% male, mean age: 27 years), 224 (92) underwent immediate laparotomy (IL). Twenty were initially observed and eventually required a laparotomy (delayed laparotomy, DL). The mean time from injury to decision for laparotomy was <3 h in 92% (224/244), <6 h in 6% (14/244), <12 h 2% (4/244) and <18 h in 1% (2/244). Ninety-eight per cent (238/244) of laparotomies were positive and 96% of the positive laparotomies (229/238) were considered therapeutic. The mostly commonly injured organ encountered on laparotomy were small bowel, stomach and colon. CONCLUSIONS: The most commonly injures encountered are intestinal and gastric. Clinicians must remain vigilant as injuries may be subtle.

Morbid Obesity's Silver Lining: An Armor for Hollow Viscus in Blunt Abdominal Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity is usually accompanied by both subcutaneous and visceral fat accumulation. Fat can mimic an air bag, absorbing the force of a collision. We hypothesized that morbid obesity is mechanically protective for hollow viscus organs in blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was queried for BAT patients from 2013 to 2015. We looked at the rate of gastrointestinal (GI) tract injuries in all BAT patients with different BMIs. A subset analysis of BAT patients with operative GI tract injuries was performed to evaluate the need for abdominal operation. Multivariate analyses were carried out to identify factors independently associated with increased GI tract injuries and associated abdominal operations. RESULTS: A total of 100,459 BAT patients were evaluated in the NTDB. Patients with GI tract injury had a lower proportion of morbidly obese patients [body weight index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2)] (3.7% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.015) and instead had more underweight patients (BMI < 18.5) (5.9% vs. 5.0%, p < 0.001). The risk of GI tract injury decreased 11.6% independently in morbidly obese patients and increased 15.7% in underweight patients. Of the patients with GI tract injuries (N = 11,467), patients who needed a GI operation had a significantly lower proportion of morbidly obese patients (3.2% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001). The risk of abdominal operation for GI tract injury decreased 57.3% independently in morbidly obese patients. Compared with underweight patients, morbidly obese patients had significantly less GI tract injury (6.0% vs. 13.3%, p < 0.001) and associated abdominal operation rates (65.2% vs. 73.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Obesity is protective in BAT. This translates into lower rates of GI tract injury and operation in morbidly obese patients. In contrast, underweight patients appear to suffer a higher rate of GI tract injury and associated GI operations.

Teaching courses in the management of visceral trauma. / Docencia en el manejo del traumatismo visceral.

Several changes introduced in the management of trauma during the last two decades have considerably decreased the practical exposure to bleeding trauma patients by residents and young surgeons. Hemorrhage still represents the second cause of death from trauma worldwide, and the surgical maneuvers required for its control must be learned and practised in specific courses. These courses address the "second hour" of trauma, beyond ATLS©, and also emphasize the decision-making process, communication among team members, and discussion of clinical scenarios. The significant progress made in simulation technologies and virtual reality systems have yet to replace living tissue models to train surgeons in the rapid control of active bleeding, although that replacement is probably not far away.

Docencia en el manejo del traumatismo visceral / Teaching courses in the management of visceral trauma

Diversos cambios introducidos en la atención al paciente traumatizado en las dos últimas décadas han hecho disminuir considerablemente la exposición práctica al manejo de las lesiones viscerales y hemorrágicas por parte de los MIR y cirujanos jóvenes. Esta hemorragia sigue siendo la segunda causa de muerte por trauma a nivel mundial, y determinadas maniobras quirúrgicas necesarias para su control adquieren a menudo una importancia crítica, debiendo ser aprendidas y ensayadas en cursos específicos. Son cursos dirigidos a la «segunda hora», más allá del ATLS(C), y enfatizan también el proceso de toma de decisiones, discusión de casos clínicos y comunicación entre los miembros del equipo multidisciplinar. Los avances significativos experimentados en las tecnologías de simulación y los sistemas de realidad virtual no han logrado aún reemplazar a los modelos tisulares vivos para entrenar al cirujano en el control del sangrado activo de una manera rápida, aunque sin duda lo harán en un futuro no lejano

Several changes introduced in the management of trauma during the last two decades have considerably decreased the practical exposure to bleeding trauma patients by residents and young surgeons. Hemorrhage still represents the second cause of death from trauma worldwide, and the surgical maneuvers required for its control must be learned and practised in specific courses. These courses address the "second hour" of trauma, beyond ATLS(c), and also emphasize the decision-making process, communication among team members, and discussion of clinical scenarios. The significant progress made in simulation technologies and virtual reality systems have yet to replace living tissue models to train surgeons in the rapid control of active bleeding, although that replacement is probably not far away

