Utility of Torso Imaging for Elderly Patients Sustaining Ground-Level Falls.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography (CT) of the torso has become increasingly common for assessment of fall patients in the emergency department. Some data suggest that older adults (≥65) may benefit from torso imaging more than younger patients. We sought to evaluate the usage and utility of CT imaging for elderly patients presenting after ground-level falls (GLFs) from 1 meter or less at our level 1 trauma center. METHODS: Patients ≥18 presenting with GLF in 2015-2019 were included. Data were obtained through chart and trauma registry review. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the use of CT imaging for patients younger than versus older than 65 y old. Three multivariate logistic regression models with age as a continuous, binary (<65 versus ≥65), or categorical (in multiples of 5) variable were used to investigate whether age is associated with an increased identification of traumatic injury not previously suspected or known based on physical exam (PE) or plain radiograph after GLF. RESULTS: A total of 522 patients <65 and 673 patients ≥65 y old were included. Older patients were significantly more likely to receive screening chest radiograph, screening pelvic radiograph, brain CT, and neck CT (all P < 0.001), but not torso (chest, abdomen, and pelvis) CT (P = 0.144). On multivariate logistic regression, age was not significantly associated with an increased odds of identification of traumatic injury after torso CT (continuous: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.99-1.03, P = 0.379; binary: aOR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.46-1.58, P = 0.619; categorical: aOR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.94-1.14, P = 0.453). A positive PE was the only variable associated with significantly increased odds of having an abnormal torso CT scan in all models. Only two patients ≥65 y old had injuries identified on torso CT in the context of a negative PE and negative screening imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of torso injury identification in patients sustaining GLF is not associated with age, but is strongly associated with positive PE findings. In the subset of elderly GLF patients without positive torso PE findings, more conservative use of CT imaging could decrease health-care utilization costs without compromising patient care.

Bullet holes: A novel model to identify the most impactful gaps in the firearm homicide prevention laws of each state.

BACKGROUND: Firearm homicides (FH) are a major cause of mortality in the United States. Firearm law implementation is variable across states, and legislative gaps may represent opportunities for FH prevention. For each state, we sought to identify which firearm law category would have been most effective if implemented and how effective it would have been. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study examining the effects of firearm laws on FH rates in the 48 contiguous US states 2010 to 2019. Data were obtained from the CDC WONDER and FBI UCR databases, State Firearm Law Database, and US Census. Firearm laws were grouped into 14 categories. We assessed the association between the presence of each law category and FH rate as an incidence rate ratio (IRR) using a Poisson regression accounting for state population characteristics and laws of surrounding states. We estimated the IRR for each state that did not have a given law category present and determined which of these missing law categories would have been associated with the greatest reduction in FH rate. RESULTS: FH rates varied widely across states and increased from a mean of 3.2 (SD = 1.7) to 4.2 (SD = 2.9) FH per 100,000. All law categories were significantly associated with decreased FH rate ( p < 0.05), with IRR ranging from 0.25 to 0.85. The most effective missing law category differed between states but was most commonly child access prevention (34.09% of states), assault weapons and large-capacity magazines (15.91%), preemption (15.91%), and concealed carry permitting (13.64%). In total across 2010 to 2019, we estimated that 129,599 fewer FH would have occurred with enactment of the most effective missing law category in each state. CONCLUSION: Modeling firearm law prevention of FH with regard to state legislative and population characteristics can identify the highest impact missing law categories in each state. These results can be used to inform efforts to reduce FH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Long-term outcomes of autologous vein bypass for repair of upper and lower extremity major arterial trauma.

