Does the use of double hormone replacement therapy for trauma patient organ donors improve organ recovery for transplant

BACKGROUND

With an ongoing demand for transplantable organs, optimization of donor management protocols, specifically in trauma populations, is important for obtaining a high yield of viable organs per patient. Endocrine management of brain-dead potential organ donors (BPODs) is controversial, leading to heterogeneous clinical management approaches. Previous studies have shown that when levothyroxine was combined with other treatments, including steroids, vasopressin, and insulin, BPODs had better organ recovery and survival outcomes were increased for transplant recipients.

AIM

To determine if levothyroxine use in combination with steroids in BPODs increased the number of organs donated in trauma patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of adult BPODs from a single level 1 trauma center over ten years was performed. Exclusion criteria included patients who were not solid organ donors, patients who were not declared brain dead (donation after circulatory death), and patients who did not receive steroids in their hospital course. Levothyroxine and steroid administration, the number of organs donated, the types of organs donated, and demographic information were recorded. Univariate analyses were performed with P < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 88 patients met inclusion criteria, 69 (78%) of whom received levothyroxine and steroids (ST/LT group) vs 19 (22%) receiving steroids without levothyroxine (ST group). No differences were observed between the groups for gender, race, pertinent injury factors, age, or other hormone therapies used (P > 0.05). In the ST/LT group, 68.1% (n = 47) donated a high yield (3-5) of organ types per donor compared to 42.1% (n = 8) in the ST group (P = 0.038). There was no difference in the total number of organ types donated between the groups (P = 0.068).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that combining levothyroxine and steroid administration increases high-yield organ donation per donor in BPODs in the trauma patient population. Limitations to this study include the retrospective design and the relatively small number of organ donors who met inclusion criteria. This study is unique in that it mitigates steroid administration as a confounding variable and focuses specifically on the adjunctive use of levothyroxine.

Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia: Management Using a Standardized Approach

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are a rare complication of high energy blunt trauma. There exist several studies evaluating and outlining potential management options but still no generalized consensus on management. This series was meant to evaluate the diagnosis and management of traumatic abdominal wall hernias. A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients with TAWH from 2021 to 2022. The primary outcome was operative management. Secondary outcomes included: time to diagnosis and post-operative outcomes. Of the 19 patients in this case series, 100% (n = 19/19) were secondary to blunt trauma with a mean ISS of 21. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in 17 cases. 14 cases had concomitant traumatic injuries to visceral structures. Complications were found in nearly half of the patients with 3 experiencing wound dehiscence. Future studies should be aimed at standardizing management approach taking into account nature of the mechanism and concomitant injuries.

The impact of post-operative enteral nutrition on duodenal injury outcomes: A post hoc analysis of an EAST multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

Leak following surgical repair of traumatic duodenal injuries results in prolonged hospitalization and oftentimes nil per os(NPO) treatment. Parenteral nutrition(PN) has known morbidity; however, duodenal leak(DL) patients often have complex injuries and hospital courses resulting in barriers to enteral nutrition(EN). We hypothesized EN alone would be associated with 1)shorter duration until leak closure and 2)less infectious complications and shorter hospital length of stay(HLOS) compared to PN.

METHODS

This was a post-hoc analysis of a retrospective, multicenter study from 35 Level-1 trauma centers, including patients >14 years-old who underwent surgery for duodenal injuries(1/2010-12/2020) and endured post-operative DL. The study compared nutrition strategies: EN vs PN vs EN + PN using Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis tests; if significance was found pairwise comparison or Dunn's test were performed.

RESULTS

There were 113 patients with DL: 43 EN, 22 PN, and 48 EN + PN. Patients were young(median age 28 years-old) males(83.2%) with penetrating injuries(81.4%). There was no difference in injury severity or critical illness among the groups, however there were more pancreatic injuries among PN groups. EN patients had less days NPO compared to both PN groups(12 days[IQR23] vs 40[54] vs 33[32],p = <0.001). Time until leak closure was less in EN patients when comparing the three groups(7 days[IQR14.5] vs 15[20.5] vs 25.5[55.8],p = 0.008). EN patients had less intra-abdominal abscesses, bacteremia, and days with drains than the PN groups(all p < 0.05). HLOS was shorter among EN patients vs both PN groups(27 days[24] vs 44[62] vs 45[31],p = 0.001). When controlling for predictors of leak, regression analysis demonstrated EN was associated with shorter HLOS(β -24.9, 95%CI -39.0 to -10.7,p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

