MultiCenter Study of Intra-Abdominal Abscess Formation After Major Operative Hepatic Trauma.

INTRODUCTION: One of the significant complications of operative liver trauma is intra-abdominal abscesses (IAA). The objective of this study was to determine risk factors associated with postoperative IAA in surgical patients with major operative liver trauma. METHODS: A retrospective multi-institutional study was performed at 13 Level 1 and Level 2 trauma centers from 2012 to 2021. Adult patients with major liver trauma (grade 3 and higher) requiring operative management were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-two patients were included with 21.2% (n = 79/372) developing an IAA. No difference was found for age, gender, injury severity score, liver injury grade, and liver resections in patients between the groups (P > 0.05). Penetrating mechanism of injury (odds ratio (OR) 3.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-7.57, P = 0.02), intraoperative massive transfusion protocol (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.23-4.79, P = 0.01), biloma/bile leak (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.01-4.53, P = 0.04), hospital length of stay (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06, P < 0.001), and additional intra-abdominal injuries (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.09-4.72, P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for IAA. Intra-abdominal drains, damage control laparotomy, total units of packed red blood cells, number of days with an open abdomen, total abdominal surgeries, and blood loss during surgery were not found to be associated with a higher risk of IAA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with penetrating trauma, massive transfusion protocol activation, longer hospital length of stay, and injuries to other intra-abdominal organs were at higher risk for the development of an IAA following operative liver trauma. Results from this study could help to refine existing guidelines for managing complex operative traumatic liver injuries.

Multicenter Study of Perioperative Hepatic Angioembolization as an Adjunct for Management of Major Operative Hepatic Trauma.

BACKGROUND: The management of major liver trauma continues to evolve in trauma centers across the US with increasing use of minimally invasive techniques. Data on the outcomes of these procedures remain minimal. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient complications after perioperative hepatic angioembolization as an adjunct to management of major operative liver trauma. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective multi-institutional study was performed at 13 level 1 and level 2 trauma centers from 2012 to 2021. Adult patients with major liver trauma (grade 3 and higher) requiring operative management were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups: angioembolization (AE) and no angioembolization (NO AE). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 442 patients were included with AE performed in 20.4% (n = 90 of 442) of patients. The AE group was associated with higher rates of biloma formation (p = 0.0007), intra-abdominal abscess (p = 0.04), pneumonia (p = 0.006), deep vein thrombosis (p = 0.0004), acute renal failure (p = 0.004), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.0003), and it had longer ICU and hospital length of stay (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, the AE had a significantly higher amount intra-abdominal abscess formation (odds ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.6, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first multicenter studies comparing AE in specifically operative high-grade liver injuries and found that patients with liver injury that undergo AE in addition to surgery have higher rates of both intra- and extra-abdominal complications. This provides important information that can guide clinical management.

Gunshot wound versus blunt liver injuries: different liver-related complications and outcomes.

PURPOSE: Severe hepatic injury due to gunshot (GSW) compared to blunt mechanism may have significantly different presentation, management, complications, and outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the differences. METHODS: Retrospective single-center analysis June 1, 2015-June 30, 2020, included all patients with Grade III-V liver injuries due to GSW or blunt mechanism. Clinical characteristics, severity of injury, liver-related complications (rebleeding, necrosis/abscess, bile leak/biloma, pseudoaneurysm, acute liver failure) and overall outcomes (mortality, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and ventilatory days) were compared. RESULTS: Of 879 patients admitted with hepatic trauma, 347 sustained high-grade injury and were included: 81 (23.3%) due to GSW and 266 (76.7%) due to blunt force. A significantly larger proportion of patients with GSW were managed operatively (82.7 vs. 36.1%, p < 0.001). GSW was associated with significantly more liver-related complications (40.7% vs. 27.4%, p = 0.023), specifically liver necrosis/abscess (18.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.003) and bile leak/biloma (12.3% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.028). On subgroup analysis, in patients with grade III injury, the incidence of liver necrosis/abscess and bile leak/biloma remained significantly higher after GSW (13.9% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.008 and 11.1% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.018, respectively). In sub analysis of 88 patients with leading severe liver injuries, GSW had a significantly longer hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, and ventilator days. CONCLUSION: GSW mechanism to the liver is associated with a higher incidence of liver-related complications than blunt force injury.

Early pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis after splenectomy is associated with better outcomes: A matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the timing of pharmacologic prophylaxis initiation after trauma splenectomy and the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). METHODS: Retrospective review of American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database 2013-2017. Adults (>16 years) with isolated splenic injuries who underwent splenectomy and received pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis were stratified based on timing of initiation of prophylaxis: ≤48 h (EARLY) or > 48 h (LATE) from admission. Patients were matched for demographic and clinical characteristics and outcomes compared. RESULTS: 3631 patients were included. On logistic regression, LATE prophylaxis was associated with DVT (OR 2.317, p < 0.001) and VTE (OR 2.064, p < 0.001). Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was protective for DVT (OR 0.621, p = 0.014) and VTE (OR 0.667, p = 0.015). 1196 patients with EARLY prophylaxis were matched with 1196 patients with LATE prophylaxis. VTE and overall complications were significantly higher in the LATE group (7.4% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.001 and 25.8% vs 16.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Late initiation of VTE prophylaxis is associated with DVT and VTE in post-splenectomy patients, while LMWH is protective.