OBJECTIVE: Autologous vein is the preferred bypass conduit for extremity arterial injuries owing to superior patency and low infection risk; however, long-term data on outcomes in civilians are limited. Our goal was to assess short- and long-term outcomes of autologous vein bypass for upper and lower extremity arterial trauma. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients with major extremity arterial injuries (2001-2019) at a level I trauma center. Demographics, injury and intervention details, and outcomes were recorded. Primary outcomes were primary patency at 1 year and 3 years. Secondary outcomes were limb function at 6 months, major amputation, and mortality. Multivariable analysis determined risk factors for functional impairment. RESULTS: There were 107 extremity arterial injuries (31.8% upper and 68.2% lower) treated with autologous vein bypass. Mechanism was penetrating in 77% of cases, of which 79.3% were due to firearms. The most frequently injured vessels were the common and superficial femoral (38%), popliteal (30%), and brachial arteries (29%). For upper extremity trauma, concomitant nerve and orthopedic injuries were found in 15 (44.1%) and 11 (32.4%) cases, respectively. For lower extremities, concomitant nerve injuries were found in 10 (13.7%) cases, and orthopedic injuries in 31 (42.5%). Great saphenous vein was the conduit in 96% of cases. Immediate intraoperative bypass revision occurred in 9.3% of patients, most commonly for graft thrombosis. The in-hospital return to operating room rate was 15.9%, with graft thrombosis (47.1%) and wound infections (23.5%) being the most common reasons. The median follow-up was 3.6 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed 92% primary patency at 1 year and 90% at 3 years. At 6 months, 36.1% of patients had functional impairment. Of patients with functional impairment at 6 months, 62.9% had concomitant nerve and 60% concomitant orthopedic injuries. Of those with nerve injury, 91.7% had functional impairment, compared with 17.8% without nerve injury (P < .001). Of patients with orthopedic injuries, 51.2% had functional impairment, vs 25% of those without orthopedic injuries (P = .01). On multivariable analysis, concomitant nerve injury (odds ratio, 127.4; 95% confidence interval, 17-957; P <. 001) and immediate intraoperative revision (odds ratio, 11.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-95.55; P = .029) were associated with functional impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous vein bypass for major extremity arterial trauma is durable; however, many patients have long-term limb dysfunction associated with concomitant nerve injury and immediate intraoperative bypass revision. These factors may allow clinicians to identify patients at higher risk for functional impairment, to outline patient expectations and direct rehabilitation efforts toward improving functional outcomes.

Timing to First Whole Blood Transfusion and Survival Following Severe Hemorrhage in Trauma Patients.

Importance: Civilian trauma centers have revived interest in whole-blood (WB) resuscitation for patients with life-threatening bleeding. However, there remains insufficient evidence that the timing of WB transfusion when given as an adjunct to a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) is associated with a difference in patient survival outcome. Objective: To evaluate whether earlier timing of first WB transfusion is associated with improved survival at 24 hours and 30 days for adult trauma patients presenting with severe hemorrhage. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program databank from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, for adult patients presenting to US and Canadian adult civilian level 1 and 2 trauma centers with systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg, with shock index greater than 1, and requiring MTP who received a WB transfusion within the first 24 hours of emergency department (ED) arrival. Patients with burns, prehospital cardiac arrest, deaths within 1 hour of ED arrival, and interfacility transfers were excluded. Data were analyzed from January 3 to October 2, 2023. Exposure: Patients who received WB as an adjunct to MTP (earlier) compared with patients who had yet to receive WB as part of MTP (later) at any given time point within 24 hours of ED arrival. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were survival at 24 hours and 30 days. Results: A total of 1394 patients met the inclusion criteria (1155 male [83%]; median age, 39 years [IQR, 25-51 years]). The study cohort included profoundly injured patients (median Injury Severity Score, 27 [IQR, 17-35]). A survival curve demonstrated a difference in survival within 1 hour of ED presentation and WB transfusion. Whole blood transfusion as an adjunct to MTP given earlier compared with later at each time point was associated with improved survival at 24 hours (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.22-0.73; P = .003). Similarly, the survival benefit of earlier WB transfusion remained present at 30 days (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.22-0.45; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, receipt of a WB transfusion earlier at any time point within the first 24 hours of ED arrival was associated with improved survival in patients presenting with severe hemorrhage. The survival benefit was noted shortly after transfusion. The findings of this study are clinically important as the earlier timing of WB administration may offer a survival advantage in actively hemorrhaging patients requiring MTP.