EN was associated with a shorter duration until leak closure, less infectious complications, and shorter length of stay. Contrary to some conventional thought, PN was not associated with decreased time until leak closure. We therefore suggest EN should be the preferred choice of nutrition in patients with duodenal leaks whenever feasible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Risk Factors for Empyema Following Penetrating Diaphragmatic Injuries

Empyema resulting as a complication of penetrating diaphragmatic injuries is a subject that requires further investigation, and the aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with empyema in patients with penetrating trauma. Consecutive adult trauma patients from a level 1 trauma center were searched for penetrating diaphragm injuries. Data were collected on patient demographics, pre-existing conditions, injury type and severity, hospital interventions, in-hospital complications, and outcomes. Patients were stratified by empyema formation and univariant analyses were performed. 164 patients were identified, and 17 patients (10.4%) developed empyema. Empyema was associated with visible abdominal contamination (35.3% vs 15%, P = .04), thoracotomy (35.5% vs 13.6%, P = .03), pneumonia (41.2% vs 14.3%, P = .01), sepsis (35.3% vs 8.8%, P = .006), increased hospital length of stay (25.5 vs 10.1 days, p =<.001), increased intensive care unit length of stay (9.6 vs 4.3 days, P = .01), and decreased in-hospital mortality (0% vs 20.4%, P = .04).

Prehospital Needle Decompression of Suspected Tension Pneumothorax: Outcomes and Consequences

Tension pneumothorax (TPT) identified in the prehospital setting requires prehospital needle decompression (PHND). This study aimed to evaluate complications from PHND when it was performed without meeting clinical criteria. A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing (PHND) from 2016 through 2022 at a level 1 trauma center. Patient data who received PHND were reviewed. Of 115 patients, 85 did not meet at least one clinical criterion for PHND. The majority of patients in this cohort 76 (89%) required a chest tube and 22 (25%) had an iatrogenic pneumothorax from PHND. 5 patients (6%) were admitted due to iatrogenic PHND. Two vascular injuries in this population were directly due to PHND and required emergency operative repair. This study shows the negative consequences of PHND when performed without clear indications. Several patients underwent unnecessary procedures with significant clinical consequences.

Chest Tube Size Selection: Evaluating Provider Practices, Treatment Efficacy, and Complications in Management of Thoracic Trauma

BACKGROUND

The standard for managing traumatic pneumothorax (PTX), hemothorax (HTX), and hemopneumothorax (HPTX) has historically been large-bore (LB) chest tubes (>20-Fr). Previous studies have shown equal efficacy of small-bore (SB) chest tubes (≤19-Fr) in draining PTX and HTX/HPTX. This study aimed to evaluate provider practice patterns, treatment efficacy, and complications related to the selection of chest tube sizes for patients with thoracic trauma.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on adult patients who underwent tube thoracostomy for traumatic PTX, HTX, or HPTX at a Level 1 Trauma Center from January 2016 to December 2021. Comparison was made between SB and LB thoracostomy tubes. The primary outcome was indication for chest tube placement based on injury pattern. Secondary outcomes included retained hemothorax, insertion-related complications, and duration of chest tube placement. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Three hundred and forty-one patients were included and 297 (87.1%) received LB tubes. No significant differences were found between the groups concerning tube failure and insertion-related complications. LB tubes were more frequently placed in patients with penetrating MOI, higher average ISS, and higher average thoracic AIS. Patients who received LB chest tubes experienced a higher incidence of retained HTX.

DISCUSSION

In patients with thoracic trauma, both SB and LB chest tubes may be used for treatment. SB tubes are typically placed in nonemergent situations, and there is apparent provider bias for LB tubes. A future randomized clinical trial is needed to provide additional data on the usage of SB tubes in emergent situations.

Discrepancies in Mass Shootings and Access to Trauma Care Across the United States, 2014-2018

INTRODUCTION

The United States has one of the highest rates of gun violence and mass shootings. Timely medical attention in such events is critical. The objective of this study was to assess geographic disparities in mass shootings and access to trauma centers.

