Direct to OR resuscitation of abdominal trauma: An NTDB propensity matched outcomes study.

BACKGROUND: Direct to operating room resuscitation (DOR) is used by some trauma centers for severely injured trauma patients as an approach to minimize time to hemorrhage control. It is unknown whether this strategy results in favorable outcomes. We hypothesized that utilization of an emergency department operating room (EDOR) for resuscitation of patients with abdominal trauma at an urban Level I trauma center would be associated with decreased time to laparotomy and improved outcomes. METHODS: We included patients 15 years or older with abdominal trauma who underwent emergent laparotomy within 120 minutes of arrival both at our institution and within a National Trauma Data Bank sample between 2007 to 2019 and 2013 to 2016, respectively. Our institutional sample was matched 1:1 to an American College of Surgeons National Trauma Databank sample using propensity score matching based on age, sex, mechanism of injury, and abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale score. The primary outcome was time to laparotomy incision. Secondary outcomes included blood transfusion requirement, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), ventilator days, hospital LOS, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Two hundred forty patients were included (120 institutional, 120 national). Both samples were well balanced, and 83.3% sustained penetrating trauma. There were 84.2% young adults between the ages of 15 and 47, 91.7% were male, 47.5% Black/African American, with a median Injury Severity Score of 14 (interquartile range [IQR], 8-29), Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 (IQR, 13-15), 71.7% had an systolic blood pressure of >90 mm Hg, and had a shock index of 0.9 (IQR, 0.7-1.1) which did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Treatment in the EDOR was associated with decreased time to incision (25.5 minutes vs. 40 minutes; p ≤ 0.001), ICU LOS (1 vs. 3.1 days; p < 0.001), transfusion requirement within 24 hours (3 units vs. 5.8 units packed red blood cells; p = 0.025), hospital LOS (5 days vs. 8.5 days, p = 0.014), and ventilator days (1 day vs. 2 days; p ≤ 0.001). There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality (22.5% vs. 15.0%; p = 0.14) or outcome-free days (4.9 days vs. 4.5 days, p = 0.55). CONCLUSION: The use of an EDOR is associated with decreased time to hemorrhage control as evidenced by the decreased time to incision, blood transfusion requirement, ICU LOS, hospital LOS, and ventilator days. These findings support DOR for patients sustaining operative abdominal trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management, Level III.

The mortality inflection point for age and acute cervical spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Acute cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Vertebral level and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score influence both hospital course and ultimate outcome. While controlling for these variables, we describe the effect of age on cSCI-related pneumonia and mortality. METHODS: All patients treated at our regional spinal cord injury center with an acute cSCI during a 5-year period (2005-2009) were reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographics, injury level, ASIA score, length of stay (LOS), radiologic, laboratory, and microbiology data were reviewed. Pneumonia was defined as an infiltrate on chest X-ray along with two of the following: leukocytosis, fever greater than 101°F, or positive bronchial alveolar lavage cultures; all occurring within the same 24-hour period. RESULTS: There were 244 cSCI during the study period. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher for those older than 75 years (40.5% vs. 4.0%, p < 0.0001). Pneumonia rates were not significantly different between age groups. In all age groups, high ASIA scores (A and B) were associated with increased pneumonia (61.9% vs. 17.4%, p < 0.0001) and mortality (16.7% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.002). Similarly, patients with higher cervical injury levels (C4 and above) had a higher incidence of pneumonia (39.5% vs. 25.9%, p < 0.05) and a trend toward higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Age was associated with an increase in mortality among patients with an acute cSCI. Injury level and ASIA score contributed significantly to overall pneumonia rate and mortality at all ages; however, pneumonia did not correlate directly with mortality in this population. Other factors play a role in the mortality associated with geriatric spinal cord-injured patients, including end-of-life decision making; these need to be investigated further in future studies.

Diaphragm hernia after debulking surgery in patients with ovarian cancer.

Over 80% of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer present with advanced disease, FIGO stage III or IV at the time of diagnosis. The majority require extensive upper abdominal surgery to obtain complete gross resection. This may include splenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, partial hepatectomy, cholecystectomy, and usually diaphragmatic peritonectomy or resection. Following surgery, diaphragmatic hernia-a very rare but serious complication-may occur. We describe four cases of left-sided diaphragmatic hernia resulting after debulking surgery, which included left diaphragm peritonectomy and splenectomy, in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. In association with the current shift towards more extensive debulking surgery for ovarian cancer, more patients may present with postoperative left-sided diaphragm hernia, making the prevention, diagnosis, and management of this complication important to practicing gynecologic oncologists. Intraoperatively the diaphragm should be checked thoroughly to rule out any defects, which should be closed. A diaphragmatic hernia may be easily misdiagnosed because the patient can present with various symptoms. While rare, these hernias require prompt identification, intervention and surgical correction to avoid serious complications.