Clinical outcomes and effect of delayed intervention in patients with hollow viscus injury due to blunt abdominal trauma: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Hollow viscus injury (HVI) due to blunt abdominal trauma remains a diagnostic challenge, often presenting late and results in delayed intervention. Despite several treatment algorithms, there is currently no consensus on how to manage patients with HVI. The aim of this review was to define clinical outcomes and the effect of delayed intervention in patients with HVI due to blunt abdominal trauma. The primary outcome of interest was difference in mortality between groups. METHODS: Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement, a literature search was performed. Studies comparing clinical outcomes in adult patients with hollow viscus injury due to blunt abdominal trauma undergoing early or delayed laparotomy were included. Two independent reviewers screened the abstracts. RESULTS: In all, 2288 articles were retrieved. After screening, 11 studies were included. Outcomes in 3812 patients were reported. Overall mortality was 17%. Ten studies reported no difference in mortality between groups. A statistical increase in morbidity was described in five studies, and a trend to increased morbidity was seen in a further two studies. Two studies reported increased mortality in delayed intervention in isolated bowel injury. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review summarises the results of studies considering outcomes in patients with HVI due to blunt abdominal trauma who have early vs delayed intervention. Overall mortality was significant at 17%. If all patients with hollow viscus injury are considered, the majority of studies do not show an increase in mortality. As patients with isolated bowel injuries have higher mortality in the studies reviewed, to improve outcomes in this subset further investigation is warranted.

Incidence and factors associated with development of heterotopic ossification after damage control laparotomy.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) following damage control laparotomy (DCL) is unknown. Abdominal wall reconstruction may prove more challenging in patients with HO. This study examines the incidence and factors associated with HO in patients with an open abdomen following DCL. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with an open abdomen after DCL at a level 1 trauma centre from 2009 to 2015 was conducted. Demographics and peri-operative outcomes of patients with and without HO were compared. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to determine the association of peri-operative factors with the development of HO. RESULTS: 68 patients were included, of which 36 (53%) developed HO. On univariate analysis, development of HO was significantly associated with hollow viscus injury (OR, 3.89; CI 1.42-10.7), greater number of abdominal surgeries prior to definitive closure (OR, 1.84; CI, 1.10-3.05), non-fascial closure (OR, 4.33; CI, 1.44-13.1) and higher peak ALP (OR 1.01; CI, 1.00-1.02). The presence of a hollow viscus injury remained an independent predictor of HO on multivariable analysis after adjusting for covariates (OR, 3.77; CI, 1.22-11.6). CONCLUSION: Heterotopic ossification develops in a high proportion of trauma patients following damage control laparotomy, particularly in the presence of hollow viscus injury. Its impact on delayed abdominal wall reconstruction and the efficacy of prophylaxis strategies merit further investigation.

Isolated Transverse Process Spinal Fractures Increase the Likelihood of Incurring Visceral and Pelvic Injuries: A Retrospective Review at a Level-1 Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: Although isolated transverse process fractures (ITPF) do not confer any inherent risk of compromised spinal stability, there is increasing interest in their overall prognostic significance. As a proxy for localized or directional forces in high-energy traumatic mechanisms, ITPF may serve as an indicator for the presence of other coexisting traumatic injuries. Specific injuries may be predicted by the presence of ITPF at specific spinal levels, but few studies have examined this in depth and may not account for confounding variables. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 306 patients presenting with acute traumatic ITPF. ITPF number and location by spinal segment were determined from initial computed tomography. Mechanism of trauma, Injury Severity Score, and extent of non-spinal-associated injuries were recorded. Correlation analysis compared ITPF location with injury severity, non-spinal-associated injury location, type, and patterns. Significant injury associations were further explored with logistic regression analysis controlling for age, mechanism of injury, and Injury Severity Score. RESULTS: The adjusted odds of pulmonary visceral injury was 4.69 (95% confidence interval, 2.33-9.44) times higher among patients with thoracic-level ITPF compared with other ITPF levels. Lumbar ITPFs had increased odds of abdominal visceral injury (odds ratio, 4.85; P = 0.0002), pelvic fractures (odds ratio, 4.2; P < 0.0001). The number needed to scan to observe a pelvic injury among patients with lumbar ITPF was 3. Other significant associations were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal level of ITPF is associated with increased likelihood of specific patterns of injury, and additional investigation is warranted.

