Resultados del Registro Nacional de Politraumatismos español ¿Dónde estamos y a dónde nos dirigimos? / Results of the Spanish National Polytrauma Registry. Where are we and where are we heading?

Introducción: En 2017 se emprendió el Registro Nacional de Politraumatismos (RNP) a nivel estatal español, cuya finalidad residía en mejorar la calidad de la atención al paciente politraumatizado grave y evaluar el uso de recursos y estrategias de tratamiento. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar los datos recogidos en el RNP hasta la actualidad. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo a partir de los datos recogidos prospectivamente en el RNP. Se incluyen pacientes mayores de 14 años, con ISS≥15 o mecanismo de trauma penetrante, atendidos en 17 hospitales de tercer nivel de España. Resultados: Del 1/1/17 al 1/1/22 se han registrado un total de 2.069 pacientes politraumatizados. El 76,4% son varones; edad media: 45 años; ISS medio: 22,8 y mortalidad: 10,2%. El mecanismo de lesión más frecuente es el cerrado (80%) con mayor incidencia de accidentes de moto (23%). Un 12% de los pacientes sufren un traumatismo penetrante, por arma blanca en el 84%. Un 16% de los pacientes ingresa hemodinámicamente inestable en el hospital. Activando el protocolo de transfusión masiva en el 14% de los pacientes e interviniendo quirúrgicamente a un 53%. La estancia hospitalaria mediana es de 11 días. Precisando ingreso en la UCI un 73,4% (estancia media: 5 días). Conclusiones: Los pacientes politraumatizados registrados en el RNP son mayoritariamente varones de mediana edad, que sufren traumatismos cerrados y presentan una elevada incidencia de lesiones torácicas. La detección y el tratamiento dirigido de este tipo de lesiones probablemente permitirá mejorar la calidad asistencial del politraumatizado en nuestro medio. (AU)

Introduction: In 2017 the Spanish National Polytrauma Registry (SNPR) was initiated in Spain, its goal was to improve the quality of severe trauma management and evaluate the use of resources and treatment strategies. The objective of this study is to present the information obtained with the SNPR since it was initiated. Methods: Observational study with prospective data collection from the SNPR. Trauma patients included are older than 14 yeas, with ISS ≥ 15 or penetrating mechanism. In total 17 hospitals from Spain have participated. Results: From 1/1/17 to 1/1/22, 2069 trauma patients were registered. The majority were men (76.4%); mean age: 45 years; mean ISS: 22.8 and mortality: 10.2%. The most common mechanism of injury was blunt trauma (80%), being motorbike accident the most frequent (23%). Penetrating trauma is presented in 12% of patients, being stab wound the most common (84%). Sixteen percent of patients are hemodynamically unstable on hospital arrival. Massive transfusion protocol is activated in 14% of patients and 53% are operated. Median hospital stay is 11 days. There is a 73.4% of patients who need intensive care unit (ICU) admission, with a median ICU stay of 5 days. Conclusions: Trauma patients registered in the SNPR are predominantly middle-aged males who experience blunt trauma with a high incidence of thoracic injuries. Early and addressed detection of these kind of injuries would probably improve trauma quality of care in our environment. (AU)

Prognostic value of metabolic parameters measured by first responders attending patients with severe trauma: associations with the New Injury Severity Score and mortality. / Valor pronóstico de los parámetros metabólicos medidos en la asistencia inicial a pacientes con trauma grave: asociación con la puntuación de la escala NISS y la mortalidad.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with severe or potentially severe trauma must be identified early, a challenge in prehospital settings. This study aimed to analyze the possible diagnostic and prognostic usefulness of analytical markers recorded in the early moments of care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational study of information extracted from the prospective multicenter Code Trauma database for 2016-2019, excluding data for isolated head injuries. Using the New Injury Severity Score (NISS), we classified cases into 4 levels of severity. NISS and mortality were considered the dependent variables in inferential analyses. We calculated the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves, identified optimal cutoff points (Youden index), and calculated positive (PPV) and negative predictive values.. RESULTS: Of the 1039 trauma patients in the registry, 709 were included in the study. Their mean (SD) age was 40.4 (17.3) years, and 77.3% were men. Motorcycle accidents were the most common causes of trauma (in 21%), and mortality was 12.1%. Lactate concentration, pH, PCO2, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and blood sugar were significantly associated with severity and mortality. The PPVs corresponding to pH for the 4 NISS score groups (34-41, 42-49, 50-59, and $ 60) and mortality, respectively, were 61.2, 64.1, 70.7, 62.2, and 66.6. The PPVs of traditionally used clinical variables were lower. CONCLUSION: Patients with more severe trauma had lower pH values and higher PCO2, lactate, and base excess values. PCO2, pH, and blood sugar findings were the best predictors of severity. Metabolic variables are better predictors than traditionally recorded hemodynamic variables.

