Outcomes of Open Complex Ventral Hernia Repairs With Retromuscular Placement of Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate Bioabsorbable Mesh.

Purpose. Optimal technique and mesh selection still debated for complex ventral hernias. Limited data exists on bioabsorbable meshes in high-risk patients. We evaluated our experience. Methods. Retrospective review was conducted following institutional review board approval for ventral hernia repairs using a single bioabsorbable mesh between February 2014 and November 2017. Patient and hernia details characterized. Outcomes evaluated. Results. 20 ventral hernia repairs identified, 10 males, 10 females. Mean body mass index was 35 ± 7.4 kg/m2, and mean age 47 ± 13 years. Comorbid conditions were diabetes 35% and hypertension 40%. Fifty-five percent had American Society of Anesthesiologist scores of 3. Hernia Characteristics: Ventral Hernia Working Group Grade 3 hernias were 80%, and remainder grade 2. Forty percent of hernias were Centers for Disease Control class III, and remainder were class I and II. The mean defect size was 533 cm2 ± 500. Repair for prior open abdomens was 45%, recurrent hernias 20%, incisional 15%, incarcerated 10%, incisional with parastomal 5%, and primary ventral 5%. Concomitant bowel procedures in 8, (40%). All cases had retromuscular mesh placement (transversus abdominus release 65%, Rives-Stoppa 35%). Surgical site occurrences were 20% (surgical site infection 10%, seroma 10%). Overall hospital stay 5 ± 3 days. Ileus occurred in 20%. One postoperative death due to fatal arrhythmia. There were no recurrences with mean follow-up 21.1 months. Conclusions. Complex hernia repairs using bioabsorbable mesh were conducted in a small cohort of high-risk patients. These data demonstrate good outcomes with limited morbidity and mortality. There were no recurrences.

A rare case of fusiform celiac artery aneurysm after penetrating trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral artery aneurysms are an uncommon clinical problem with aneurysms of the celiac artery only making up a small percentage of all visceral artery aneurysms. The more common splenic and hepatic aneurysms are often symptomatic with pain or rupture and associated hemorrhage. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of an otherwise healthy 30 yo male with an asymptomatic, posttraumatic arterial aneurysm of the celiac artery. He initially presented to our trauma center after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds which required multiple abdominal surgeries. He represented four weeks later with 3 days of flank pain and fever. Extensive workup yielded an incidental finding of 14 mm fusiform aneurysm of the celiac artery with associated dissection. This was not present on imaging during his initial hospitalization. The patient underwent successful endovascular management. DISCUSSION: Visceral artery aneurysms are rare and when identified often require early intervention. Posttraumatic etiologies are often due to penetrating trauma as in the case presented. Modern high resolution imaging can identify those that are not yet symptomatic. CONCLUSION: Posttraumatic visceral artery aneurysms are rare with an incidence of 0.01-0.2%, however they have a potential for high mortality if undiagnosed or untreated. An aggressive operative approach can lead to favorable outcomes.

Do acute care surgeons need bariatric surgical training to ensure optimal outcomes in obese patients with nonbariatric emergencies?

INTRODUCTION: Acute care surgeons care for the entire breadth of the American adult population, including obese patients. As the population gets heavier, more patients will present to acute case surgeons with nonbariatric surgical emergencies. Do these surgeons need bariatric training to properly care for obese population? OBJECTIVES: To evaluate our experience in obese population requiring acute surgery and compare outcomes based on surgeon expertise in bariatric surgery. SETTING: Community teaching hospital, United States. METHODS: Retrospective review of obese patients requiring acute surgical intervention. Surgeons were classified as bariatric surgeons (B, n = 2) versus nonbariatric surgeons (NB, n = 4). Demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, and outcomes based on surgeon training were compared. RESULTS: Two hundred three patients comprised the cohort. The mean body mass index was 37 ±6 kg/m2. The majority of procedures were laparoscopic (cholecystectomies n = 75, appendectomies n = 45). The remaining nonroutine laparoscopic cases were intestinal obstructions (n = 9), incarcerated hernias (n = 17), traumatic injuries (n = 48), and intestinal ischemia or perforation (n = 9). Bariatric surgeons performed 35% of cases, and risk profiles were similar between groups. Operative times were similar for cholecystectomies and appendectomies. Bariatric surgeons performed more nonroutine cases laparoscopically (7% B versus 2% NB, P = .001). Surgical site infections were low (2% B versus 4% NB, P = .4). Hospital length of stay was higher in the NB group at 9 ± 9 days versus 5 ± 4 days for B (P = .05). Mortality was 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Acute surgical procedures were performed in obese patients. Bariatric expertise favorably affected length of stay and the application of laparoscopy. Bariatric expertise may improve outcomes in nonbariatric emergencies, but further study is warranted.

