Relatively short diagnostic delays (<8 hours) produce morbidity and mortality in blunt small bowel injury: an analysis of time to operative intervention in 198 patients from a multicenter experience

Radiographic predictors of therapeutic operative intervention after blunt abdominal trauma: the RAPTOR score

PURPOSE

Bowel and mesenteric injuries are rare in patients following blunt abdominal trauma. Computed tomography (CT) imaging has become a mainstay in the work-up of the stable trauma patient. The purpose of this study was to identify radiographic predictors of therapeutic operative intervention for mesenteric and/or bowel injuries in patients after blunt abdominal trauma.

METHODS

All patients with a discharge diagnosis of bowel and/or mesenteric injury after blunt trauma were identified over a 5-year period. Admission CT scans were reviewed to identify potential predictors of bowel and/or mesenteric injury. Patients were then stratified by operative intervention [therapeutic laparotomy (TL) vs. non-therapeutic laparotomy (NTL)] and compared. All potential predictors included in the initial regression model were assigned one point and a score based on the number of predictors was calculated: the radiographic predictors of therapeutic operative intervention (RAPTOR) score.

RESULTS

151 patients were identified. 114 (76%) patients underwent operative intervention. Of these, 75 patients (66%) underwent TL. Multifocal hematoma, acute arterial extravasation, bowel wall hematoma, bowel devascularization, fecalization, pneumoperitoneum and fat pad injury, identified as potential predictors on univariable analysis, were included in the initial regression model and comprised the RAPTOR score. The optimal RAPTOR score was identified as ≥ 3, with a sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 67%, 85% and 86%, respectively. Acute arterial extravasation (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.2-4.3), bowel devascularization (OR 14.5; 95% CI 11.8-18.4) and fat pad injury (OR 4.5 95% CI 1.6-6.2) were identified as independent predictors of TL (AUC 0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

CT imaging remains vital in assessing for potential bowel and/or mesenteric injuries following blunt abdominal trauma. The RAPTOR score provides a simplified approach to predict the need for early therapeutic operative intervention.

Isolated Jejunal Perforation and Mesentery Injury following a Kick on the Abdomen of a College Student: A Case Report from a District Hospital in Northern Ghana

Introduction. Isolated jejunal perforation from blunt abdominal trauma is an extremely rare intra-abdominal injury that poses a huge diagnostic challenge. Delay in diagnosis and initiation of treatment often leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis particularly in resource-poor settings may be extremely challenging and often relies on a high index of suspicion. This is due to lack of adequate diagnostic facilities and human resource to deal with the condition with resulting high occurrence of adverse outcomes. Case Presentation. We report a case of isolated jejunal perforation with associated mesentery injury in a young college student who sustained a kick to his abdomen while playing soccer. This is an unusual presentation since most reported cases often resulted from motor vehicular accidents, bicycle handlebar, and fall from a height. We emphasized the role of critical level of suspicion with a good history and physical examination as the major source of diagnosis since diagnostic procedures, such as abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography, are largely unavailable in most resource-constraint settings. Early surgical intervention following diagnosis leads to good recovery and reduced mortality. Conclusion. Sufficient vigilance and suspicions of small bowel perforation should always be considered after blunt trauma even when symptoms and physical findings are minimal and when diagnostic capacity is limited.

Imaging of blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries: Current status

Blunt abdominal trauma often presents a diagnostic challenge. Clinical examination demonstrates low reliability in detecting abdominal injury (16 %) when there is a history of head injury or loss of consciousness. This can prove detrimental, as delays in the diagnosis of traumatic bowel injury of 8 h or less can result in increased morbidity and mortality, as well as prolonged hospitalization. Although hemodynamically unstable patients will require an urgent laparotomy following clinical assessment, MDCT is the modality of choice for comprehensive imaging of blunt abdominal trauma in hemodynamically stable patients. Despite the use of MDCT, blunt injury to the bowel and mesentery, which accounts for up to 5% of injuries in cases of trauma, may be difficult to detect. The use of a constellation of direct and indirect signs on MDCT can help make the diagnosis and guide clinical management. Direct signs on MDCT, such as bowel wall discontinuity, and extraluminal gas may assist in the diagnosis of traumatic bowel injury. However, these signs are not sensitive. Therefore, the astute radiologist may have to rely on indirect signs of injury, such as free fluid, bowel wall thickening, and abnormal bowel wall enhancement to make the diagnosis. This review will focus on MDCT imaging findings of bowel and mesenteric injuries secondary to blunt abdominal trauma.

Early management of severe abdominal trauma

OBJECTIVE

To develop French guidelines on the management of patients with severe abdominal trauma.

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 20 experts from the French Society of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine (Société française d'anesthésie et de réanimation, SFAR), the French Society of Emergency Medicine (Société française de médecine d'urgence, SFMU), the French Society of Urology (Société française d'urologie, SFU) and from the French Association of Surgery (Association française de chirurgie, AFC), the Val-de-Grâce School (École du Val-De-Grâce, EVG) and the Federation for Interventional Radiology (Fédération de radiologie interventionnelle, FRI-SFR) was convened. Declaration of all conflicts of interest (COI) policy by all participants was mandatory throughout the development of the guidelines. The entire guideline process was conducted independently of any industry funding. The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system for assessment of the available level of evidence with particular emphasis to avoid formulating strong recommendations in the absence of high level. Some recommendations were left ungraded.

METHODS

The guidelines are divided in diagnostic and, therapeutic strategy and early surveillance. All questions were formulated according to Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) format. The panel focused on three questions for diagnostic strategy: (1) What is the diagnostic performance of clinical signs to suggest abdominal injury in trauma patients? (2) Suspecting abdominal trauma, what is the diagnostic performance of prehospital FAST (Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma) to rule in abdominal injury and guide the prehospital triage of the patient? and (3) When suspecting abdominal trauma, does carrying out a contrast enhanced thoraco-abdominal CT scan allow identification of abdominal injuries and reduction of mortality? Four questions dealt with therapeutic strategy: (1) After severe abdominal trauma, does immediate laparotomy reduce morbidity and mortality? (2) Does a "damage control surgery" strategy decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with a severe abdominal trauma? (3) Does a laparoscopic approach in patients with abdominal trauma decrease mortality or morbidity? and (4) Does non-operative management of patients with abdominal trauma without bleeding reduce mortality and morbidity? Finally, one question was formulated regarding the early monitoring of these patients: In case of severe abdominal trauma, which kind of initial monitoring does allow to reduce the morbi-mortality? The analysis of the literature and the recommendations were conducted following the GRADE® methodology.

RESULTS

The SFAR/SFMU Guideline panel provided 15 statements on early management of severe abdominal trauma. After three rounds of discussion and various amendments, a strong agreement was reached for 100% of recommendations. Of these recommendations, five have a high level of evidence (Grade 1±), six have a low level of evidence (Grade 2±) and four are expert judgments. Finally, no recommendation was provided for one question.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial agreement exists among experts regarding many strong recommendations for the best early management of severe abdominal trauma.

Duodeno-pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary tree trauma: WSES-AAST guidelines

Duodeno-pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary tree injuries are rare in both adult and pediatric trauma patients, and due to their anatomical location, associated injuries are very common. Mortality is primarily related to associated injuries, but morbidity remains high even in isolated injuries. Optimal management of duodeno-bilio-pancreatic injuries is dictated primarily by hemodynamic stability, clinical presentation, and grade of injury. Endoscopic and percutaneous interventions have increased the ability to non-operatively manage these injuries. Late diagnosis and treatment are both associated to increased morbidity and mortality. Sequelae of late presentations of pancreatic injury and complications of severe pancreatic trauma are also increasingly addressed endoscopically and with interventional radiology procedures. However, for moderate and severe extrahepatic biliary and severe duodeno-pancreatic injuries, immediate operative intervention is preferred as associated injuries are frequent and commonly present with hemodynamic instability or peritonitis. The aim of this paper is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) duodenal, pancreatic, and extrahepatic biliary tree trauma management guidelines.