Are roadside pedestrian injury patterns predictable in a densely populated, urban setting?

BACKGROUND: Roadside pedestrian injuries represent a significant portion of trauma team activations, especially at urban trauma centers. Patient demographics and severity of injury vary greatly in this patient population. Herein, we hypothesize that injury patterns may be predictable, especially with respect to age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with roadside pedestrian injuries evaluated at our urban, level one trauma center from January 2006 through December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected from the institutional trauma registry. Age was used as an independent variable and compared with injury type, substance abuse, discharge setting, and mortality. RESULTS: There were 226 roadside pedestrian injuries during the study period. Patients were divided into groups according to age, under 20 y, 21-40 y, 41-65 y, and over 65 y. Head injuries were more prevalent in patients over age 65, 30.4% versus 14.0% (P = 0.05). There was a trend for increasing alcohol use in the younger population. The likelihood of discharge to a rehab facility increased with age, 0%, 11.8%, 38.2%, 50.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). Mortality was significantly higher in patients older than 65 y, 15.2% versus 3.3% (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Roadside pedestrian injuries have predictable injury patterns based on age. Older patients are more likely to have a head injury, longer length of stay, need for a rehab stay, and have a higher mortality. Further studies are needed to correlate precise injuries with collision mechanism and evaluate specific risk factors in this high risk population.

Asymptomatic Trauma Patients Screened for Venous Thromboembolism Have a Higher Risk Profile with Lower Rate of Pulmonary Embolism: A Five-Year Single-Institution Experience.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is linked to reimbursements and publicly reported metrics. Some hospitals discourage venous duplex ultrasound (VDUS) screening in asymptomatic trauma patients because they often find higher rates of DVT. We aim to evaluate the association between lower extremity (LE) VDUS screening and pulmonary embolism (PE) in trauma patients. Trauma patients admitted to an urban Level-1 trauma center between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. We characterized the association of asymptomatic LE VDUSs with PE, upper extremity DVT, proximal LE DVT, and distal LE DVT by univariate and multivariable logistic regression controlling for confounders. Of the 3959 trauma patients included in our study-after adjusting for covariates related to patient demographics, injury, and procedures-there was a significantly lower likelihood of PE in screened patients (odds ratio (OR) = 0.02, P < 0.001) and a higher rate of distal LE DVT (OR 11.1, P = 0.004). Screening was not associated with higher rates of proximal LE DVT after adjustment for covariates (OR = 1.8, P = 0.193). PE was associated with patient transfer status, pelvis fracture, and spinal procedures in unscreened patients. After adjusting for covariates, we have shown that LE VDUS asymptomatic screening is associated with lower rates of PE in trauma patients and not associated with higher rates of proximal LE DVT. Our detailed institutional review of a large cohort of trauma patients over five years provides support for ongoing asymptomatic screening and better characterizes venous thromboembolism outcomes than similarly sized purely administrative data reviews. As a retrospective cohort study with a large sample size, no loss to follow-up, and a population with low heterogeneity, this study should be considered as level III evidence for care management.

Geriatric patients on antithrombotic therapy as a criterion for trauma team activation leads to over triage.

BACKGROUND: Our institution amended its trauma activation criteria to require a Level II activation for patients ≥65 years old on antithrombotic medication presenting with suspected head trauma. METHODS: Our institutional trauma registry was queried for geriatric patients on antithrombotic medication in the year before and after this criteria change. Demographics, presentation metrics, level of activation, and outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: After policy change, a greater proportion of patients received a trauma activation (19.9 vs. 74.9%, P < 0.001) and a greater proportion of these patients were discharged directly home without injury (4.3 vs. 44%, P < 0.001). However, a smaller proportion of patients with a critical Emergency Department disposition or traumatic intracranial hemorrhage failed to receive a trauma activation (65.1 vs. 23.5%, P < 0.001; 70.7% vs. 27.3%, P < 0.001). There was no change in mortality (4.3 vs. 2.0%, P = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing new criteria increased overtriage, decreased undertriage, and had little effect on mortality.

The pattern of combined maxillofacial and cervical spine fractures.