METHODS

Data for all Level I and II trauma centers were extracted from the American College of Surgeons and the Trauma Center Association of America registries. Mass shooting event data (4+ individuals shot at a single event) were taken from the Gun Violence Archive between 2014 and 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 564 trauma centers and 1672 mass shootings were included. Ratios of the number of mass shootings vs trauma centers per state ranged from 0 to 11.0 mass shootings per trauma center. States with the greatest disparity (highest ratio) included Louisiana and New Mexico.

CONCLUSION

States in the southern regions of the US experience the greatest disparity due to a high burden of mass shootings with less access to trauma centers. Interventions are needed to increase access to trauma care and reduce mass shootings in these medically underserved areas.

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

INTRODUCTION

One of the significant complications of operative liver trauma is intra-abdominal abscesses (IAA). The objective of this study was to determine risk factors associated with postoperative IAA in surgical patients with major operative liver trauma.

METHODS

A retrospective multi-institutional study was performed at 13 Level 1 and Level 2 trauma centers from 2012 to 2021. Adult patients with major liver trauma (grade 3 and higher) requiring operative management were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-two patients were included with 21.2% (n = 79/372) developing an IAA. No difference was found for age, gender, injury severity score, liver injury grade, and liver resections in patients between the groups (P > 0.05). Penetrating mechanism of injury (odds ratio (OR) 3.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-7.57, P = 0.02), intraoperative massive transfusion protocol (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.23-4.79, P = 0.01), biloma/bile leak (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.01-4.53, P = 0.04), hospital length of stay (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06, P < 0.001), and additional intra-abdominal injuries (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.09-4.72, P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for IAA. Intra-abdominal drains, damage control laparotomy, total units of packed red blood cells, number of days with an open abdomen, total abdominal surgeries, and blood loss during surgery were not found to be associated with a higher risk of IAA.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with penetrating trauma, massive transfusion protocol activation, longer hospital length of stay, and injuries to other intra-abdominal organs were at higher risk for the development of an IAA following operative liver trauma. Results from this study could help to refine existing guidelines for managing complex operative traumatic liver injuries.

PRRSV-2 viral load in critical non-lymphoid tissues is associated with late gestation fetal compromise

The impact of late gestation PRRSV-2 infection is highly variable within a litter, with a subset of fetuses displaying varying degrees of compromise following infection while others remain viable despite significant systemic viral load. To understand the underlying cause of this variation, we examined the susceptibility, distribution and impact of viral infection within non-lymphoid tissues. Samples of brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, and skeletal muscle were obtained from fetuses of pregnant gilts at gestation day 86, and the presence and distribution of CD163+ cells within each tissue evaluated via immunohistofluorescence. Equivalent samples were collected from phenotypic extremes representing resistant, resilient and susceptible fetuses at 21 days following infection of pregnant gilts with PRRSV-2 at day 86 of gestation. Viral load and its impact in each tissue was evaluated by a combination of qPCR, in vitro viral recovery, and local expression of IFNG and CD163. Resting populations of CD163+ cells were observed in all six non-lymphoid tissues from healthy day 86 fetuses, though the apparent density and the morphology of positive cells varied between tissue. Viral RNA was detected in all six tissues derived from fetuses previously classified as highly infected, and infectious viral particles successfully recovered. Significantly more viral RNA was detected in heart, brain, lung and skeletal muscle of susceptible fetuses, relative to their viable counterparts. Infection was associated with an increase in the expression of CD163 in brain, kidney and lung. In addition, the presence of virus in each tissue coincided with a significant upregulation in the expression of IFNG, but the scale of this response was not associated with fetal susceptibility. Thus, PRRSV-2 is widely distributed across these susceptible non-lymphoid fetal tissues, and fetal outcome is associated with local viral load in critical fetal organs.

Modification of the inflammatory profile of mesenchymal stem cells using different culture conditions

Aim: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent cells with significant therapeutic potential. The objective of this study was to examine the inflammatory profile of MSCs cultured under different conditions. Methods: MSCs were cultured by three strategies: seeding on an extracellular matrix (ECM), spheroids in static culture and spheroids in a bioreactor. Paracrine factors and CD206, a marker of M2 macrophage phenotype, were measured. Results: MSCs grown as spheroids in a bioreactor produced more IL-6 and IL-8 (p < 0.05). Supernatant collected from spheroids under both culture conditions increased the M2 macrophage phenotype almost twofold. Conclusion: Results indicate that the inflammatory profile of the supernatant collected from MSCs can be modified through culture conditions which has impacts for the future of regenerative medicine.

Efficacy and Safety of Whole Blood Transfusion in Non-Trauma Patients

Whole blood (WB) transfusion for trauma patients with severe hemorrhage has demonstrated early successful outcomes compared to conventional component therapy. The objective of this study was to demonstrate WB transfusion in the non-trauma patient. Consecutive adult patients receiving WB transfusion at a single academic institution were reviewed from February 2018 to January 2020. Outcomes measured were mortality and transfusion-related reactions. A total of 237 patients who received WB were identified with 55 (23.2%) non-trauma patients. Eight patients (14.5%) received pre-hospital WB. The most common etiology of non-traumatic hemorrhage was gastrointestinal bleeding (43.6%, n = 24/55). Approximately half of the non-trauma patients (n = 28/55) received component therapy. Transfusion-related events occurred in 3 patients. This study demonstrated that non-trauma patients could receive WB transfusions safely with infrequent transfusion-related events. Future studies should focus on determining if outcomes are improved in non-trauma patients who receive WB transfusions and defining specific transfusion criteria for this population.

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

BACKGROUND

The management of major liver trauma continues to evolve in trauma centers across the US with increasing use of minimally invasive techniques. Data on the outcomes of these procedures remain minimal. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient complications after perioperative hepatic angioembolization as an adjunct to management of major operative liver trauma.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective multi-institutional study was performed at 13 level 1 and level 2 trauma centers from 2012 to 2021. Adult patients with major liver trauma (grade 3 and higher) requiring operative management were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups: angioembolization (AE) and no angioembolization (NO AE). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 442 patients were included with AE performed in 20.4% (n = 90 of 442) of patients. The AE group was associated with higher rates of biloma formation (p = 0.0007), intra-abdominal abscess (p = 0.04), pneumonia (p = 0.006), deep vein thrombosis (p = 0.0004), acute renal failure (p = 0.004), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.0003), and it had longer ICU and hospital length of stay (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, the AE had a significantly higher amount intra-abdominal abscess formation (odds ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.6, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the first multicenter studies comparing AE in specifically operative high-grade liver injuries and found that patients with liver injury that undergo AE in addition to surgery have higher rates of both intra- and extra-abdominal complications. This provides important information that can guide clinical management.

The impact of prehospital whole blood on hemorrhaging trauma patients: A multi-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Whole blood (WB) use has become increasingly common in trauma centers across the United States for both in-hospital and prehospital resuscitation. We hypothesize that prehospital WB (pWB) use in trauma patients with suspected hemorrhage will result in improved hemodynamic status and reduced in-hospital blood product requirements.

METHODS

The institutional trauma registries of two academic level I trauma centers were queried for all patients from 2015-2019 who underwent transfusion upon arrival to the trauma bay. Patients who were dead on arrival or had isolated head injuries were excluded. Demographics, injury and shock characteristics, transfusion requirements, including massive transfusion protocol (MTP) (>10 U in 24 hours) and rapid transfusion (CAT3+) and outcomes were compared between pWB and non-pWB patients. Significantly different demographic, injury characteristics and pWB were included in univariate followed by stepwise logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship with shock index (SI). Our primary objective was to determine the relationship between pWB and improved hemodynamics or reduction in blood product utilization.

RESULTS

A total of 171 pWB and 1391 non-pWB patients met inclusion criteria. Prehospital WB patients had a lower median Injury Severity Score (17 vs. 21, p < 0.001) but higher prehospital SI showing greater physiologic disarray. Prehospital WB was associated with improvement in SI (-0.04 vs. 0.05, p = 0.002). Mortality and (LOS) were similar. Prehospital WB patients received fewer packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets units across their LOS but total units and volumes were similar. Prehospital WB patients had fewer MTPs (22.6% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.01) despite a similar requirement of CAT3+ transfusion upon arrival.

CONCLUSION

Prehospital WB administration is associated with a greater improvement in SI and a reduction in MTP. This study is limited by its lack of power to detect a mortality difference. Prospective randomized controlled trials will be required to determine the true impact of pWB on trauma patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Outcomes Among Trauma Patients with Duodenal Leak Following Primary vs Complex Repair of Duodenal Injuries: An EAST Multicenter Trial

BACKGROUND

Duodenal leak is a feared complication of repair and innovative, complex repairs with adjunctive measures(CRAM) were developed to decrease both leak occurrence and severity when leaks occur. Data on the association of CRAM and duodenal leak is sparse and its impact on duodenal leak outcomes nonexistent. We hypothesized primary repair alone (PRA) would be associated with decreased duodenal leak rates, however CRAM would be associated with improved recovery and outcomes when leaks do occur.

METHODS

A retrospective, multicenter analysis from 35 Level-1 trauma centers included patients older than 14 with operative, traumatic duodenal injuries(1/2010-12/2020). The study sample compared duodenal operative repair strategy: primary repair alone(PRA) vs CRAM(any repair plus pyloric exclusion, gastrojejunostomy, triple tube drainage, duodenectomy).

RESULTS

The sample(n = 861) was primarily young(33 years) male(84%) with penetrating injuries(77%); 523 underwent PRA and 338 underwent CRAM. CRAM were more critically injured than PRA and had higher leak rates(CRAM 21% vs PRA 8%, p < 0.001). Adverse outcomes were more common after CRAM with more IR drains, prolonged NPO and LOS, greater mortality, and more readmissions than PRA(all p < 0.05). Importantly, CRAM had no positive impact on leak recovery; there was no difference in number of operations, drain duration, NPO duration, need for IR drainage, HLOS, or mortality between PRA leak vs CRAM leak patients(all p > 0.05). CRAM leaks had longer antibiotic duration, more GI complications, and longer duration until leak resolution(all p < 0.05). PRA was associated with 60% lower odds of leak, whereas injury grade II-IV, damage control, and BMI had higher odds of leak(all p < 0.05). There were no leaks among patients with grade IV-V injuries repaired by PRA.

CONCLUSIONS

CRAM did not prevent duodenal leaks and moreover, did not reduce adverse sequelae when leaks did occur. Our results suggest CRAM is not a protective operative duodenal repair strategy and PRA should be pursued for all injury grades when feasible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, Multicenter retrospective comparative study.

Does Vehicle Intrusion Alone Still Predict Injury: A Retrospective Analysis of Mechanism as Trauma Activation Criteria

Automobile collisions with driver side intrusion >12 inches or >18 elsewhere meet criteria for trauma activation. However, vehicle safety features have improved since this inception. We hypothesized vehicle intrusion (VI) alone as mechanism-of-injury (MOI) criteria inadequately predicts trauma center activation. A retrospective, single-center chart review of adult patients involved in motor vehicle collisions presenting to a level 1 trauma center from July 2016 to March 2022 was performed. Patients were divided by MOI criteria: VI vs. multiple MOI criteria. 2940 patients met inclusion criteria. The VI group reported lower injury severity scores (P = 0.004), higher incidence of ED discharge (P = 0.001), lower ICU admissions (P = 0.004), and fewer in-hospital procedures (P = 0.03). Vehicle intrusion was found to have a positive likelihood ratio of 0.889 for predicting trauma center need. According to current guidelines, these results suggest that VI criteria alone may not be an accurate predictor for trauma center transport and require further investigation.

Proposed Treatment Algorithm for Invasive Fungal Infections in Trauma Patients

Background: Invasive fungal infections, most commonly caused by Mucorales species, are an underrecognized sequalae of traumatic injury that can complicate management of patients. The injury mechanism can introduce environmental spores into areas of the body normally not exposed to pathogens and this inoculation can progress rapidly to severe disease. The objective of this study was to present a case series of four trauma patients with invasive fungal infections that was used to develop an algorithm for work-up and treatment of these complex patients in future admissions. Patients and Methods: Four trauma patients who developed mucormycosis from two different hospitals are presented. One patient succumbed to their injuries whereas three were able to clear their infection with medical and surgical intervention. The surviving patients all had an infection of their lower extremity whereas the deceased patient had more extensive disease involving the thorax. Conclusions: Mucormycosis is a rare but significant post-trauma complication with substantial morbidity and mortality. Surgeons should be aware of this complication and maintain a high clinical suspicion because afflicted patients may not match the traditional clinical picture of a mucormycosis-susceptible patient. Close coordination with a pathology service is required for confirmation of the diagnosis and timely intervention can prevent debilitating loss of tissue or death. Additionally, consideration should be given to newer treatment modalities for management such as local tissue irrigation with an antifungal agent.

Management of Renal Artery-Inferior Vena Cava Fistula Following Nephrectomy for Penetrating Trauma

Background: Renal artery to inferior vena cava fistula is a rare event postnephrectomy. We report a case of an adult male in whom a renal artery to inferior vena cava fistula was detected on non-invasive studies following nephrectomy for penetrating trauma. Case Report: A fistula between the right renal artery and inferior vena cava was confirmed with diagnostic angiography. The fistula was successfully embolized using microcoils. Discussion: This case highlights the importance of exploring retroperitoneal hematomas secondary to penetrating trauma.

Does Time to Pelvic Fixation Influence Outcomes in Trauma Patients?

BACKGROUND

Pelvic fractures cause significant morbidity in the trauma population. Many factors influence time to fracture fixation. No previous study has determined the optimal time window for pelvic fixation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of trauma patients with pelvic fractures from 2016 to 2020 was performed. Patients were stratified into EARLY and LATE groups, by time to fixation within 3 days or greater than 3 days whether from admission or from completion of a life-saving procedure. Unpaired Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test were performed with multiple linear regression for variables with P < .2 on univariate analysis.

RESULTS

287 patients were identified with a median fixation time of 3 days. There was no significant difference in demographics, incidence of preceding life-saving procedure, angioembolization, or mechanism of injury in the 2 groups (P > .05). Length of stay in the EARLY group was significantly reduced at 11.9 +/- .7 days compared to 18.0 +/-1.2 days in the LATE group (P < .001). There was no significant difference in rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (PE), acute kidney injury (AKI), pressure ulcer, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (P > .05). There were significantly more SSIs (surgical site infections) in the LATE group. After multiple linear regression adjusting for covariates of age and ISS, the difference in hospital LOS was 5.5 days (95% CI -8.0 to -3.1, P < .001).

DISCUSSION

Fixation of traumatic pelvic fractures within 3 days reduced LOS. Prospective multi-center studies will help identify additional factors to decrease time to surgery and improve patient outcomes.

Compression of the Right Atrium and Inferior Vena Cava from an Extrahepatic Biloma Following Liver Trauma

A 26-year-old male presented to a Level 1 trauma center following a motorcycle crash. Workup of his injuries demonstrated a grade 5 liver laceration with active extravasation, grade 5 kidney laceration, right apical pneumothorax, and a sternal fracture. The patient underwent hepatic artery embolization with interventional radiology (IR) followed by an exploratory laparotomy, liver packing, and small bowel resection with primary anastomosis. Four days post-op, the patient developed dyspnea, tachycardia, and decreasing oxygen saturation. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography demonstrated perihepatic fluid compressing the right atrium and inferior vena cava. Percutaneous perihepatic drain placement with aspiration of 700 mL bilious fluid resulted in immediate resolution of the compression. He subsequently underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stenting of the ampulla nine days later. The patient was discharged ten days post-ERCP with oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for polymicrobial coverage and follow-up with gastroenterology and IR for stent removal and drain maintenance.

Bile Leak Reduction with Laparoscopic Versus Open Liver Resection: A Multi-institutional Propensity Score-Adjusted Multivariable Regression Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The reported rate of postoperative bile leak is variable between 3 and 33%. Recent data would suggest a minimally invasive approach to liver surgery has decreased this incidence.

METHODS

This multi-institutional case-control study utilized databases from three high-volume surgeons. All consecutive open and minimally invasive liver resection cases were analyzed in a propensity score-adjusted multivariable regression. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

In 1388 consecutive liver resections, the average age was 56.9 ± 14.0 years, 730 (52.59%) were male gender, and 599 (43.16%) underwent minimally invasive liver resection. Thirty-nine (2.81%) in the series were identified with post-resection bile duct leaks. Leaks were associated with major resections and increased blood loss (p < 0.05). Propensity score-adjusted multivariable regression identified minimally invasive liver resection significantly and independently reduced the odds of bile duct leak (OR 0.48, p = 0.046) even controlling for BMI, ASA, cirrhosis, major resection, and resection year.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest the incidence of bile leaks in a large-volume center series is far less than previously reported and that a minimally invasive approach to liver resection reduces the incidence of postoperative bile leak.