Re-thinking the value of cross-sectional torso imaging for ground-level fall patients with altered mental status: Outcomes from a level 1 trauma center.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with altered mental status (AMS) are often excluded from studies evaluating the utility of computed tomography of the torso (CTT) after ground level falls (GLF). It is not known whether CTT identifies otherwise undetectable injuries in patients with AMS after GLF. We sought to describe the value of performing CTT in patients with AMS after GLF, and hypothesized that CTT would not identify new, clinically significant injuries in patients with a normal torso physical exam (PE) and normal chest and pelvic radiographs (CXR/PXR). METHODS: Single-institution retrospective cohort study of GLF patients (≤1 m) with and without AMS (GCS <15, blood alcohol level >150 mg/dL, intubation prior to hospital evaluation), 2015-2019. Traumatic injury identification on CTT was evaluated in the context of normal/abnormal torso PE (based on provider documentation) and normal CXR/PXR. RESULTS: 1195 patients met inclusion criteria; 344 had AMS, of which 129 (37.5 %) underwent CTT. A further 851 patients had normal mental status, of which 180 (21.2 %) underwent CTT. Patients with a normal PE with AMS (N = 79) and without AMS (N = 38) had a similar rate of new injury discovery on CTT (6.3% vs. 7.9 %, p = 1.00). Negative PE had a negative predictive value (NPV) for identification of a new, acute traumatic injury of 92.4 % (95 % CI: 0.84-0.96) in patients with AMS while normal PE, CXR, and PXR had a NPV of 96.0 % (95 % CI: 0.80-0.99). Among patients with CTT, patients with AMS had a significantly lower rate of acute traumatic injury on CTT compared to alert patients (26.4 % vs. 48.9 %, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, AMS was not positively associated with likelihood of identifying acute traumatic injury on CTT. CONCLUSIONS: In patients sustaining GLFs who present with AMS and who otherwise have a negative PE, CXR, and PXR, CTT is very unlikely to identify new traumatic injuries. Strong consideration should be given to forego cross-sectional imaging in this patient population.

Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Surgical Profession.

INTRODUCTION: The psychological impact of treating individuals who have undergone severely traumatic experiences is known as secondary traumatic stress (STS). It has been well characterized by mental health therapists and social workers. Analysis of STS in surgeons and medical students is limited to merely a handful of studies, with only 1 paper describing STS in trauma surgeons and two describing STS in medical students. This review aims to provide a comprehensive account of existing work on STS, identify gaps in knowledge of STS in surgeons and medical students, and distinguish STS from other similar phenomena that have been commonly misidentified by recent works. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the literature in English was conducted through PubMed. MeSH terms included "STS, compassion fatigue, vicarious traumatization, and secondary trauma." All papers referenced in the identified works were screened and assessed for relevance. RESULTS: Only two studies that directly assess STS in surgeons were identified. STS levels reported varied widely between the two. Similar studies were identified that focused on burnout, compassion fatigue, or post-traumatic stress disorder, which are similar but not identical. Only 1 study evaluated STS in trauma surgeons and found that 65% of those in the study had at least 1 symptom of STS. Only two studies were identified that studied STS in medical students, but with conflicting results on prevalence. It was identified that there are various measuring tools to assess for STS symptoms but no established standard of assessment that allows for cross-comparisons. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of STS is extremely limited in surgeons and medical students, not only due to a general lack of awareness of STS but also due to confusion and misuse of other related terms. This review calls for more efforts to identify and address STS in surgeons and medical students while also standardizing methodologies that screen for STS symptoms.

Assessment of Risk Factors Correlated with Outcomes of Traumatic Lower Extremity Soft Tissue Reconstruction.