Results from a Quality Improvement Project to Decrease Infection-Related Ventilator Events in Trauma Patients at a Community Teaching Hospital.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is linked to increased morbidity and mortality and clinical protocols (VAP bundles) have evolved to minimize VAP. In 2009, a quality improvement project was implemented at our institution to decrease VAP rates in adult trauma patients. A VAP prevention committee was developed, and formal evidence-based education for the nursing and physician staff was introduced. During the study period (2009-2016), 2380 patients required ICU admission to our Level II trauma center. The mean Injury Severity Score was 33 + 12, and there were 17 per cent penetrating and 83 per cent blunt injuries. The early compliance (2010) with the VAP bundle was 65 per cent. Within one year of the implementation of VAP prevention, the compliance increased to >90 per cent. Compliance has been carefully trended and has remained at 100 per cent. All of the aforementioned interventions have resulted in a sustained dramatic decline in VAP, from 12 per cent in 2009 to 0 per cent in 2016. Ongoing education and ICU policy development has become the mainstay of our trauma ICU program. The introduction of evidence-based care education imparted a culture of excellence resulting in favorable outcomes in high-risk trauma patients related to VAP prevention. Ongoing monitoring and education is required to sustain these promising outcomes.

The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Severity Grade is valid and generalizable in adhesive small bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) anatomic severity grading system for adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) was validated at a single institution. We aimed to externally validate the AAST ASBO grading system using the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional small bowel obstruction prospective observational study. METHODS: Adults (age ≥ 18) with (ASBO) were included. Baseline demographics, physiologic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate), laboratory tests (lactate, hemoglobin, creatinine, leukocytosis), imaging findings, operative details, length of stay, and Clavien-Dindo complications were collected. The AAST ASBO grades were assigned by two independent reviewers based on imaging findings. Kappa statistic, univariate, and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: There were 635 patients with a mean (±SD) age of 61 ± 17.8 years, 51% female, and mean body mass index was 27.5 ± 8.1. The AAST ASBO grades were: grade I (n = 386, 60.5%), grade II (n = 135, 21.2%), grade III (n = 59, 9.2%), grade IV (n = 55, 8.6%). Initial management included: nonoperative (n = 385; 61%), laparotomy (n = 200, 31.3%), laparoscopy (n = 13, 2.0%), and laparoscopy converted to laparotomy (n = 37, 5.8%). An increased median [IQR] AAST ASBO grade was associated with need for conversion to an open procedure (2 [1-3] vs. 3 [2-4], p = 0.008), small bowel resection (2 [2-2] vs. 3 [2-4], p < 0.0001), postoperative temporary abdominal closure (2 [2-3] vs. 3 [3-4], p < 0.0001), and stoma creation (2 [2-3] vs. 3 [2-4], p < 0.0001). Increasing AAST grade was associated with increased anatomic severity noted on imaging findings, longer duration of stay, need for intensive care, increased rate of complication, and higher Clavien-Dindo complication grade. CONCLUSION: The AAST ASBO severity grading system has predictive validity for important clinical outcomes and allows for standardization across institutions, providers, and future research focused on optimizing preoperative diagnosis and management algorithms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, level III.

Multi-institutional, prospective, observational study comparing the Gastrografin challenge versus standard treatment in adhesive small bowel obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Existing trials studying the use of Gastrografin for management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) are limited by methodological flaws and small sample sizes. We compared institutional protocols with and without Gastrografin (GG), hypothesizing that a SBO management protocol utilizing GG is associated with lesser rates of exploration, shorter length of stay, and fewer complications. METHODS: A multi-institutional, prospective, observational study was performed on patients appropriate for GG with adhesive SBO. Exclusion criteria were internal/external hernia, signs of strangulation, history of abdominal/pelvic malignancy, or exploration within the past 6 weeks. Patients receiving GG were compared to patients receiving standard care without GG. RESULTS: Overall, 316 patients were included (58 ± 18 years; 53% male). There were 173 (55%) patients in the GG group (of whom 118 [75%] successfully passed) and 143 patients in the non-GG group. There were no differences in duration of obstipation (1.6 vs. 1.9 days, p = 0.77) or small bowel feces sign (32.9% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.14). Fewer patients in the GG protocol cohort had mesenteric edema on CT (16.3% vs. 29.9%; p = 0.009). There was a lower rate of bowel resection (6.9% vs. 21.0%, p < 0.001) and exploration rate in the GG group (20.8% vs. 44.1%, p < 0.0001). GG patients had a shorter duration of hospital stay (4 IQR 2-7 vs. 5 days IQR 2-12; p = 0.036) and a similar rate of complications (12.5% vs. 17.9%; p = 0.20). Multivariable analysis revealed that GG was independently associated with successful nonoperative management. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving Gastrografin for adhesive SBO had lower rates of exploration and shorter hospital length of stay compared to patients who did not receive GG. Adequately powered and well-designed randomized trials are required to confirm these findings and establish causality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level III.