PURPOSE: Prompt recognition of cervical fractures in patients with facial fractures is of prime importance, as failure to diagnose such injuries carries a significant risk of causing neurologic abnormalities, long-term disabilities, and even death. The aim of this retrospective case study is to describe the different patterns of combinations of maxillofacial and cervical spine (C-spine) injuries to provide guidance in diagnosis and care of patients with combined injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The trauma directory of 1 academic institution was searched for records of 701 patients admitted with cervical spine fractures between January 2000 and June 2006. Patients who did not sustain a facial fracture in addition to their C-spine fracture were excluded. The search was narrowed to 44 patients (6.26%) who presented with combined C-spine and facial fractures. Descriptive statistics were performed in which the frequencies of the variables were presented and then exploration of the interaction between the different variables was carried out. RESULTS: A 6.28% incidence rate of combined C-spine and maxillofacial fractures is noted in this study. The most common cause of trauma was motor vehicle accidents (45.5%), followed by falls (36.4%). In regards to the types of maxillofacial fractures, 27.3% of the cases presented with isolated orbital fractures and 13.6% with isolated mandibular fractures. A total of 68.2% of the combined C-spine and facial fracture cases involved orbital fractures of some form. The most frequent level of C-spine fracture was isolated C2 fractures (31.8%) followed by isolated C4 and C6 fractures (6.8% each). When the mechanism of trauma were compared to the types of C-spine and maxillofacial fractures, falls were found to be the most frequent mechanism causing both isolated orbital and C2 fractures. CONCLUSION: The rule of presuming that all patients with maxillofacial fractures have an unstable C-spine injury should stand. This should be emphasized in patients with orbital fractures and we plead for a higher index of suspicion for C-spine injuries in such patients.

Safety of early tracheostomy in trauma patients after anterior cervical fusion.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spine injuries (CSIs) can have major effects on the respiratory system and carry a high incidence of pulmonary complications. Respiratory failure can be due to spinal cord injuries, concomitant facial fractures or chest injury, airway obstruction, or cognitive impairments. Early tracheostomy (ET) is often indicated in patients with CSI. However, in patients with anterior cervical fusion (ACF), concerns about cross-contamination often delay tracheostomy placement. This study aimed to demonstrate the safety of ET within 4 days of ACF. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed for all trauma patients admitted to our institution between 2001 and 2015 with diagnosis of CSI who required both ACF and tracheostomy, with or without posterior cervical fusion, during the same hospitalization. Thirty-nine study patients with ET (within 4 days of ACF) were compared with 59 control patients with late tracheostomy (5-21 days after ACF). Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to compare risk of wound infection, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and mortality between both groups during initial hospitalization. RESULTS: There was no difference in age, sex, preexisting pulmonary or cardiac conditions, Glasgow Coma Scale score, Injury Severity Score, Chest Abbreviated Injury Scale score, American Spinal Injury Association score, cervical spinal cord injury levels, and tracheostomy technique between both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in surgical site infection between both groups. There were no cases of cervical fusion wound infection in the ET group (0%), but there were five cases (8.47%) in the late tracheostomy group (p = 0.15). Four involved the posterior cervical fusion wound, and one involved the ACF wound. There was no statistically significant difference in intensive care unit stay (p = 0.09), hospital stay (p = 0.09), or mortality (p = 0.06) between groups. CONCLUSION: Early tracheostomy within 4 days of ACF is safe without increased risk of infection compared with late tracheostomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Evidence, level III.

Port site metastasis of B-cell lymphoma: a first occurrence or an underreported complication?

Minimally invasive techniques have been accepted as safe and reliable in the work-up of patients with lymphoproliferative disorders. As the oncologic indications of laparoscopy expand, many authors have raised concerns regarding the occurrence of port site metastases after minimally invasive procedures for a multiform array of neoplastic diseases. A review of the existing literature demonstrates no mention of port site occurrence following staging laparoscopy for malignant hematologic disorders. We report the first case of port site metastasis after diagnostic laparoscopy in a patient with large B-cell lymphoma. As these procedures become more common, we may be exposed to the increasing numbers of patients with this clinical presentation. A clear knowledge of the technical steps to minimize risk of port site metastasis is mandatory for any advanced laparoscopic surgeon.

Biosafety Initiatives in BMENA Region: Identification of Gaps and Advances.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to identify and assess the impact of capacity-building biosafety initiatives and programs that have taken place in the broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) region between 2001 and 2013, to highlight gaps that require further development, and to suggest sustainable ways to build cooperative regional biosafety opportunities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with two aspects (1) thorough desktop review of literature for all biosafety/biosecurity-related activities in the study countries, such as seminars, conferences, workshops, policy documents, technology transfer, sustained scientific endeavors between countries, etc. and (2) an online survey of scientists in countries in the region to get first-hand information about biosafety and biosecurity initiatives and gaps in their country. RESULTS: A total of 1832 initiatives of biosafety/biosecurity were recorded from 97 web links; 70.68% (n = 1295) initiatives were focused on raising general awareness among the scientific community about biosafety/biosecurity/biocontainment. The most frequent areas of interest were biorisk management in biomedical and biotechnology laboratories 13% (n = 239), followed by living modified organisms (LMOs) 9.17% (n = 168). Hands-on training accounted for 2.67% (n = 49) of initiatives. Online survey results confirmed desktop review findings; however, the response rate was 11%.