Visceral and gastrointestinal complications in robotic urologic surgery. / Complicaciones viscerales y gastrointestinales en la cirugía urológica robótica.

INTRODUCTION: with the widespread use of minimally invasive techniques, robot-assisted urologic surgery has become widely adopted. Despite their infrequency, visceral and gastrointestinal complications could be life-threatening. OBJECTIVES: To identify the main gastrointestinal injuries that occur in a robot-assisted urologic surgery. To know the overall incidence and how is their management. ACQUISITION OF THE EVIDENCE: Search in PubMed of articles related to visceral and gastrointestinal complications in robot-assisted urology surgery, written in English or Spanish. Relevant publications as well literature reviews and chapters from books were reviewed. SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE: Along with vascular injuries, visceral and gastrointestinal lesions are among most dangerous complications. A complete preoperative study to individualize each patient characteristics and the correct use of imaging could help us to avoid complications in the first place. To know all the risky steps in the different robotic urologic procedures will let us anticipate the damage. Knowledge of main and most dangerous injuries in the different abdominal and pelvic organs is fully recommended. Early diagnosis and evaluation of lesions will let us an acute management during surgery. Recognition delay could change a repairable injury into a life-threatening situation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the undeniable benefits of robotic approach, there are minor and major gastrointestinal injuries that all urologic surgeons must know. Those related with trocar placement are especially important. Immediate diagnosis and management is mandatory.

Impact of Abdominal Follow-Up Sonography in Trauma Patients Without Abdominal Parenchymal Organ Lesion or Free Intraabdominal Fluid in Whole-Body Computed Tomography.

Purpose Patients suffering from severe blunt abdominal trauma are challenging because of their need for accurate diagnostic imaging and fast therapeutic action. Whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) is highly sensitive and represents the gold standard in the trauma room diagnostic setting. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact and therapy relevance of abdominal follow-up sonography (AFS) as part of the tertiary trauma survey (TTS) in patients without abdominal parenchymal organ lesions or free abdominal fluid in initial WBCT. Materials and Methods All adult patients without abdominal parenchymal organ lesions or free intraabdominal fluid in the initial WBCT examination, who received AFS within 24 hours after trauma, were included in this retrospective analysis between January 2008 and December 2011. Results 316 patients were analyzed (ISS 10 ±â€Š8, NISS 13 ±â€Š11) according to the inclusion criteria. Overall, only small amounts of free intraabdominal fluid were detected in AFS in 3 patients (0.9 %) and remained without therapeutic consequence. None of the patients died due to intraabdominal bleeding. Conclusion AFS as part of the TTS did not show additional benefits and had no impact on further treatment in patients without abdominal parenchymal organ lesions or free intraabdominal fluid in the initial WBCT examination. We conclude that AFS is not routinely required but should be performed if indicated on a clinical or laboratory basis because of its fast and less invasive character. Key points · Seriously injured patients are challenging for medical imaging and treatment.. · Whole-body computed tomography is known for its high accuracy in trauma patients.. · Nonetheless, missed injuries are a major challenge in trauma patients.. · Therefore, follow-up ultrasound is often performed within the tertiary trauma survey.. · Follow-up ultrasound in patients with an inconspicuous abdominal computed tomography scan did not show any benefit.. Citation Format · Schneck E, Koch C, Borgards M et al. Impact of Abdominal Follow-Up Sonography in Trauma Patients Without Abdominal Parenchymal Organ Lesion or Free Intraabdominal Fluid in Whole-Body Computed Tomography. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2017; 189: 128 - 136.

Hollow viscus injury due to blunt trauma. Epidemiology and outcome in a large urban area.

INTRODUCTION: Hollows viscus injury (HVI) is a rare occurrence and represents a clinical challenge because of its subtle and nonspecific clinical findings. The specific aims of this study were to determine the overall frequency of HVI in blunt trauma patients occurring in large urban area, the relative frequency of various hollow organ injuries, and the outcomes of such injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective trauma registry review was performed by analysing data from the University Hospital Sant' Andrea in Rome and data from the Emergency Surgery and Trauma Care Unit of S. Filippo Neri Hospital in Rome The clinical records of all blunt abdominal trauma observed between January 2006 and December 2014 were blind analysed. Variables considered for analysis were: sex, age, time/type of trauma, associated injuries, timing/characteristics of operative treatment, ISS, AIS, length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Seventy-one, 7.5% of all abdominal trauma recorded, were coded having 89 HVI. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 29.6% (n=21/71) and 19.7% (n=14/71) respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that only WBC (p=0.007) was significant independent predictor of morbidity whereas preoperative transfusion (p=0.010) and ISS (p<0.001) were significant risk factors for mortality. DISCUSSION: HVI is rarely found in patients with blunt abdominal trauma and it can be fatal and life-threatening, particularly in patients for whom a pertinent diagnosis is delayed. CONCLUSION: It appears clearly that during an ER evaluation of a blunt abdominal trauma an HIV has nowadays always to be considered to reach a quick diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention. KEY WORDS: Emergency, Hollow Viscus Injury, Surgery, Trauma.