Identifying risk factors for traumatic lower extremity reconstruction outcomes has been limited by sample size. We evaluated patient and procedural characteristics associated with reconstruction outcomes using data from almost four million patients. Methods: The National Trauma Data Bank (2015-2018) was queried for lower extremity reconstructions. Univariable and multivariable analyses determined associations with inpatient outcomes. Results: There were 4675 patients with lower extremity reconstructions: local flaps (77%), free flaps (19.2%), or both (3.8%). Flaps were most commonly local fasciocutaneous (55.1%). Major injuries in reconstructed extremities were fractures (56.2%), vascular injuries (11.8%), and mangled limbs (2.9%). Ipsilateral procedures prereconstruction included vascular interventions (6%), amputations (5.6%), and fasciotomies (4.3%). Postoperative surgical site infection and amputation occurred in 2% and 2.6%, respectively. Among survivors (99%), mean total length of stay (LOS) was 23.2 ± 21.1 days and 46.8% were discharged to rehab. On multivariable analysis, vascular interventions prereconstruction were associated with increased infection [odds ratio (OR) 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-3.79, P = 0.04], amputation (OR 4.38, 95% CI 2.56-7.47, P < 0.001), prolonged LOS (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.14-2.22, P = 0.01), and discharge to rehab (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.07-2.07, P = 0.02). Free flaps were associated with prolonged LOS (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.74-2.49, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Prereconstruction vascular interventions were associated with higher incidences of adverse outcomes. Free flaps correlated with longer LOS, but otherwise similar outcomes. Investigating reasons for increased complication and healthcare utilization likelihood among these subgroups is warranted.

Antibiotic use in acute mesenteric ischemia: a review of the evidence and call to action.

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate. The standard practice after making the diagnosis includes aggressive resuscitation, anticoagulation, followed by revascularization and resection of necrotic bowel. The role of empiric antibiotics in the management of AMI is not well defined in the literature. This review article aims to examine our current understanding on this matter, based on bench research and clinical studies. It is demonstrated in animal study model that the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury damages intestinal epithelium, and subsequently lead to barrier dysfunction, a condition that can support bacterial translocation through a complex interplay between the intestinal epithelium, the intestinal immune system and the intestine's endogenous bacterial population. Based on this mechanism, it is possible that the use of antibiotics may help mitigate the consequences of I/R injury, which is examined in few animal studies. In clinical practice, many guidelines support the use of prophylactic antibiotics, based on a meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) demonstrating the benefit of antibiotics in multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. However, there is no direct reference to AMI in this meta-analysis. Most clinical studies that focus on AMI and mentions the use of antibiotics are retrospective and single institution, and very few comments on the role of antibiotics in their discussions. We conclude that there is limited evidence in literature to support the use of prophylactic antibiotic in AMI to improve outcome. More clinical studies with high level of evidence and basic science research are needed to improve our understanding on this topic and ultimately help build a better clinical pathway for patients with AMI.

Outcomes following ipsilateral great saphenous vein bypass for lower extremity arterial injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Use of autologous great saphenous vein (GSV) grafts for repair of extremity arterial injuries is well established. Contralateral great saphenous vein (cGSV) is traditionally used in the setting of lower extremity vascular injury given the risk of occult ipsilateral superficial and deep venous injury. We evaluated outcomes of ipsilateral GSV (iGSV) bypass in patients with lower extremity vascular trauma. METHODS: Patient records at an ACS verified Level I urban trauma center between 2001 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who sustained lower extremity arterial injuries managed with autologous GSV bypass were included. Propensity-matched analysis compared the iGSV and cGSV groups. Primary graft patency was assessed via Kaplan-Meier analysis at 1-year and 3-years following the index operation. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients underwent autologous GSV bypass for lower extremity vascular injuries. 61 cases (80%) were secondary to penetrating trauma, and 15 patients (20%) underwent repair with iGSV bypass. Arteries injured in the iGSV group included popliteal (33.3%), common femoral (6.7%), superficial femoral (33.3%), and tibial (26.7%), while those in the cGSV group included common femoral (3.3%), superficial femoral (54.1%), and popliteal (42.6%). Reasons for using iGSV included trauma to the contralateral leg (26.7%), relative accessibility (33.3%), and other/unknown (40%). On unadjusted analysis, iGSV patients had a higher rate of 1-year amputation than cGSV patients (20% vs. 4.9%), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). Propensity matched analysis also found no significant difference in 1-year major amputation (8.3% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.99). Regarding ambulatory status, iGSV patients had similar rates of independent ambulation (33.3% vs. 38.1%), need for assistive devices (58.3% vs. 57.1%), and use of a wheelchair (8.3% vs. 4.8%) compared cGSV patients at subsequent follow-up (P = 0.90). Kaplan-Meier analysis of bypass grafts revealed comparable primary patency rates for iGSV versus cGSV bypasses at 1-year (84% vs. 91%) and 3-years post-intervention (83% vs. 90%, P = 0.364). CONCLUSION: Ipsilateral GSV may be used as a durable conduit for bypass in cases of lower extremity arterial trauma where use of contralateral GSV is not feasible, with comparable long-term primary graft patency rates and ambulatory status.

Utilization of torso computed tomography for the evaluation of ground level falls: More imaging does not equal better care.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography (CT) of the chest (CTC), abdomen, and pelvis (CTAP) is common when assessing trauma patients in the emergency department. However, unnecessary imaging can expose patients to unneeded radiation and increase healthcare costs. Here, we characterize the use of torso CT imaging for the evaluation of ground level falls (GLF) at a single level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients ≥18 years old presenting to a single level 1 trauma center with a GLF (1m or less) in 2015-2019. Data were obtained through chart review. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors leading to patients obtaining torso CT imaging. The utility of CT imaging in identifying injuries that changed management was also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 1,195 patients captured during the study period, 492 patients had a positive torso physical exam (PE), and 703 had a negative torso PE. Of patients with a negative torso PE, 127 CTC and 142 CTAP were obtained, with only 5.5% CTC identifying traumatic injuries not previously diagnosed on chest radiograph (CXR), and only 0.7% CTAP identifying new injuries not identified on pelvic radiograph (PXR). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that only a positive PE was significantly associated with the identification of abnormal imaging findings on torso CT. A negative PE, CXR, and PXR have a negative predictive value of 98%. DISCUSSION: These data suggest that patients with a negative PE, even if intoxicated, intubated, or with a decreased GCS, are highly unlikely to have new, clinically relevant findings on torso CT imaging. CONCLUSION: Using PE, CXR, and PXR as a screening tool in patients sustaining GLF, which if negative close to obviates the need for torso CT, may reduce healthcare costs and radiation exposure without compromising patient care.

Role of Interventional Radiology in the Management of Non-aortic Thoracic Trauma.

Trauma remains a leading cause of death for all age groups, and nearly two-thirds of these individuals suffer thoracic trauma. Due to the various types of injuries, including vascular and nonvascular, interventional radiology plays a major role in the acute and chronic management of the thoracic trauma patient. Interventional radiologists are critical members in the multidisciplinary team focusing on treatment of the patient with thoracic injury. Through case presentations, this article will review the role of interventional radiology in the management of trauma patients suffering thoracic injuries.