Increased mean arterial pressure goals after spinal cord injury and functional outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is often treated with induced hypertension to enhance spinal cord perfusion. The optimal mean arterial pressure (MAP) likely varies between patients. Arbitrary goals are often set, frequently requiring vasopressors to achieve, with no clear evidence supporting this practice. We hypothesize that increased MAP goals and episodes of relative hypotension do not affect hospital outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cervical and thoracic SCI patients treated at a level one trauma and regional SCI center over at 2.5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Lowest and average hourly MAP was recorded for the first 72 h of hospitalization, allowing for quantification of mean MAP and the total number of episodic relative hypotensive events. These data were further compared to daily American spinal injury association motor score (AMS), which was used to determine the severity of SCI and improvement/decline during hospitalization. Patient's data were finally analyzed at theoretic MAP set points. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients had complete data during the study period. At higher theoretic MAP set points (85 and 90), increased number of relative hypotensive episodes correlated with lower admission AMS (85 mmHg: <10 episodes, AMS 66.2; >50 episodes, 22.0; P < 0.001) and the need for vasopressors (P < 0.03) but showed no statistical change in AMS by hospital discharge. The need for vasopressors correlated with the number of hypotensive episodes and inversely related to admission AMS at all theoretic MAP goal set points but was not correlated with the change in AMS during the hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of relative hypotension and the need for vasopressors are progressively related to more severe SCI, as denoted by lower admission AMS. However, episodes of hypotension and the need for vasopressors did not affect the change in AMS during the acute hospitalization, regardless of theoretic MAP goal set-point. Arbitrarily elevated MAP goals may not be efficacious.

Applying Expectancy Theory to residency training: proposing opportunities to understand resident motivation and enhance residency training.

Medical resident education in the United States has been a matter of national priority for decades, exemplified initially through the Liaison Committee for Graduate Medical Education and then superseded by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. A recent Special Report in the New England Journal of Medicine, however, has described resident educational programs to date as prescriptive, noting an absence of innovation in education. Current aims of contemporary medical resident education are thus being directed at ensuring quality in learning as well as in patient care. Achievement and work-motivation theories attempt to explain people's choice, performance, and persistence in tasks. Expectancy Theory as one such theory was reviewed in detail, appearing particularly applicable to surgical residency training. Correlations between Expectancy Theory as a work-motivation theory and residency education were explored. Understanding achievement and work-motivation theories affords an opportunity to gain insight into resident motivation in training. The application of Expectancy Theory in particular provides an innovative perspective into residency education. Afforded are opportunities to promote the development of programmatic methods facilitating surgical resident motivation in education.

Ischemic jejunal stricture following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair -- a case report.

Endograft repair has rapidly become an alternative to conventional open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Various trials continue to show decreased morbidity when compared to open repair. However, as with any new procedure, complications specifically related to this technique are being described. Herein, we report a case of an isolated ischemic jejunal stricture presenting as a small-bowel obstruction secondary to cholesterol emboli following endograft repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Evaluating initial spine trauma response: injury time to trauma center in PA, USA.

Historical perceptions regarding the severity of traumatic spinal cord injury has led to considerable disparity in triage to tertiary care centers. This article retrospectively reviews a large regional trauma database to analyze whether the diagnosis of spinal trauma affected patient transfer timing and patterns. The Pennsylvania Trauma database was retrospectively reviewed. All acute trauma patient entries for level I and II centers were categorized for diagnosis, mechanism, and location of injury, analyzing transportation modality and its influence on time of arrival. A total of 1162 trauma patients were identified (1014 blunt injuries, 135 penetrating injuries and 12 other) with a mean transport time of 3.9 hours and a majority of patients arriving within 7 hours (>75%). Spine trauma patients had the longest mean arrival time (5.2 hours) compared to blunt trauma (4.2 hours), cranial neurologic injuries (4.35 hours), and penetrating injuries (2.13 hours, p<0.0001). There was a statistically significant correlation between earlier arrivals and both cranial trauma (p=0.0085) and penetrating trauma (p<0.0001). The fastest modality was a fire rescue (0.93 hours) or police (0.63 hours) vehicle with Philadelphia County (1.1 hour) having the quickest arrival times. Most trauma patients arrived to a specialty center within 7 hours of injury. However subsets analysis revealed that spine trauma patients had the greatest transit times. Present research trials for spinal cord injuries suggest earlier intervention may lead to improved recovery. Therefore, it is important to focus on improvement of the transportation triage system for traumatic spinal patients.