Trocar types in laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has led to great clinical improvements in many fields of surgery; however, it requires the use of trocars, which may lead to complications as well as postoperative pain. The complications include intra-abdominal vascular and visceral injury, trocar site bleeding, herniation and infection. Many of these are extremely rare, such as vascular and visceral injury, but may be life-threatening; therefore, it is important to determine how these types of complications may be prevented. It is hypothesised that trocar-related complications and pain may be attributable to certain types of trocars. This systematic review was designed to improve patient safety by determining which, if any, specific trocar types are less likely to result in complications and postoperative pain. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the rates of trocar-related complications and postoperative pain for different trocar types used in people undergoing laparoscopy, regardless of the condition. SEARCH METHODS: Two experienced librarians conducted a comprehensive search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, CDSR and DARE (up to 26 May 2015). We checked trial registers and reference lists from trial and review articles, and approached content experts. SELECTION CRITERIA: RCTs that compared rates of trocar-related complications and postoperative pain for different trocar types used in people undergoing laparoscopy. The primary outcomes were major trocar-related complications, such as mortality, conversion due to any trocar-related adverse event, visceral injury, vascular injury and other injuries that required intensive care unit (ICU) management or a subsequent surgical, endoscopic or radiological intervention. Secondary outcomes were minor trocar-related complications and postoperative pain. We excluded trials that studied non-conventional laparoscopic incisions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently conducted the study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. We used GRADE to assess the overall quality of the evidence. We performed sensitivity analyses and investigation of heterogeneity, where possible. MAIN RESULTS: We included seven RCTs (654 participants). One RCT studied four different trocar types, while the remaining six RCTs studied two different types. The following trocar types were examined: radially expanding versus cutting (six studies; 604 participants), conical blunt-tipped versus cutting (two studies; 72 participants), radially expanding versus conical blunt-tipped (one study; 28 participants) and single-bladed versus pyramidal-bladed (one study; 28 participants). The evidence was very low quality: limitations were insufficient power, very serious imprecision and incomplete outcome data. Primary outcomesFour of the included studies reported on visceral and vascular injury (571 participants), which are two of our primary outcomes. These RCTs examined 473 participants where radially expanding versus cutting trocars were used. We found no evidence of a difference in the incidence of visceral (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06 to 15.32) and vascular injury (Peto OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.0 to 7.16), both very low quality evidence. However, the incidence of these types of injuries were extremely low (i.e. two cases of visceral and one case of vascular injury for all of the included studies). There were no cases of either visceral or vascular injury for any of the other trocar type comparisons. No studies reported on any other primary outcomes, such as mortality, conversion to laparotomy, intensive care admission or any re-intervention. Secondary outcomesFor trocar site bleeding, the use of radially expanding trocars was associated with a lower risk of trocar site bleeding compared to cutting trocars (Peto OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.54, five studies, 553 participants, very low quality evidence). This suggests that if the risk of trocar site bleeding with the use of cutting trocars is assumed to be 11.5%, the risk with the use of radially expanding trocars would be 3.5%. There was insufficient evidence to reach a conclusion regarding other trocar types, their related complications and postoperative pain, as no studies reported data suitable for analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Data were lacking on the incidence of major trocar-related complications, such as visceral or vascular injury, when comparing different trocar types with one another. However, caution is urged when interpreting these results because the incidence of serious complications following the use of a trocar was extremely low. There was very low quality evidence for minor trocar-related complications suggesting that the use of radially expanding trocars compared to cutting trocars leads to reduced incidence of trocar site bleeding. These secondary outcomes are viewed to be of less clinical importance.Large, well-conducted observational studies are necessary to answer the questions addressed in this review because serious complications, such as visceral or vascular injury, are extremely rare. However, for other outcomes, such as trocar site herniation, bleeding or infection, large observational studies may be needed as well. In order to answer these questions, it is advisable to establish an international network for recording these types of complications following laparoscopic surgery.