OBJETIVO: En entornos de emergencia prehospitalarios, la detección temprana de un paciente con trauma grave o potencialmente crítico es un desafío. El objetivo es analizar las posibilidades diagnósticas y pronóstico de los parámetros analíticos obtenidos en los primeros momentos de la asistencia inicial. METODO: Estudio observacional multicéntrico de la base de datos prospectiva "Código Trauma" de 2016-2019 excluyendo el trauma craneoencefálico aislado. La evaluación de las lesiones se realizó utilizando el New Injury Severity Score (NISS). Los pacientes fueron clasificados en 4 grupos según nivel de gravedad. Para el análisis inferencial, las puntuaciones NISS y el resultado de mortalidad se consideraron variables dependientes. Se realizó el análisis de la curva ROC, puntos de corte óptimos mediante el índice de Youden y se calcularon los valores predictivos positivo (VPP) y negativo. RESULTADOS: De los 1.039 pacientes traumatizados del registro, 709 fueron incluidos en el estudio, con una edad media de 40,4 años (DE 17,3), 77,3% eran varones, el mecanismo lesional principal accidentes de moto (21%) y la mortalidad del 12,1%. El pH, lactato, pCO2, hemoglobina, hematocrito y glucemia influyeron significativamente en gravedad y mortalidad. El VPP de mortalidad para pH fue 61,2, 64,1, 70,7, 62,2 y 66,6 para los grupos de NISS 34- 41, 42-49, 50-59 y $ 60 puntos la mortalidad, respectivamente. Las variables clínicas clásicas obtuvieron valores más bajos. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con mayor gravedad presentaron menor pH y concentraciones más altas de pCO2, lactato y exceso de bases. El pH, la pCO2 y la glucemia tuvieron la mayor capacidad predictiva de gravedad. La capacidad predictiva de los valores metabólicos es superior a la de los valores hemodinámicos clásicos.

Results of the Spanish National Polytrauma Registry. Where are we and where are we heading?

INTRODUCTION: In 2017, the Spanish National Polytrauma Registry (SNPR) was initiated in Spain with the goal to improve the quality of severe trauma management and evaluate the use of resources and treatment strategies. The objective of this study is to present the data obtained with the SNPR since its inception. METHODS: We conducted an observational study with prospective data collection from the SNPR. The trauma patients included were over 14 years of age, with ISS ≥ 15 or penetrating mechanism of injury, from a total of 17 tertiary hospitals in Spain. RESULTS: From 1/1/17 to 1/1/22, 2069 trauma patients were registered. The majority were men (76.4%), with a mean age of 45 years, mean ISS 22.8, and mortality 10.2%. The most common mechanism of injury was blunt trauma (80%), the most frequent being motorcycle accident (23%). Penetrating trauma was presented in 12% of patients, stab wounds being the most common (84%). On hospital arrival, 16% of patients were hemodynamically unstable. The massive transfusion protocol was activated in 14% of patients, and 53% underwent surgery. Median hospital stay was 11 days, while 73.4% of patients required intensive care unit (ICU) admission, with a median ICU stay of 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma patients registered in the SNPR are predominantly middle-aged males who experience blunt trauma with a high incidence of thoracic injuries. Early addressed detection and treatment of these kind of injuries would probably improve the quality of trauma care in our environment.

What trauma patients need: the European dilemma.

There is a need for implementation and maturation of an inclusive trauma system in every country in Europe, with patient centered care by dedicated surgeons. This process should be initiated by physicians and medical societies, based on the best available evidence, and supported and subsequently funded by the government and healthcare authorities. A systematic approach to organizing all aspects of trauma will result in health gain in terms of quality of care provided, higher survival rates, better functional outcomes and quality of life. In addition, it will provide reliable data for both research, quality improvement and prevention programs. Severely injured patients need surgeons with broad technical and non-technical competencies to provide holistic, inclusive and compassionate care. Here we describe the philosophy of the surgical approach and define the necessary skills for trauma, both surgical and other, to improve outcome of severely injured patients. As surgery is an essential part of trauma care, surgeons play an important role for the optimal treatment of trauma patients throughout and after their hospital stay, including the intensive care unit (ICU). However, in most European countries, it might not be obvious to either the general public, patients or even the physicians that the surgeon must assume this responsibility in the ICU to optimize outcomes. The aim of this paper is to define key elements in terms of trauma systems, trauma-specific surgical skills and active critical care involvement, to organize and optimize trauma care in Europe.

Relationship between the anatomical location and the selective non-operative management of penetrating stab wounds in the abdomen.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between the anatomical location of penetrating abdominal stab wounds (SW) and the rate of selective non-operative management (SNOM) based on that location is scarcely reflected in the specialized literature. Our main objective has been to assess this rate based on the anatomical location, and our results. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospective registry of abdominal trauma from April 1993 to June 2020. The two study groups considered were the Operative Management (OM), and the SNOM, including in this one the use of diagnostic laparoscopy. Penetrating SWs in the abdomen were classified according to anatomical location. RESULTS: We identified 259 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. SNOM was applied in 31% of the patients with a success rate of 96%, and it was more frequent in the lumbar, flank, and thoraco-abdominal regions; within the anterior abdomen it was more applicable in the RH, followed by the LH and epigastrium, respectively. An unnecessary laparotomy was done in 21% of patients, with the highest number in the epigastrium. Taking into account the unnecessary laparotomies and the rates of successful SNOM, 70.5% of lumbar, 66.5% of epigastric, 62% of flank, and 59% of RH penetrating SW could have been managed without a laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: SNOM of penetrating SW in the abdomen has been safer and more applicable in those located in the lumbar, flank, epigastric, and RH regions.

Relación entre la localización anatómica y el manejo selectivo no operatorio de las heridas por arma blanca penetrantes en abdomen / Relationship between the anatomical location and the selective non-operative management of penetrating stab wounds in the abdomen

Introducción: La localización anatómica de las heridas por arma blanca (HAB) penetrantes en abdomen y su relación con el manejo selectivo no operatorio (MSNO) tiene escaso reflejo en la literatura especializada. Nuestro objetivo principal ha sido valorar la tasa de MSNO en función de esa localización anatómica, y sus resultados. Métodos: Revisión retrospectiva del registro prospectivo de trauma abdominal desde abril de 1993 hasta junio de 2020. Los dos grupos a estudio fueron manejo operatorio (MO) y MSNO, incluyendo en este último grupo el uso de laparoscopias exploradoras como método diagnóstico. Se clasificaron las HAB penetrantes en abdomen en función de su localización anatómica. Resultados: Identificamos 259 pacientes que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. El MSNO se aplicó en el 31% de los pacientes, con una tasa de éxito del 96,5%. En las HAB de las regiones lumbares, flancos y toracoabdominales fue donde se optó más frecuentemente por este manejo; y en el abdomen anterior fue más aplicable en el hipocondrio derecho (HD), seguido del hipocondrio izquierdo (HI) y epigastrio. Se realizó una laparotomía innecesaria en el 21%, con la cifra más alta en el epigastrio. Teniendo en cuenta los porcentajes de MSNO y laparotomías evitables en cada región, el 70,5% de las HAB lumbares, el 66,5% de las epigástricas, el 62% de flancos y el 59% de HD se podrían haber manejado con éxito sin laparotomía. Conclusiones: El MSNO de las HAB penetrantes en abdomen ha resultado más seguro y aplicable en las localizadas en las regiones lumbares, flancos, epigastrio e HD (AU)

Introduction: The relationship between the anatomical location of penetrating abdominal stab wounds (SW) and the rate of selective non-operative management (SNOM) based on that location is scarcely reflected in the specialized literature. Our main objective has been to assess this rate based on the anatomical location, and our results. Methods: Retrospective review of a prospective registry of abdominal trauma from April 1993 to June 2020. The two study groups considered were the Operative Management (OM), and the SNOM, including in this one the use of diagnostic laparoscopy. Penetrating SWs in the abdomen were classified according to anatomical location. Results: We identified 259 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. SNOM was applied in 31% of the patients with a success rate of 96%, and it was more frequent in the lumbar, flank, and thoraco-abdominal regions; within the anterior abdomen it was more applicable in the RUQ, followed by the LUQ and epigastrium, respectively. An unnecessary laparotomy was done in 21% of patients, with the highest number in the epigastrium. Taking into account the unnecessary laparotomies and the rates of successful SNOM, 70,5% of lumbar, el 66,5% of epigastric, 62% of flank, and 59% of RUQ penetrating SWs could have been managed without a laparotomy. Conclusions: SNOM of penetrating SWs in the abdomen has been safer and more applicable in those located in the lumbar, flank, epigastric, and RUQ regions (AU)

Relevance of pneumoperitoneum in the conservative approach to complicated acute diverticulitis. A retrospective study identifying risk factors associated with treatment failure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relevance of pneumoperitoneum on the success rate of non-operative management (NOM) of patients with complicated acute diverticulitis (AD), and the risk factors associated with failure. METHODS: Observational retrospective cohort study of patients attended at the emergency department for AD from January 2015-August 2019. Patient demographics, blood tests, radiological data and initial treatment strategies were registered. NOM, based on intravenous antibiotics (ATB) and bowel rest, was defined as unsuccessful when emergency surgery (ES) and/or infection-related death took place. Patients initially treated with ES were excluded. Analysis was done with the IBM SPSS statistics 23.0.0.2 software. RESULTS: According to modified Hinchey and WSES criteria, 99 (12%) of 826 AD episodes were complicated, with pneumoperitoneum on the CT scan in 89 (90.5%). NOM was undertaken in 93 (94%) cases, with a 91.5% success rate. Multivariate analysis revealed ASA class III-IV, and the presence of fluid collections >3 cm in diameter, but not distant free air, to be associated with NOM failure. However, the success rate of NOM was significantly higher in patients with pericolic pneumoperitoneum (98.5%) than in those with distant free air (80%) (P=0.02). Risk factors of NOM failure were an advanced age, high CRP and WBC values, and the presence of free fluid in >2 abdominal quadrants. CONCLUSIONS: NOM in hemodynamically stable patients with complicated AD is a safe and feasible approach, even in the context of distant free air. Nevertheless, patients with isolated pericolic air did better in our series.

Relationship between the anatomical location and the selective non-operative management of penetrating stab wounds in the abdomen. / Relación entre la localización anatómica y el manejo selectivo no operatorio de las heridas por arma blanca penetrantes en abdomen.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between the anatomical location of penetrating abdominal stab wounds (SW) and the rate of selective non-operative management (SNOM) based on that location is scarcely reflected in the specialized literature. Our main objective has been to assess this rate based on the anatomical location, and our results. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospective registry of abdominal trauma from April 1993 to June 2020. The two study groups considered were the Operative Management (OM), and the SNOM, including in this one the use of diagnostic laparoscopy. Penetrating SWs in the abdomen were classified according to anatomical location. RESULTS: We identified 259 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. SNOM was applied in 31% of the patients with a success rate of 96%, and it was more frequent in the lumbar, flank, and thoraco-abdominal regions; within the anterior abdomen it was more applicable in the RUQ, followed by the LUQ and epigastrium, respectively. An unnecessary laparotomy was done in 21% of patients, with the highest number in the epigastrium. Taking into account the unnecessary laparotomies and the rates of successful SNOM, 70,5% of lumbar, el 66,5% of epigastric, 62% of flank, and 59% of RUQ penetrating SWs could have been managed without a laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: SNOM of penetrating SWs in the abdomen has been safer and more applicable in those located in the lumbar, flank, epigastric, and RUQ regions.

Complicaciones quirúrgicas en los body-packers: una urgencia infrecuente pero potencialmente letal / Surgical complications in drug body-packers: an uncommon but potentially lethal emergency

Introducción: El tráfico de drogas mediante la introducción de paquetes de sustancias ilícitas en cavidades corporales supone un riesgo de padecer una obstrucción gastrointestinal y/o intoxicación grave para la persona que las trasporta. Nuestro país está considerado como puerta de entrada a Europa para drogas, y algunos hospitales españoles tienen experiencia en el manejo de este tipo de pacientes. Dos hospitales en Madrid, entre ellos el Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM), reciben estos potenciales pacientes desde el aeropuerto de Barajas. Objetivo Analizar los resultados del tratamiento conservador y de la necesidad de cirugía en los body-packers. Métodos Estudio retrospectivo observacional de pacientes ingresados entre enero de 2000 y diciembre de 2008 con el diagnóstico de body-packer. Son ingresados en la Unidad de Custodiados de nuestro centro aquellos con síntomas gastrointestinales, signos de intoxicación o tóxicos positivos. El (..) (AU)

Introduction: Drug flicking by means of introducing packets of illegal substances in body cavities carries a risk of suffering from a gastrointestinal obstruction and/or severe poisoning in the person who transports them. Spain is considered as the port of entry to Europe for drugs, and some Spanish hospitals have experience in managing these types of patients. Two hospitals in Madrid, including the Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital(HGUGM), received these potential patients from the Madrid Barajas airport. Objective: To analyse the results of the conservative treatment and the need for surgery in ‘‘body-packers’’. Material and methods: A retrospective, observational study of patients diagnosed as a body packer between January 2000 and December 2008. Those with gastrointestinal symptoms, signs of poisoning, or positive for drugs of abuse, were admitted to the Custodial Unit of our hospital. The conservative treatment consisted of digestive rest and imaging studies until expulsion from the body. Asymptomatic patients were discharged from the Emergency Department. Results: A total of 549 patients, with a median age of 31 years, and of whom 81% were males, were hospitalised during this period. Less than half (40%) showed positive for drugs in the urine, with cocaine in 80% of the cases (..) (AU)

[Surgical complications in drug body-packers: an uncommon but potentially lethal emergency]. / Complicaciones quirúrgicas en los body-packers: una urgencia infrecuente pero potencialmente letal.

INTRODUCTION: Drug trafficking by means of introducing packets of illegal substances in body cavities carries a risk of suffering from a gastrointestinal obstruction and/or severe poisoning in the person who transports them. Spain is considered as the port of entry to Europe for drugs, and some Spanish hospitals have experience in managing these types of patients. Two hospitals in Madrid, including the Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital (HGUGM), received these potential patients from the Madrid Barajas airport. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the results of the conservative treatment and the need for surgery in "body-packers". MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational study of patients diagnosed as a body-packer between January 2000 and December 2008. Those with gastrointestinal symptoms, signs of poisoning, or positive for drugs of abuse, were admitted to the Custodial Unit of our hospital. The conservative treatment consisted of digestive rest and imaging studies until expulsion from the body. Asymptomatic patients were discharged from the Emergency Department. RESULTS: A total of 549 patients, with a median age of 31 years, and of whom 81% were males, were hospitalised during this period. Less than half (40%) showed positive for drugs in the urine, with cocaine in 80% of the cases. Of the 549 patients with initial conservative treatment, 27 (4.9%) had serious complications (16, bowel obstruction, and 11 with signs of poisoning). Of these, 23 required surgery (the 16 obstructions and 7 of the poisonings); 2 were successfully treated in ICU, and 2 died before surgery (0.4%) of the cases. The most frequent surgical treatment was enterotomy and/or gastrostomy to extract the packets. Thirteen (56%) of those operated on had associated morbidity (11 abdominal infections and 2 nosocomial infections). CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment is safe in 95% of the patients. A small percentage required surgical treatment, basically for gastrointestinal obstruction or severe poisoning.

Lesiones gastrointestinales y mesentéricas en el paciente politraumatizado: incidencia, demora diagnóstica y pronóstico / Gastrointestinal and mesenteric injuries in the trauma patient: incidence, diagnosis delay and prognosis

Introducción Las lesiones gastrointestinales y mesentéricas (LGIM) son poco frecuentes en el traumatizado, y su diagnóstico es, en ocasiones, tardío. Nuestros objetivos han sido determinar la fiabilidad diagnóstica inicial de la tomografía computarizada (TC) en nuestro centro, así como la posible repercusión clínica de la demora diagnóstica en estas lesiones. Material y método Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes con LGIM recogidos en nuestro Registro de Trauma Grave entre 1993 y 2006.ResultadosDe los 1.495 traumatizados registrados, 632 tenían traumatismo abdominal y 105 (16,6%) presentaron LGIM, en un 46% secundarias a un traumatismo cerrado. El ISS y el NISS medios fueron 20 y 25, respectivamente. La mortalidad fue de 9 (8,5%) pacientes, 4 contra pronóstico. En 56 (53%) casos se realizó una TC, y se observaron signos de LGIM en sólo 37. En otros 43 (41%) pacientes se indicó una laparotomía urgente por inestabilidad o signos clínicos de lesión intraabdominal. En 21 (20%) casos la cirugía se demoró más de 8h, y la causa más frecuente fue un falso negativo en la TC. Conclusiones La incidencia total de LGIM ha sido alta en nuestro medio (el 31% en traumatismo abdominal penetrante y el 10,7% en cerrado). Diversos factores como la ausencia inicial de clínica, la baja sensibilidad diagnóstica de la TC (un 34% de falsos negativos) y el manejo conservador de las lesiones de órgano sólido han llevado a diagnóstico y tratamiento tardíos en 1 de cada 5 pacientes de nuestra serie, sin que ello haya implicado un aumento significativo de la morbilidad infecciosa (AU)

Background Gastrointestinal and mesenteric injuries (GIMI) are uncommon in trauma patients, and their diagnosis are often delayed. Our aims were to determine the reliability of CT scan in our centre, and to assess the clinical significance of a delayed diagnosis. Materials and method Retrospective analysis of cases confirmed at laparotomy. Patients were identified at the Severe Trauma Registry of Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, between 1993 and 2006.ResultsWe found 105 (16.6%) GIMI out of 632 patients with abdominal trauma, in a Registry with 1495 severe trauma cases included. A total of 46% had blunt injuries. The mean injury severity score (ISS) and new ISS (NISS) were 20 and 25, respectively. There were 9 (8.5%) deaths, 4 of which were unexpected. A CT scan was performed in 56 (53%) cases, and only in 37 there were signs suggestive of a GIMI. In another 43 (41%) patients an urgent laparotomy was indicated because of positive clinical findings or instability. Surgery was delayed for more than 8 hours in 21 (20%) patients, the most common reason being a false negative result in the CT scan. Conclusions The overall incidence of GIMI was high in our centre (31% due to penetration and 10.7% blunt trauma). Several factors, such as the initial lack of symptoms, a low diagnostic sensitivity of the CT scan (34% false negatives), and the non-surgical management of solid organ injuries, have contributed to a delayed diagnosis and treatment in one out of each five patients in our series, but this has not led to a significant increase in septic complications in this group (AU)

[Gastrointestinal and mesenteric injuries in the trauma patient: incidence, diagnosis delay and prognosis]. / Lesiones gastrointestinales y mesentéricas en el paciente politraumatizado: incidencia, demora diagnóstica y pronóstico.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal and mesenteric injuries (GIMI) are uncommon in trauma patients, and their diagnosis are often delayed. Our aims were to determine the reliability of CT scan in our centre, and to assess the clinical significance of a delayed diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis of cases confirmed at laparotomy. Patients were identified at the Severe Trauma Registry of Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, between 1993 and 2006. RESULTS: We found 105 (16.6%) GIMI out of 632 patients with abdominal trauma, in a Registry with 1495 severe trauma cases included. A total of 46% had blunt injuries. The mean injury severity score (ISS) and new ISS (NISS) were 20 and 25, respectively. There were 9 (8.5%) deaths, 4 of which were unexpected. A CT scan was performed in 56 (53%) cases, and only in 37 there were signs suggestive of a GIMI. In another 43 (41%) patients an urgent laparotomy was indicated because of positive clinical findings or instability. Surgery was delayed for more than 8 hours in 21 (20%) patients, the most common reason being a false negative result in the CT scan. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of GIMI was high in our centre (31% due to penetration and 10.7% blunt trauma). Several factors, such as the initial lack of symptoms, a low diagnostic sensitivity of the CT scan (34% false negatives), and the non-surgical management of solid organ injuries, have contributed to a delayed diagnosis and treatment in one out of each five patients in our series, but this has not led to a significant increase in septic complications in this group.

[Safety and efficiency of ambulatory treatment of acute diverticulitis]. / Eficiencia y seguridad del tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of acute diverticulitis is currently being modified, showing a tendency to limit surgical treatment and favor conservative management. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the safety and efficiency of ambulatory treatment of acute diverticulitis in a selected group of patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of domiciliary oral antibiotic therapy for acute diverticulitis in a cohort of patients in the Emergency Surgery Section of our hospital. Seventy-four patients (44 men and 30 women) were included between 2000 and 2006. Patients with Hinchey stage 1 diverticulitis and those with Hinchey stage 2 diverticulitis and abscesses of less than 3cm, who were clinically and biochemically stable, were selected. The patients were treated with oral ciprofloxacin and metronidazole for 7-10 days. Follow-up was performed in the outpatients unit with clinical evaluation at 10 days and an imaging test at 1 month. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 55 years. The most frequent clinical presentation was spontaneous abdominal pain associated with leukocytosis. The mean duration of treatment was 8.8 days. Four patients (5.4%) required subsequent hospital admission for intravenous antibiotic administration and 70 (94.6%) completed treatment without complications. During follow-up, two cases of colonic adenocarcinoma and six cases of polyposis were diagnosed. Only 13 patients underwent elective surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In most of the patients studied, ambulatory conservative management was safe and effective in the treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. Moreover, this approach reduces length of hospital stay and lowers costs.

Eficiencia y seguridad del tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda / Safety and efficiency of ambulatory treatment of acute diverticulitis

Introducción: el tratamiento de la diverticulitis aguda está siendo recientemente revisado y muestra una tendencia a limitar el tratamiento quirúrgico y potenciar el de tipo conservador.Objetivo: analizar la eficiencia y la seguridad del tratamiento ambulatorio de la diverticulitis aguda en un grupo seleccionado de pacientes.Métodos: estudio prospectivo sobre el tratamiento antibiótico oral domiciliario de la diverticulitis aguda en una cohorte de pacientes, realizado en la sección de cirugía de urgencias de nuestro centro.Pacientes y tratamiento: 74 pacientes (44 varones y 30 mujeres) fueron incluidos en el período 2000–2006; se seleccionaron los tipo I de Hinchey y los tipo II con absceso menor de 3cm, clínica y analíticamente estables, y se trataron con ciprofloxacino y metronidazol, por vía oral, durante 7–10 días. El seguimiento se realizó en consultas externas mediante control clínico a los 10 días y prueba de imagen al cabo de un mes.Resultados: la edad media era de 55 años. La presentación clínica más frecuente fue dolor abdominal espontáneo asociado a leucocitosis. La duración media del tratamiento fue de 8,8 días. Cuatro pacientes (5,4%) precisaron ingreso posterior para tratamiento antibiótico intravenoso y 70 (94,6%) completaron el tratamiento sin complicaciones. Durante el seguimiento diagnosticamos 2 casos de adenocarcinoma de colon y 6 de poliposis. Solamente 13 pacientes recibieron cirugía electiva.Conclusiones: el manejo conservador ambulatorio ha demostrado ser seguro y eficaz en el tratamiento de la diverticulitis aguda no complicada en la mayoría de los pacientes de nuestro estudio, consiguiendo además una reducción de la estancia hospitalaria y una minimización de los costes(AU)

Introduction: The treatment of acute diverticulitis is currently being modified, showing a tendency to limit surgical treatment and favor conservative management.Objective: To analyze the safety and efficiency of ambulatory treatment of acute diverticulitis in a selected group of patients.Methods: We performed a prospective study of domiciliary oral antibiotic therapy for acute diverticulitis in a cohort of patients in the Emergency Surgery Section of our hospital. Seventy-four patients (44 men and 30 women) were included between 2000 and 2006. Patients with Hinchey stage 1 diverticulitis and those with Hinchey stage 2 diverticulitis and abscesses of less than 3cm, who were clinically and biochemically stable, were selected. The patients were treated with oral ciprofloxacin and metronidazole for 7–10 days. Follow-up was performed in the outpatients unit with clinical evaluation at 10 days and an imaging test at 1 month.Results: The mean age of the patients was 55 years. The most frequent clinical presentation was spontaneous abdominal pain associated with leukocytosis. The mean duration of treatment was 8.8 days. Four patients (5.4%) required subsequent hospital admission for intravenous antibiotic administration and 70 (94.6%) completed treatment without complications. During follow-up, two cases of colonic adenocarcinoma and six cases of polyposis were diagnosed. Only 13 patients underwent elective surgery.Conclusions: In most of the patients studied, ambulatory conservative management was safe and effective in the treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. Moreover, this approach reduces length of hospital stay and lowers costs(AU)