High-Risk Prehospital Mechanisms in Tier II Trauma Codes: An Analysis of Under-Triage at a Level II Trauma Center.

Under-triage is used as a surrogate for trauma quality. We sought to analyze factors that may impact under-triage at our institution by a detailed analysis of prehospital mechanisms and patient factors that were associated with the need for invasive intervention, intensive care unit monitoring, or death. Patients admitted to our Level II trauma center who met the criteria for under-triage using the Cribari method were studied, n = 160, and prominent mechanisms were motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). Patient demographics, detailed mechanism characteristics, ED vital signs, operative intervention, and outcomes were studied. The age of the study group and injury severity score were 42 ± 20 and 22 ± 6, respectively. Alcohol or drug use was common as were high-speed frontal collisions. Overall, 38 per cent of patients required surgery, and a monitored bed was required in 60 per cent of patients. Logistic regression identified drug use as predictive of mortality and MVC speeds ≥40 mph as predictive of intensive care unit admission. Patients requiring surgery had a high incidence of frontal collisions, 40 per cent. MVCs were predominant in under-triaged trauma patients. Operative intervention, intensive care unit monitoring, and deaths were associated with frontal impacts, high speeds, and drug use. Further study is warranted to assess the incorporation of high-risk injury patterns in triage algorithms aimed at enhancing trauma quality.

Application of a Geriatric Injury Protocol Demonstrates High Survival Rates for Geriatric Trauma Patients with High Injury Acuity.

Geriatric trauma has historically been associated with poor outcomes, particularly in the setting of severe polytrauma. Although geriatric trauma protocols are common, there are limited data on their impact in patients with high injury severity. In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of a geriatric injury protocol on outcomes in patients with severe trauma acuity. Ninety-eight geriatric patients (age ≥65) admitted to our trauma center with injury severity scores (ISS) ≥15 comprised the study cohort. The mean age was 75 ± 7.7 yrs. The mean ISS was 25 ± 9.2, and the mean geriatric trauma outcome score was 150 ± 3. Mortality was 17 per cent and 70 per cent were due to central nervous system injury. When patients with nonsurvivable injuries or advanced directives resulting in early care withdrawal were excluded, the mortality was 6 per cent. Extremes of age did not impact mortality[ (>80 years, 21%) vs (65-79, 16%, P = 0.5)]. Most patients (53%) were discharged home. The application of our geriatric trauma protocol led to favorable results despite high injury acuity. These data suggest that even at the extremes of age, a large percentage of patients can be expected to survive. A prospective validation of these findings is warranted.

Impact of Massive Transfusion and Aging Blood in Acute Trauma.

Blood transfusions cause altered immunity and the duration of storage is contributory. In the era of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) this impact is unclear, particularly as it relates to balanced transfusions. Trauma patients requiring our MTP after admission to our Level II trauma center were studied. The average age of blood transfused was calculated; old blood was a storage time of ≥14 days versus new blood <14 days. Blood to plasma ratios of 1:1 were compared with ratios >1:1. Infections, organ dysfunction multiorgan injury (MOI), and death were compared based on ratios and blood storage times. Of 2200 trauma admissions, 89 patients required MTP. Penetrating injuries were the majority, n = 53; and Injury Severity Score was 33 ± 14. Overall mortality was 31 per cent and sepsis was 28 per cent. Outcomes (storage time): Patients receiving old versus new blood had comparable age and Injury Severity Score. Sepsis rates, multiorgan injury and mortality were similar. Outcomes (packed red blood cells:fresh frozen plasma): Balanced transfusions (ratios of 1:1) demonstrated significant survival benefit and less infections compared with ratios >1:1. These data underscore the complexity of transfusion-related morbidity. In the modern era of MTP and balanced transfusions, the age of stored blood may not impact outcomes as demonstrated historically.

A snapshot of circulation failure following acute traumatic injury: The expansion of computed tomography beyond injury diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: CT scans with a flat Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) suggest hypovolemia, and the presence of shock bowel implies hypoperfusion. The purpose of this study is to correlate injury severity, resuscitation needs, and clinical outcomes with CT indices of hypovolemia and hypoperfusion. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level II trauma centre in Central California. PATIENTS: Adult patients imaged with abdominal and pelvic CT scans, from January 2010-January 2011. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Circulatory derangements on CT scans were defined as an IVC (AP) diameter measurement of <9 mm, flat IVC (FIVC), hypovolemia. The presence of small intestine hypoperfusion was shock bowel (SB). The absence of these findings was a normal CT scan (NCT). Comparisons of acid-base status, fluids, morbidity and mortality were made based on CT findings. Subgroups were: FIVC (n=20), FIVC+SB (n=19), SB (n=4) only versus normal CT scans, NCT (n=47). RESULTS: Overall ISS was 19 (SD) 14. The lowest ISS was in NCT 14 (SD) 10 and there was an incremental increase in ISS based on circulatory derangements, p=0.001. ICU admission was lowest in NCT and highest in the presence of hyovolemia and hypoperfusion, p=0.03. Similarly ED crystalloid requirements and the activation of a massive transfusion protocol (MTP), was lowest in NCT group and gradually increased significantly as hypovolemia and hypoperfusion was demonstrated on CT scans. Additional parameters such as metabolic acidosis, nosocomial infections and mortality were associated with acute CT findings of circulatory failure. CONCLUSIONS: Hypovolemia and hypoperfusion, markers of abnormal circulation, were demonstrated on CT scans for trauma evaluation. The presence of these findings alone or in combination showed strong correlation with high injury severity, and the need for aggressive resuscitation.

Acute Kidney Injury in the Critically Ill Patient: A Current Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: A comprehensive review of the literature to provide a focused and thorough update on the issue of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the surgical patient. METHODS: A PubMed and Medline search was performed and keywords included AKI, renal failure, critically ill, and renal replacement therapy (RRT). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A common clinical problem encountered in critically ill patients is AKI. The recent consensus definitions for the diagnosis and classification of AKI (ie, Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage kidney disease/Acute Kidney Injury Network) have enabled us to standardize the severity of AKI and facilitate strategies for prevention. These strategies as well as treatment modalities of AKI are discussed. We provide a concise overview of the issue of renal failure. We describe strategies for prevention including types of fluids used for resuscitation, timing of initiation of RRT, and different treatment modalities currently available for clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Acute kidney injury is a common problem in the critically ill patient and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. A standardized definition and staging system has led to improved diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiology of AKI. There are many trials leading to improved prevention and management of the disease.

Outcomes of Colostomy Reversal in a Public Safety Net Hospital: The End or Beginning of a New Problem?

Colostomy reversals can be technically challenging and linked to significant morbidity. There is sparse evidence that evaluates outcomes after colostomy reversals performed by acute care surgeons. We performed a review of 61 colostomy reversals from January 2011 to January 2014. Colostomies for acute diverticulitis were predominate, n = 32 (52%). Traumatic colorectal injuries were n = 15, 25 per cent. Colorectal cancer was n = 8, 13 per cent. Sigmoid volvulus accounted for n = 2 cases. Abdominal sepsis from adhesions was n = 3. A rectal foreign body was for n = 1 case. The time to reversal was 360 ± 506 days. Completion of reversals was successful in 90 per cent of cases and protecting stoma use was in n = 12, (22%). Surgical site infections occurred in n = 20, patients (32%). Surgical site infections were prevalent in obese patients, (55%). Anastomotic leaks (ALs) occurred at 12 per cent, and were prevalent in obese, [obese (22%) vs nonobese (8%), P = 0.1]. The majority of AL n = 6, (85%) were in acute diverticulitis and trauma. There were no ALs in cases with protective diversion. No deaths occurred. The elective nature of colostomy reversals does not imply low morbidity. Obesity and major inflammatory processes were associated with major surgical complications. These data suggest that protective stomas should be applied liberally, particularly in high-risk cases.

A rare case of chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia requiring complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a rare and often under recognized complication of penetrating and blunt trauma. These injuries are often missed or there is a delay in diagnosis which can lead to enlargement of the defect and the development of abdominal or respiratory symptoms. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of an otherwise healthy 37 year old male who was involved in a motor vehicle accident at age twelve. He presented 25 years later with vague lower abdominal symptoms and was found to have a large chronic left sided diaphragmatic hernia involving the majority of his intra-abdominal contents. Repair of the defect with a biologic mesh was undertaken and the patient also required complex abdominal wall reconstruction due to loss of intra-abdominal domain from the chronicity of the hernia. A staged closure of the abdomen was performed first with placement of a Wittmann patch. Medical management of intra-abdominal hypertension was successful and the midline fascia was sequentially approximated at the bedside for three days. The final closure was performed with a component separation and implantation of a fenestrated biologic fetal bovine mesh to reinforce the closure. In addition, a lightweight Ultrapro mesh was placed for additional lateral reinforcement. The patient recovered well and was discharged home. DISCUSSION: These injuries are rare and diagnosis is challenging. Mechanism and CT scan characteristics can aid clinicians. CONCLUSION: Blunt diaphragmatic injury is rare and remains a diagnostic challenge. Depending on the chronicity of the injury, repair may require complex surgical decision making.

Not all intestinal traumatic injuries are the same: a comparison of surgically treated blunt vs. penetrating injuries.

PURPOSE: Traumatic intestinal injuries are less common with blunt compared to penetrating mechanisms of trauma and blunt injuries are often associated with diagnostic delays. The purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in the characteristics and outcomes between blunt and penetrating intestinal injuries to facilitate insight into optimal recognition and management. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of trauma admissions from January 2009 to June 2011 was performed. Patient demographics, ISS, early shock, injury type, timing to OR, blood loss and transfusions, surgical management, infections, EC fistulas, enteric leaks, LOS and mortality were compared. RESULTS: Demographics - There was 3866 blunt admissions and 966 penetrating admissions to our level II trauma centre (Total n=4832) during this interval. The final study group comprised n=131 patients treated for intestinal injuries. Blunt n=54 (BI) vs. penetrating (PI) n=77. Age was similar between the groups: (BI 34 SD 12 vs. PI 30 SD 12). Comorbid conditions were similar as were ED hypotension and blood transfusions. Blunt mechanisms had higher ISS; BI (20 SD 14) vs. PI (16 SD 12), p=0.08 and organ specific injury scales were higher in blunt injuries. Operative Management - Time to operation was higher in BI: (500 SD 676min vs. PI 110 SD 153min, p=0.01). The use of an open abdomen technique was higher for BI: n=19 (35%) vs. PI: n=5 (6%), p=<0.001, as well as delayed intestinal repair in damage control cases. Outcomes - Anastomotic leaks were more prevalent in BI: n=4 (7%) vs. PI: n=2 (3%), p=0.38. Enteric fistulas were: (BI n=8 (15%), vs. PI n=2 (3%), p=0.02). Surgical site infections and other nosocomial infections were: (BI n=11 (20%) vs. PI n=4 (5%), p=0.02), (BI n=11 (20%) vs. PI n=2 (3%), p=0.002), respectively. Hospital and ICU LOS was: (BI=20 SD 14 vs. PI=11 SD 11, p=0.001), (BI=10 SD 10 vs. PI=5 SD 5, p=0.01) respectively. These differences were reflected in higher hospital charges in BI. CONCLUSIONS: Blunt and penetrating intestinal injury patterns have high injury severity. Significant operative delays occurred in the blunt injury group as well as, anastomotic failures, enteric fistulas, nosocomial infections, and higher cost. These features underscore the complexity of blunt injury patterns and warrant vigilant injury recognition to improve outcomes.

Role of drains in laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis at a busy county hospital.

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has become the treatment of choice for acute appendicitis with equal or better outcomes than traditional open appendectomy (OA). LA in patients with a gangrenous or perforated appendicitis carries increased rate of pelvic abscess formation when compared with OA. We hypothesized routine placement of pelvic drains in gangrenous or perforated appendicitis decreases pelvic abscess formation after LA. Three hundred thirty-one patients undergoing LA between January 2007 and June 2011 were reviewed. Patients with perforated or gangrenous appendicitis were included. Group I had a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain(s) placed and Group II had no JP drain. Data included patient demographics, emergency department laboratory values and vital signs, and computed axial tomography scan findings, intra-abdominal or pelvic abscess postoperatively, interventional radiology drainage, and length of stay. Clinic follow-up notes were reviewed. One hundred forty-eight patients were identified. Forty-three patients had placement of JP drains (Group I) and 105 patients had no JP drain (Group II). Three patients (three of 43 [6%]) in Group I developed pelvic abscess and 21 of 105 (20%) patients in Group II developed pelvic abscesses requiring subsequent drainage. This was statistically significant. Patient demographics, temperature, and mean white blood count before surgery were similar. Presurgery computed tomography (CT) with appendicolith and CT with abscess were more prevalent in Group I. The use of JP drainage in patients with perforated or gangrenous appendicitis during LA has decreased rates of pelvic abscess. This was demonstrated despite the drain group having appendicolith or abscess on preoperative CT.

Emergency department thoracotomy: too little, too much, or too late.

Emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) is a dramatic lifesaving procedure demanding timely surgical intervention, technical expertise, and coordinated resuscitation efforts. Inappropriate use is costly and futile. All patients admitted to a Level II trauma center who underwent EDT from January 2003 to July 2012 were studied. The primary end point was appropriateness of EDT. Secondary end points were staff exposure, survival, and return to normal function. Eighty-seven patients including 59 patients with penetrating wounds had a mean loss of vital signs (LOV) 11.6 ±10.6 minutes and Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 45.8 ± 16.1, whereas 28 blunt injury patients had a mean LOV of 10.4 ± 11.5 minutes and ISS of 50.4 ± 19.4. Mortality was 81 per cent (48 of 59) in penetrating injury and 93 per cent (26 of 28) in blunt injury patients, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 2.99; P 0.21). Fifty-five EDTs were indicated with 10 survivors (18.2%) and 32 not indicated with three survivors (9.4%). Surgeons adhered to guidelines more compared with ED physicians (OR, 4.9; P = 0.03) whose patients were more likely to die (OR, 3.52; P = 0.124). Survivors (11 of 13 [84.6%]) were discharged home without significant long-term neurologic disability. EDT is lifesaving when performed for penetrating injury by experienced surgeons following established guidelines but futile in blunt injury or when performed by nonsurgeons regardless of mechanism.

The association between high-risk behavior and central nervous system injuries: analysis of traffic-related fatalities in a large coroner's series.

High-risk behaviors leading to traffic fatalities are often a result of severe traumatic brain and spine injuries. The objective of the study was to analyze patterns of behavior in drivers and motorcyclists that are associated with central nervous system (CNS)-related prehospital deaths that may serve as a basis for future prevention initiatives. Our study group comprised 514 fatalities with severe CNS injuries documented at autopsy. The majority (n = 491) was the result of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). In this group, male drivers predominated and the majority, 80 per cent, wore seatbelts. Toxicology analysis revealed 53 per cent of drivers with a mean concentration of ethanol above the legal limit. Texting while driving comprised 45 per cent of the study group. Less than 5 per cent of the fatalities were the result of road or weather conditions. In the motorcycle group (n = 23), 100 per cent of the victims were unhelmeted. We report a large autopsy series of CNS-related deaths with analysis of behavioral factors associated with the fatalities. Substance abuse and distracted driving are dominant patterns of high-risk behavior in MVCs and not wearing a motorcycle helmet is deadly for victims of motorcycle crashes.

A 3-year experience with necrotizing fasciitis: favorable outcomes despite operative delays in a busy acute care hospital.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare severe soft tissue infection that has historically been associated with high mortality. We sought to evaluate our experience with necrotizing fasciitis focusing on outcomes based on timing of operative intervention. Our study hypothesis was that delays in surgical management would negatively impact outcomes. Fifty-four patients were identified for a retrospective chart review from January 2008 to January 2011. Data analysis included demographics, admission laboratory values, imaging results, examination findings, timing and nature of operations, length of stay (LOS), and outcomes. Surgical intervention in 12 hours or more was considered a delay in care. Our study cohort was high risk based on a high prevalence of intravenous drug abuse, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and end-stage liver disease. The average time to surgical intervention was 18±25 hours and the overall mortality rate was 16 per cent. A delay to surgery did not impact mortality or the number of débridements and LOS. Mortality was high, 45 per cent, in patients requiring amputation. We observed a high-risk population managed with aggressive surgical care for necrotizing fasciitis. Our mortality was low compared with historical data and surgical delays did not impact outcomes. Those patients requiring amputation had worse outcomes.