Social Vulnerability and COVID-19: Changes in Trauma Activations at a Safety-Net Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were reports of decreased trauma hospitalizations, although violent crime persisted. COVID-19 has had the greatest impact on minoritized and vulnerable communities. Decreases in traumatic events may not extend to these communities, given pandemic-related socioeconomic and psychological burdens that increase the risk of exposure to trauma and violence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study (n = 1634) of all trauma activations presenting to our institution January 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020, and same time periods in 2018 and 2019. Census tracts and associated Social Vulnerability Index quartiles were determined from patient addresses. Changes in trauma activations pre and post Massachusetts' state-of-emergency declaration compared to a historical control were analyzed using a difference-in-differences methodology. RESULTS: Weekly all-cause trauma activations fell from 26.44 to 8.25 (rate ratio = 0.36 [0.26, 0.50]) postdeclaration, with significant difference-in-differences compared to a historical control (P < 0.0001). Nonviolent trauma activations significantly decreased from 21.11 to 5.17 after the declaration (rate ratio = 0.27 [0.37, 0.91]; P < 0.0001), whereas there was no significant decrease in violent injury (5.33 to 3.08 rate ratio = 0.69 [0.39, 1.22]; P = 0.20). Stratified by vulnerability, the most vulnerable quartile had an increased proportion of all-cause trauma postdeclaration and had no decrease in violent trauma activations following the declaration compared to the historical control (rate ratio = 0.84 [0.38-1.86]; P = 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: The state-of-emergency declaration was associated with significant decreases in overall trauma, to a greater extent in nonviolent injuries. Among those living in the most socially vulnerable communities, there was no decrease in violent trauma. These findings highlight the need for violence and injury prevention programs in vulnerable communities, particularly in times of crisis.

Bovine versus porcine acellular dermal matrix for abdominal wall herniorrhaphy or bridging.

BACKGROUND: The management of complicated ventral hernias (CVH), namely ventral hernias in actively or recently infected/contaminated operative fields, and open abdomens in which the native fascia cannot be primarily reapproximated, pose a surgical challenge. Fetal Bovine and Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix (BADM and PADM) biologic meshes are being increasingly used in these scenarios. A comparison, however, of clinically relevant outcomes between the two is lacking. With this investigation, we aim to review and compare clinically relevant outcomes in patients that underwent abdominal wall herniorrhaphy with either BADM or PADM at a tertiary urban academic institution over a 5-year period. METHODS: Patients who had a BADM or PADM implanted during CVH over a 5-year period at a tertiary urban academic hospital were identified. Baseline clinical and hernia characteristics, as well as postoperative outcomes were compared after a retrospective chart review. Phone interviews were also conducted to assess for recurrence, followed by in-person visits as indicated. Cox Proportional Hazard regression was fitted to identify risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: Of the 140 patients who underwent biologic mesh implantation for CVH, 109 were for ventral hernia repair and 31 for open abdomen bridging. Mean age was 52.7 ± 14.2 and males constituted 57.9% of our sample, while 25.1% had undergone > 5 prior abdominal operations. Thirty percent were active smokers, and another 30% required emergency surgery. Only immunosuppression was a risk factor for recurrence [HR 13.3 (1.04-169.2), p = 0.047] on Cox Proportional Hazard regression, while mesh selection had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: Both BADM and PADM meshes perform well in CVH, with satisfactory recurrence rates, only slightly higher compared to traditional synthetic mesh repairs.

Reinventing Yourself Virtually: Fifth Annual Society of Asian Academic Surgeons Virtual Conference.

Virtual forms of communication have been integrated into academic surgery now more than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its implementation in an effort to support social-distancing. Academic surgery is now learning valuable lessons from early experiences to optimally integrate this communication mode. The Society of Asian Academic Surgeons convened an expert panel during the society's fifth annual meeting that explores these lessons. Realms of virtual communication including meetings, networking, surgery department administration, social media, application processes, and advice for early or mid-career academic surgeons are explored. Virtual conferences pose a new challenge by removing the in-person component that is evident to be integral to networking, collaboration, and all aspects of academic socialization. Strategies such as creating virtual chat rooms, mentor-mentee virtual introductions, and deliberate interactions can enhance the experience. Virtual administrative meetings require special attention to preparation and strategies to insure engagement. Social media can be a valuable tool to integrate into academic careers but special attention needs to be made to utilize it deliberately and not to shy away from our individuality. The interview process can be enhanced when made virtual to give opportunities to those typically disadvantaged in the usual, in-person process.

High Mortality and Venous Thromboembolism Risk Following Major Penetrating Abdominal Venous Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating injuries to the inferior vena cava and/or iliac veins are a source of hemorrhage but may also predispose patients to venous thromboembolism (VTE). We sought to determine the relationship between iliocaval injury, VTE and mortality. METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank was queried for penetrating abdominal trauma from 2015-2017. Univariate analyses compared baseline characteristics and outcomes based on presence of iliocaval injury. Multivariable analyses determined the effect of iliocaval injury on VTE and mortality. RESULTS: Of 9,974 patients with penetrating abdominal trauma, 329 had iliocaval injury (3.3%). Iliocaval injury patients were more likely to have a firearm mechanism (83% vs. 43%, P < 0.001), concurrent head (P = 0.036), spinal cord (P < 0.001), and pelvic injuries (P < 0.001), and higher total injury severity score (median 20 vs. 8.0, P < 0.001). They were more likely to undergo 24-hr hemorrhage control surgery (69% vs. 17%, P < 0.001), but less likely to receive VTE chemoprophylaxis during admission (64% vs. 68%, P = 0.04). Of patients undergoing iliocaval surgery, 64% underwent repair, 26% ligation, and 10% unknown. Iliocaval injury patients had higher rates of VTE (12% vs. 2%), 24-hr mortality (23% vs. 2.0%) and in-hospital mortality (33% vs. 3.4%) (P < 0.001 for all). VTE rates were similar following repair (14%) and ligation (17%). Iliocaval injury patients also had higher rates of cardiac complications (10.3% vs. 1.4%), acute kidney injury (8.2% vs. 1.3%), extremity compartment syndrome (4.0 vs. 0.2%), and unplanned return to OR (7.9% vs. 2.5%) (P < 0.001 for all). In multivariable analyses, iliocaval injury was independently associated with risk of VTE (OR 2.12; 95% CI, 1.29-3.48; P = 0.003), and in-hospital mortality (OR = 9.61; 95% CI, 4.96-18.64; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Iliocaval injuries occur in <5% of penetrating abdominal trauma but are associated with more severe injury patterns and high mortality rates. Regardless of repair type, survivors should be considered high risk for developing VTE.

COVID-19 Pandemic and the Cholecystitis Experience at a Major Urban Safety-Net Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Acute cholecystitis is a common reason for emergency general surgery admission. The declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic may have resulted in treatment delays and corresponding increases in severity of disease. This study compared cholecystitis admissions and disease severity pre- and postdeclaration of pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of adult acute cholecystitis admissions (January 1,2020-May 31, 2020). Corresponding time periods in 2018 and 2019 comprised the historical control. Difference-in-differences analysis compared biweekly cholecystitis admissions pre- and postdeclaration in 2020 to the historical control. Odds of increased severity of disease presentation were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Cholecystitis admissions decreased 48.7% from 5.2 to 2.67 cases (RR 0.51 [0.28,0.96], P = 0.04) following pandemic declaration when comparing 2020 to historical control (P = 0.02). After stratifying by severity, only Tokyo I admissions declined significantly postdeclaration (RR 0.42 [0.18,0.97]), when compared to historical control (P = 0.02). There was no change in odds of presenting with severe disease after the pandemic declaration (aOR 1.00 [95% CI 0.30, 3.38] P < 0.99) despite significantly longer lengths of symptoms reported in mild cases. CONCLUSIONS: Postpandemic declaration we experienced a significant decrease in cholecystitis admissions without corresponding increases in disease severity. The pandemic impacted healthcare-seeking behaviors, with fewer mild presentations. Given that the pandemic did not increase odds of presenting with increased severity of disease, our data suggests that not all mild cases of cholecystitis progress to worsening disease and some may resolve without medical or surgical intervention.