Destructive colon injuries requiring resection: Is colostomy ever indicated?

BACKGROUND: The management of destructive colon injuries requiring resection has shifted from mandatory diverting stoma to liberal use of primary anastomosis. Various risk criteria have been suggested for the selection of patients for primary anastomosis or ostomy. At our center, we have been practicing a policy of liberal primary anastomosis irrespective of risk factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the colon-related outcomes in patients managed with this policy. METHODS: This retrospective study included all colon injuries requiring resection. Data collected included patient demographics, injury characteristics, blood transfusions, operative findings, operations performed, complications, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 287 colon injuries were identified, 101 of whom required resection, forming the study population. The majority (63.4%) were penetrating injuries. Furthermore, 16.8% were hypotensive on admission, 40.6% had moderate or severe fecal spillage, 35.6% received blood transfusion of >4 U, and 41.6% had Injury Severity Score of >15. At index operation, 88% were managed with primary anastomosis and 12% with colon discontinuity, and one patient had stoma. Damage-control laparotomy (DCL) with temporary abdominal closure was performed in 39.6% of patients. Of these patients with DCL, 67.5% underwent primary anastomosis, 30.0% were left with colon discontinuity, and 2.5% had stoma. Overall, after the definitive management of the colon, including those patients who were initially left in colon discontinuity, only six patients (5.9%) had a stoma. The incidence of anastomotic leaks in patients with primary anastomosis at the index operation was 8.0%, and there was no colon-related mortality. The incidence of colon anastomotic leaks in the 27 patients with DCL and primary anastomosis was 11.1%, and there was no colon-related mortality. Multivariate analysis evaluating possible risk factors identified discontinuity of the colon as independent risk factor for mortality. CONCLUSION: Liberal primary anastomosis should be considered in almost all patients with destructive colon injuries requiring resection, irrespective of risk factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Skateboard head injuries: Are we making progress?

BACKGROUND: Skateboarding is a popular sport and U.S. trauma centers care for a significant number of skateboard-related injuries (SRIs). However, injury prevention strategies are still underdeveloped. This study was designed to compare the epidemiology, type, and location of skateboard injury as well as the use and influence of protective gear over two time periods. METHODS: This is a retrospective National Trauma Data Bank study including all patients with SRIs between 2007and 2016. Study groups were divided into two 5-year periods: 2007-2011 and 2012-2016. The incidence and severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as the compliance and effectiveness of protective gear and skate parks, was assessed in various age groups in the two study periods using univariable and multivariable analyses. Univariable analysis was used to compare the two study periods, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of head injury and severe TBI. RESULTS: 24,903 patients presented with SRIs: 10,594 from 2007 to 2011 and 14,309 from 2012 to 2016. Helmet use was low in both periods (5.7% and 5.4% respectively). The incidence of severe TBI (head AIS≥3) did not change significantly during the two periods (31.6% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.162). In children with severe TBI, there was no significant difference in helmet use across all ages, (10.4% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.467; 6.4% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.753; 4.2% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.201, respectively) with the lowest usage in the older than 16 years age group. On logistic regression, male gender (OR 1.526, 95% CI 1.372-1.698, p<0.001) was associated with increased odds of severe TBI, while helmet use (OR 0.534, 95% CI 0.455-0.627, p<0.001) and injuries at skate parks (OR 0.584, 95% CI 0.541-0.630, p<0.001), near home (OR 0.465, 95% CI 0.418-0.518, p<0.001), and public buildings (OR 0.386, 95% CI 0.440-0.541, p<0.001) were associated with reduced odds of severe TBI. CONCLUSIONS: Helmet use in patients with SRIs is low in all pediatric age groups. Helmet use and skate parks are protective against severe TBI. Older age children and male gender are at increased risk of severe TBI after skateboard-related injuries, and more targeted preventive education and legislation are needed.

Timing of venous thromboembolic pharmacological prophylaxis in traumatic combined subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The combination of subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage is the most common intracranial bleeding. The present study evaluated the timing and type of venous thromboembolic chemoprophylaxis (VTEp) for efficacy and safety in patients with blunt head trauma with combined acute subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: Patients with isolated combined acute subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage were extracted from the ACS-TQIP database (2013-2017). After 1:1 cohort matching of patients receiving early prophylaxis (EP, ≤48 h) versus late prophylaxis (LP, >48 h) outcomes were compared with univariable and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Multivariable regression analysis identified EP as an independent protective factor for VTE complications (OR 0.468, CI 0.293-0.748) but not mortality (p = 0.485). The adjusted risk for delayed craniectomy was not associated with EP compared to LP (p = 0.283). The type of VTEp was not associated with VTE complications (p = 0.301), mortality (p = 0.391) or delayed craniectomy (p = 0.126). CONCLUSIONS: Early VTEp (≤48 h) was associated with fewer VTE complications in patients and did not increase the risk for craniectomies in patients with combined acute subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage.