A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of heart failure as a rare complication of traumatic arteriovenous fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are rare. The vast majority occur secondary to penetrating injuries. High-output cardiac failure is a well-recognized serious complication of AVFs, associated with high morbidity and mortality. The objective of the present study was to identify predictors of heart failure (HF) in patients with traumatic AVF. METHODS: Both PubMed/MEDLINE (Ovid) and CINAHL were searched (up to June 2019) for studies reporting individual patient data on the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with AVF secondary to penetrating trauma. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, no specification of symptoms, a cranial, spinal, or cardiac AVF location, and an iatrogenic mechanism of injury. The present study was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 274 AVF patients from 15 case series and 177 case reports were included. The median age at presentation was 32 years (interquartile range, 24-43 years), 90% were men. The most frequent mechanisms of injury were stab wounds (43%) and gunshot wounds (32%). The AVF location was the abdomen (n = 86; 31%), lower limb (n = 79; 29%), neck (n = 61; 22%), thorax (n = 38; 14%), and upper limb (n = 10; 4%). Of the 274 patients, 35 (13%) had presented with HF and 239 (87%) with other symptoms. The risk of HF increased with an increased feeding artery diameter (P < .001). On univariate analysis, HF was significantly associated with a longer median time from injury to presentation with AVF (11.2 years vs 0.1 years; P < .001), older median age at presentation (43 years vs 31 years; P = .002), involvement of a large feeding artery (ie, aorta, pulmonary artery, subclavian artery, external iliac artery; 40% vs 13%; P < .001), shrapnel injuries (11% vs 2%; P = .011), and injuries to the trunk or lower limb (94% vs 71%; P = .004). After adjusting for clinical and demographic patient characteristics, involvement of a large feeding artery (odds ratio, 3.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-8.42; P = .015) and every 6 years of delay to presentation (odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.63; P = .026) remained independent predictors for HF. CONCLUSIONS: HF occurs in a small but important fraction of traumatic AVF patients and develops after highly variable latency periods. Large feeding arteries and delayed presentation independently predicted HF in this cohort.

A systematic review of penetrating extracranial vertebral artery injuries.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating vertebral artery injuries (VAIs) are rare. Because of their rarity, complex anatomy, and difficult surgical exposures, few surgeons and trauma centers have developed significant experience with their management. The objectives of this study were to review their incidence, clinical presentation, radiologic identification, management, complications, and outcomes and to provide a review of anatomic exposures and surgical techniques for their management. METHODS: A literature search on MEDLINE Complete-PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid, and Embase for the period of 1893 to 2018 was conducted. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used. Our literature search yielded a total of 181 potentially eligible articles with 71 confirmed articles, consisting of 21 penetrating neck injury series, 13 VAI-specific series, and 37 case reports. Operative procedures and outcomes were recorded along with methods of angiographic imaging and operative management. All articles were reviewed by at least two independent authors, and data were analyzed collectively. RESULTS: There were a total of 462 patients with penetrating VAIs. The incidence of VAI in the civilian population was 3.1% vs 0.3% in the military population. More complete data were available from 13 collected VAI-specific series and 37 case reports for a total of 362 patients. Mechanism of injury data were available for 341 patients (94.2%). There were gunshot wounds (178 patients [49.2%]), stab wounds (131 [73.6%]), and miscellaneous mechanisms of injury (32 [8.8%]). Anatomic site of injury data were available for 177 (49%) patients: 92 (25.4%) left, 84 (23.2%) right, and 1 (0.3%) bilateral. Anatomic segment of injury data were available for 204 patients (56.4%): 28 (7.7%) V1, 125 (34.5%) V2, and 51 (14.1%) V3. Treatment data were available for 212 patients. Computed tomography angiography was the most common imaging modality (163 patients [77%]). Injuries were addressed by operative management (94 [44.3%]), angiography and angioembolization (72 [34%]), combined approaches (11 [5.2%]), and observation (58 [27.4%]). Stenting and repair were less frequently employed (10 [4.7%]). The incidence of aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms was 18.5% (67); the incidence of arteriovenous fistula was 16.9% (61). The calculated mortality in VAI-specific series was 15.1%; in the individual case report group, it was 10.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of VAIs present without neurologic symptoms, although some may present with exsanguinating hemorrhage. Computed tomography angiography should be considered first line to establish diagnosis. Gunshot wounds account for most injuries. The most frequently injured segment is V2. Surgical ligation is the most common intervention, followed by angioembolization, both of which constitute important management approaches.

Vitamin D attenuates HMGB1-mediated neointimal hyperplasia after percutaneous coronary intervention in swine.

Intracoronary stenting is a common procedure in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Stent deployment stretches and denudes the endothelial layer, promoting a local inflammatory response, resulting in neointimal hyperplasia. Vitamin D deficiency associates with CAD. In this study, we examined the association of vitamin D status with high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)-mediated pathways (HMGB1, receptor for advanced glycation end products [RAGE], and Toll-like receptor-2 and -4 [TLR2 and TLR4]) in neointimal hyperplasia in atherosclerotic swine following bare metal stenting. Yucatan microswine fed with a high-cholesterol diet were stratified to receive vitamin D-deficient (VD-DEF), vitamin D-sufficient (VD-SUF), and vitamin D-supplemented (VD-SUP) diet. After 6 months, PTCA (percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty) followed by bare metal stent implantation was performed in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery of each swine. Four months following coronary intervention, angiogram and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed and swine euthanized. Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed in excised LAD to evaluate the expression of HMGB1, RAGE, TLR2, and TLR4. OCT analysis revealed the greatest in-stent restenosis area in the LAD of VD-DEF compared to VD-SUF or VD-SUP swine. The protein expression of HMGB1, RAGE, TLR2, and TLR4 was significantly higher in the LAD of VD-DEF compared to VD-SUF or VD-SUP swine. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with both increased in-stent restenosis and increased HMGB1-mediated inflammation noted in coronary arteries following intravascular stenting. Inversely, vitamin D supplementation was associated with both a decrease in this inflammatory profile and in neointimal hyperplasia, warranting further investigation for vitamin D as a potential adjunct therapy following coronary intervention.

Brachial Artery Injuries Operative Management and Predictors of Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Brachial artery injuries are rare. The objectives of the study are to report our experience and identify predictors of outcome. The hypothesis of the study is that maintaining ischemic times less than six hours results in improved outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective 118-month study. The outcome measure is total operative time from admission to restoration of blood flow, and outcomes are survival and limb salvage. Statistical analyses used in the study are univariate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 124 patients with 131 brachial artery injuries. Mechanism of injury (MOI) included the following: penetrating: 108 (87%) and blunt: 16 (13%). Operative management included the following: 77 (62%) reverse saphenous vein interposition grafts, 37 (29.8%) end-to-end anastomosis, and 4 (3.2%) ligation. Fasciotomies were performed in 23 (19.2%) patients. Outcomes of the study were as follows: 120 patients survived and the overall survival rate was 96.8%, adjusted survival rate excluding intraoperative deaths was 100%, overall limb salvage/amputation rate was 95.1%/4.9%, and adjusted limb salvage/amputation rates excluding intraoperative deaths were 98.3%/1.67%. Univariate analysis showed the mean ischemic times for survivors as 5 ± 3.1 hrs (300 ± 186 min) versus ischemic times for non survivors as 3 ± 2.2 hrs (180 ± 132 min) (P = 0.017); Injury Severity Score (ISS) (P = 0.002); and estimated blood loss (EBL) (P = 0.024). Logistic regression identified independent predictors of outcome for survival: MOI: penetrating [P = 0.015, RR - 4.29, 95% CI: 1.49-12.36]; Glasgow Coma Score < 7 [P < 0.001, RR - 21.71, 95% CI: 9.37-50.32]; ISS > 15 [P < 0.005, RR - 4.98, 95% CI: 1.68-14.73]; and patients not requiring ED thoracotomy [P = 0.009, RR - 7.48, 95% CI: 2.58-21.69]. CONCLUSIONS: Brachial artery injuries are rare. For patients not requiring ED thoracotomy, Glasgow Coma Score, ISS, and EBL predicted survival. The adjusted limb salvage rate was 98.3%. Patients with brachial artery injuries die from associated injuries, experiencing less ischemic times than survivors who are able to undergo repairs.

Duodenal injuries due to trauma: Review of the literature.

Duodenal injuries constitute a challenge to the Trauma Surgeon, mainly due to their retroperitoneal location. When identified, they present associated with other abdominal injuries. Consequently, they have an increased morbidity and mortality. At best estimates, duodenal lesions occur in 4.3% of all patients with abdominal injuries, ranging from 3.7% to 5%, and because of their anatomical proximity to other organs, they are rarely an isolated injury. The aim of this paper is to present a concise description of the anatomy, diagnosis, surgical management and treatment of complications of duodenal trauma, and an analysis of complications and mortality rates of duodenal injuries based on a 46-year review of the literature.

Traumatic penetrating arteriovenous fistulas: a collective review.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic penetrating arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are very rare. The majority of these injuries occur secondary to penetrating trauma. Objectives of this study: review their incidence, clinical presentation, radiologic identification, management, complications and outcomes. METHODS: A literature search was performed on MEDLINE Complete-Pubmed from 1829-2019. PRISMA guidelines were utilized. Of 305 potentially eligible articles, 201 articles were selected. INCLUSION CRITERIA: patients age ≥ 18, articles with title and abstract in English, AVFs secondary to penetrating trauma, articles which specified vessels involved in AVFs, and those reporting complete information on patient presentation, diagnosis, imaging, surgical and/or endovascular surgical management, and outcomes of penetrating AVF's. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: articles reporting blunt or iatrogenic AVFs, pediatric patients, fistulas used for dialysis and their complications, articles lacking complete information, cranial/spinal AVFs or cardiac AVFs, and duplicate articles. Mechanism of injury (MOI), diagnosis, involved vessels, management and outcomes of patients with AVFs secondary to penetrating trauma were recorded. RESULTS: There were a total of 291 patients with AVFs secondary to penetrating injuries. Mechanism of injury (MOI): stab wounds (SW)-126 (43.3%), Gunshot wounds (GSW)-94 (32.3%), miscellaneous-35 (12%), mechanism unspecified-36 (12.4%). Anatomic area: neck-69 (23.7%) patients, thorax-46 (15.8%), abdomen-87 (30%), upper and lower extremities-89 (30.6%). Most commonly involved vessels-vertebral artery-38 (13%), popliteal vein-32 (11.7%). Angiography was diagnostic-265 patients (91.1%). INTERVENTIONS: Surgical- 202 (59.6%), Endovascular-118 (34.8%). Associated: aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms-129 (44.3%). CONCLUSION: Most AVFs occur secondary to penetrating injuries. Stab wounds account for the majority of these injuries. Most frequently injured vessels are vertebral artery and superficial femoral vein. Surgical interventions are the most common mode of management followed by endovascular surgical techniques.

Penetrating Internal and Common Carotid Artery Injuries Shunts versus no shunts during repair effect on neurological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating Carotid artery injuries are rarely encountered even in busy in urban Trauma Centers. Repair is preferred over ligation for Internal (IC) and Common Carotid (CC) arteries. To date, the use of temporary shunts correlated to neurological outcomes has not been reported. OBJECTIVES ARE TO SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS THE QUESTION: In patients with penetrating IC or CC injury requiring repair, does use of temporary shunts decrease mortality and/or improve neurologic outcomes? We hypothesized that the use of temporary shunts during revascularization might produce improvements in both areas. METHODS: A literature search was performed through Medline Complete-PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid, and Embase for the period of 1900-2019. PRISMA guidelines were utilized. Thirty-two articles met inclusion criteria, ranging from 1960-2018. These were analyzed to determine whether surgical repair was performed with or without the use of temporary shunts. External Carotid artery injuries were excluded. Pre- and postoperative neurological outcomes and overall outcomes were analyzed. Non-parametric data were analyzed with Fisher's Exact or Chi-square tests as applicable. Statistical significance was set to a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: There were a total of 973 patients with penetrating IC and CC injuries; 136 (14%) patients underwent ligation and were excluded. Our study population consisted of 837 patients; 126 (15.1%) with shunts (WS), 711 (84.9%) without shunts (WOS). Mortality stratified to patients repaired WS versus WOS was 5.6% versus 11.1% (p=0.058). Neurological improvement was noted to be similar for patients undergoing repair WS - 14.2% versus WOS - 13.7% (p=0.8). Worsening neurological status for patients shunted WS - 3.4%, versus WOS - 9.0% (p=0.038). Data were analyzed for outcome variables including neurological deficits with or without mortality. Patients shunted had an improved and/or unchanged neurological outcome compared to patients not shunted during repair - 91.3% versus 80.9% (p=0.0047). CONCLUSIONS: Patients sustaining penetrating Internal and Common Carotid injuries repaired with temporary shunts have a slightly lower mortality rate and similar or unchanged neurological outcomes versus those repaired without shunts. Based on this evidence, we recommend thoughtful interoperative consideration for the use of temporary shunts for patients requiring complex repairs of these injuries.

Popliteal artery injuries. Less ischemic time may lead to improved outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Popliteal artery injuries are rare. They have high amputation rates. OBJECTIVES: To report our experience, identify predictors of outcome; mechanism of injury (MOI), Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) score and length of ischemic time. We hypothesized that ischemic time as close to six hours results in improved outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective 132-month study. All popliteal artery injuries. Urban Level I Trauma Center. OUTCOME MEASURES: MOI, ISS, MESS, ischemic time, risk factors for amputation, role of popliteal venous injuries, and limb salvage. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: univariate and multivariate. RESULTS: 76 patients - 59 (76.1%) males and 17 (22.4%) females. MOI: penetrating - 54 (71%). MESS for penetrating injuries - 5.8 ± 1.5, blunt injuries - 5.6 ± 1.8. Admission-perfusion restoration (n = 76) - 5.97 hours (358 minutes). Ischemic time was not predictive of outcome (p = 0.79). Ischemic time penetrating (n = 58) 5.9 hours (354 ± 209 minutes), blunt 6.1 hours (371 ± 201 minutes). Popliteal arterial repairs: RSVG 44 (58%), primary repair 21 (26%), PTFE 3 (4%), vein patch 2 (2%), ligation 2 (3%), exsanguinated 4 (6%). No patients underwent stenting. Popliteal Vein: Repair 19 (65%), ligation 10 (35%). Fasciotomies 45 patients (59%). OUTCOMES: Limb salvage - 90% (68/76). Adjusted limb salvage excluding intraoperative deaths - 94% (68/72). Selected patient characteristics; MOI: penetrating vs. blunt - age (p <0.0005). Amputated vs. non-amputated patients, age (p < 0.05). ISS (p < 0.005) predicted amputation, MESS (p = 0.98) did not. Mean ischemic time (p = 0.79) did not predict amputation. Relative risk of amputation, MOI - blunt (p = 0.26, RR 4.67, 95% CI: 1.11 - 14.1), popliteal artery ligation (p = 0.06, RR 3.965, 95% CI: 1.11 - 14.1) as predictors of outcome. Combined artery and vein injuries (p = 0.25) did not predict amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Decreasing ischemic time from arrival to restoration of perfusion may lead to improved outcomes and increased limb salvage. MESS is not predictive for amputation. Blunt MOI is a risk factor for amputation. Maintaining ischemic times as close to six hours as possible may lead to improved outcomes.

The 2019-2020 Novel Coronavirus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) Pandemic: A Joint American College of Academic International Medicine-World Academic Council of Emergency Medicine Multidisciplinary COVID-19 Working Group Consensus Paper.

What started as a cluster of patients with a mysterious respiratory illness in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, was later determined to be coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel Betacoronavirus, was subsequently isolated as the causative agent. SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted by respiratory droplets and fomites and presents clinically with fever, fatigue, myalgias, conjunctivitis, anosmia, dysgeusia, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. In most critical cases, symptoms can escalate into acute respiratory distress syndrome accompanied by a runaway inflammatory cytokine response and multiorgan failure. As of this article's publication date, COVID-19 has spread to approximately 200 countries and territories, with over 4.3 million infections and more than 290,000 deaths as it has escalated into a global pandemic. Public health concerns mount as the situation evolves with an increasing number of infection hotspots around the globe. New information about the virus is emerging just as rapidly. This has led to the prompt development of clinical patient risk stratification tools to aid in determining the need for testing, isolation, monitoring, ventilator support, and disposition. COVID-19 spread is rapid, including imported cases in travelers, cases among close contacts of known infected individuals, and community-acquired cases without a readily identifiable source of infection. Critical shortages of personal protective equipment and ventilators are compounding the stress on overburdened healthcare systems. The continued challenges of social distancing, containment, isolation, and surge capacity in already stressed hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments have led to a swell in technologically-assisted care delivery strategies, such as telemedicine and web-based triage. As the race to develop an effective vaccine intensifies, several clinical trials of antivirals and immune modulators are underway, though no reliable COVID-19-specific therapeutics (inclusive of some potentially effective single and multi-drug regimens) have been identified as of yet. With many nations and regions declaring a state of emergency, unprecedented quarantine, social distancing, and border closing efforts are underway. Implementation of social and physical isolation measures has caused sudden and profound economic hardship, with marked decreases in global trade and local small business activity alike, and full ramifications likely yet to be felt. Current state-of-science, mitigation strategies, possible therapies, ethical considerations for healthcare workers and policymakers, as well as lessons learned for this evolving global threat and the eventual return to a "new normal" are discussed in this article.

Evolution and Current Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis.

The treatment of appendicitis has evolved since the first appendectomy in the eighteenth century. It seems to have come full circle with nonoperative management in the era before frequent surgical interventions, to open surgical interventions, minimally invasive interventions, and now back to a renewed interest in nonoperative management of acute appendicitis. Scoring systems to help refine the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and advances in medical imaging have also changed the management of this condition. Scientific investigations into the effects the microbiome of the appendix plays in this disease process are also being considered.

Femoral vessel injuries: analysis of factors predictive of outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Femoral vessel injuries are the most common vascular injuries treated in a Level I trauma center. No studies have identified risk factors for survival and complications. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective, 132-month study that included univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: We studied 204 patients with 298 vessel injuries: 204 were arterial, 94 were venous. Mean age (+/- SD) was 29+/-13 years and mean Injury Severity Score (+/- SD) was 17+/-8. There were 176 (86%) penetrating injuries and 28 (14%) blunt injuries. Arterial repairs included: reverse saphenous vein graft bypass, 108 (53%); primary repair, 53 (26%); PTFE, 21 (10.2%); ligation, 13 (6.4%); and vein patch, 9 (4.4%). Venous repairs included: ligation, 49 (52%); primary repair, 41 (44%); and bypass, 4 (4%). Fasciotomies included: calf, 56 (27%); thigh, 25 (12%); traumatic amputations, 6 (3%); and delayed amputations, 0. Overall survival rate was 91% (186 of 204), and adjusted survival was 95% (excluding emergency department thoracotomy deaths). There were 1 or more complications in 47 (23%), including wound infection, 31 (15%); venous thrombosis, 6 (3%); bleeding, 5 (2.5%); ARDS, 4 (2%); and arterial thrombosis, 1 (0.5%). Predictors of mortality were age>45 years, Injury Severity Score>25, common femoral artery injury, associated venous and abdominal injury, hypotension, hypothermia, and acidosis; coagulopathy in the operating room and the need for PTFE repair also predicted outcomes. Predictors of postoperative complications were intraoperative hypotension, arterial intimal injury, bony fracture, and thoracic injury. CONCLUSIONS: Although survival and limb salvage rates are high for femoral vessel injuries, these injuries incur high complication rates. Independent predictors for mortality are: Injury Severity Score > 25, Glasgow Coma Scale 28, presence of coagulopathy in the operating room, presence of two or more vascular signs, and age > 45 years.

Has evolution in awareness of guidelines for institution of damage control improved outcome in the management of the posttraumatic open abdomen?

HYPOTHESIS: Awareness of guidelines for damage control can improve patient outcomes after postraumatic open abdomen. DESIGN: Retrospective (November 1992 to December 1998), prospective (January 1999 to July 2001), 104-month study. SETTING: Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing damage control resulting in posttraumatic open abdomen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measure was survival. Data were also collected on surgical findings and indications for damage control, including organs injured, intraoperative estimated blood loss, and intraoperative fluids, blood, and blood products administered. Postoperative complications, length of time patients had an open abdomen, and surgical intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were also recorded. RESULTS: No difference in mortality existed between patients admitted before awareness of guidelines (group 1; 21 [24%] of 86 patients died) and patients who underwent damage control following these suggested guidelines (group 2; 13 [24%] of 53 patients died) (P =.85). Of the 139 patients, 100 had penetrating injuries and 39 had blunt injuries. Estimated blood loss was 4764 +/- 5349 mL. Mean intraoperative fluid replacement was 22 034 mL. One hundred one patients (73%) experienced 228 complications, for a mean of 2.26 complications per patient. Group 1 patients spent a longer time in the operating room (mean, 4.09 +/- 1.99 hours; range, 0.4-9.5 hours) vs group 2 patients (mean, 2.34 +/- 1.50 hours; range, 0.3-6.2 hours; P<.001). The surgical intensive care unit length of stay was 23.5 +/- 18.3 days vs 8.7 +/- 14.9 days (P<.001), and the hospital length of stay was 37.4 +/- 27.5 days vs 12.4 +/- 21.0 days (P<.001) in survivors and nonsurvivors, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend close monitoring of intraoperative outcome predictors as validated within our guidelines and recommend following our model for early institution of damage control.

Analysis of 185 iliac vessel injuries: risk factors and predictors of outcome.

HYPOTHESIS: Iliac vascular injuries incur high mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective 100-month study (January 1, 1992, through April 30, 2000). PATIENTS: One hundred forty-eight patients with 185 iliac vessel injuries. OUTCOME MEASURES: Survival and mortality, analyzed by univariate and logistic regression. RESULTS: Admission mean +/- SD systolic blood pressure was 81 +/- 42 mm Hg, mean Revised Trauma Score was 6.0 +/- 2.8, and mean Injury Severity Score was 20.0 +/- 9.5. The mechanism of injury was penetrating in 140 patients (95%) and blunt in 8 (5%). The mean estimated blood loss was 6246 +/- 6174 mL. Of the 185 injured vessels, 71 (99%) of 72 iliac arteries were repaired, 101 (89%) of 113 iliac veins were ligated, and 12 (11%) of 113 iliac veins were repaired. Overall survival was 51% (76/148). Mortality was 82% (49/72) in patients with exsanguination. Survival by vessel: iliac artery, 57% (20/35); iliac vein, 55% (42/76); and iliac artery and vein, 38% (14/37). Significant predictors of outcome were thoracotomy in the emergency department, associated aortic injury, inferior vena cava injuries, iliac artery and vein injury, intraoperative arrhythmia, and intraoperative coagulopathy. On logistic regression, independent risk factors for survival were absence of thoracotomy in the emergency department, surgical management, and arrhythmia. Mortality by grade on the Organ Injury Scale of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST-OIS) was as follows: grade III, 35% (33/95); grade IV, 71% (24/34); and grade V, 79% (15/19). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality remains high. Associated vessel injuries and intraoperative complications predict mortality. AAST-OIS grade for abdominal vascular injuries correlates well with mortality.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy: a rare procedure for the management of complex pancreaticoduodenal injuries.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) is a formidable procedure when undertaken for severe pancreaticoduodenal injury. The purposes of this study were to review our experience with this procedure for trauma; to classify injury grades for both pancreatic and duodenal injuries in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-Organ Injury Scale for pancreatic and duodenal injury; and to validate existing indications for performance of this procedure. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective 126-month study (May 1992 to December 2002) of all patients admitted with proven complex pancreaticoduodenal injuries requiring pancreaticoduodenectomy. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included; mean age was 32 +/- 12 years (SD), mean Revised Trauma Score was 6.84 +/- 2.13 (SD), and mean Injury Severity Score was 27 +/- 8 (SD). There were 17 penetrating injuries (94%) and 1 blunt injury (6%). One of 18 patients had an emergency department thoracotomy and died (100% mortality); 5 of the remaining 17 patients required operating room thoracotomies, and only 1 survived (80% mortality). There was 1 AAST-OIS pancreas grade IV injury, and there were 17 pancreas grade V injuries and 18 AAST-OIS duodenum grade V injuries. Indications for pancreaticoduodenectomy were: massive uncontrollable retropancreatic hemorrhage, 13 patients (72%); massive unreconstructable injury to the head of the pancreas/main pancreatic duct and intrapancreatic portion/distal common bile duct, 18 patients (100%); and massive unreconstructable injury, 18 patients (100%). Mean estimated blood loss was 6,888 +/- 7,866 mL, and overall survival was 67% (12 of 18 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Complex pancreaticoduodenal injuries requiring pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) are uncommon but highly lethal; virtually all are classified as AAST-OIS grade V for both pancreas and duodenum. Current indications for performance of pancreaticoduodenectomy are valid and should be strictly applied during procedure selection.

Shank vessel injuries.

The management of lower extremity vascular injuries has undergone dramatic changes over the last century. With the optimal management of femoral and popliteal injuries established, controversy still exists with respect to management of vascular injuries below the popliteal fossa, in the shank arterial vessels. These injuries are uncommon, often limb threatening, and usually require complex management decisions. Incidence of shank vessel injuries, imaging studies required for accurate and expedient diagnosis, determinants influencing the decision for repair or amputation, and details of techniques in surgical intervention are discussed.

Visceral vascular injuries.

This article deals with injuries to the celiac trunk, superior and inferior mesenteric arterial injuires. Surgical approaches and physiological implications of interruption of the mesenteric arterial circulation are addressed in detail. Surgical techniques for the management of these injuries and the need for second look operations are also examined.

Surgical management and strategies in the treatment of hypothermia and cold injury.

Increased participation in outdoor activities and the epidemic of homelessness have caused the incidence of cold injuries in the civilian population to rise dramatically over the last 20 years. Knowledge of the treatment is crucial for emergency physicians in rural and urban areas. Recent developments have significantly advanced the understanding of the pathophysiology of hypothermic and frostbite injuries. Together with improved rewarming techniques and use of radiological assessment of tissue viability, future advancements should allow for a more aggressive and active approach to the management of these injuries.

The vasculopathic patient: uncommon surgical emergencies.

Recognition of the patient who has an emergent vascular disorder and the early initiation of simple management steps in the ED can significantly impact patient outcome. The vasculopathic patient presents with significant comorbid conditions and a small window of opportunity to alter the prognosis favorably. The critical role of the EP lies in prompt use of this opportunity and appropriate direction of further care.

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections.

It has been more than 130 years since NSTIs were first described. Despite the development of various classification systems and progress in surgical management, these infections continue to have high mortality and pose enormous diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. For optimal outcome, treatment involves rapid institution of appropriate antibiotic coverage and early wide surgical debridement. Recovery requires aggressive resuscitation, postoperative nutritional support and wound care that is similar to the care of burn patients in many respects. The entire therapeutic process requires a well-prepared and coordinated team of health care professionals including EPs, general, orthopedic, and other specialist surgeons, infectious disease consultants, specially trained nursing staff, and physical therapists.