Emergency Laparotomy and Outcomes in Penetrating Small Bowel Perforation in Unstable Patients

Background

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of emergency laparotomy (EL) on outcomes of patients who suffered from small bowel perforations following a penetrating mechanism and presented with initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg.

Methods

Data from 2012-2014 from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) data set was accessed for this study. All patients who presented with initial SBP <90 mmHg and sustained perforated small bowel injury after a penetrating mechanism and were taken for EL within four hours of the patient’s arrival to the hospital were included in the study. Data were categorized into early group, if the EL was performed within an hour and late group, and if EL was done 1-4 hours of patient arrival to the hospital.

Results

Out of 360, approximately 89% of patients underwent EL within an hour and 11% of patients underwent EL within 1-4 hours of hospital arrival. The median (IQR) time of the late laparotomy was two (2, 3) hours. After propensity matching, there were no significance differences found between the groups regarding in-hospital mortality (11 (26.8%) vs 8 (19.5%), P = 0.54), total hospital length of stay (median and IQR 20 (17, 25) vs 15 (11, 20), P = 0.117), discharge to home without services (67% vs. 82%, P = 0.28), and post-operative complications.

Conclusion

EL in perforated small bowel injury in unstable patients needs to be performed as soon as possible. EL performed within the median of two hours’ time may be acceptable in certain circumstances.

Delayed Presentation of Complete Ileal Transection Following Blunt Trauma Abdomen: A Condition to Cognize

Isolated small bowel perforation is a rare presentation of blunt abdominal trauma, and most cases present immediately following the trauma. Delayed presentation of such cases beyond one week of trauma is extremely rare, and various pathophysiological mechanisms were described for the same. We present a 20-year-old male patient who sustained blunt abdominal and pelvic trauma, underwent open reduction and internal fixation for right acetabular fracture, and later developed features of acute peritonitis after one month. On laparotomy, complete terminal ileal transection was found and an ileostomy was done. Delayed perforation of the intestine following trauma occurs due to ischemic necrosis, either through direct trauma to the intestinal wall or indirectly by injury to the mesenteric vessels. Direct trauma to the bowel can result in large hematomas on the bowel wall, which can later perforate due to ischemia. Surgeons should be aware of this rare presentation as the management is challenging and it poses significant medico-legal sequel. Close monitoring of the patient’s vitals and examination for the development of abdominal signs along with repeat imaging at the onset of abdominal signs are cornerstones for successful management of these patients.

The Prognosis of Blunt Bowel and Mesenteric Injury-the Pitfall in the Contemporary Image Survey

Delayed diagnosis and intervention of blunt bowel and mesenteric injury (BBMI) is a hazard because of poor prognosis. Computed tomography (CT) is the standard imaging tool to evaluate blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). However, a high missed diagnosis rate for BMMI was reported. In this study, we would like to evaluate the presentation of CT in BBMI. Moreover, we want to evaluate the impact of deferred surgical intervention of BBMI on final prognosis. We performed a retrospective study from 2013–2017, including patients with BAT and BBMI who underwent surgical intervention. We evaluated clinical characteristics, CT images, and surgical timing, as well as analyzed the prognosis of BBMI. There were 6164 BAT patients and 188 BMI patients included. The most common characteristics of CT were free fluid (71.3%), free air (43.6%), and mesenteric infiltration (23.4%). There were no single characteristics of a CT image that can predict BBMI significantly. However, under close monitoring, we find that deferred intervention did not prolong the hospital and intensive care unit stays and did not worsen the prognosis and mortality.

Surgical intervention for blunt bowel and mesenteric injury: indications and time intervals

PURPOSE

Decision making in management of blunt bowel and mesenteric injury (BBMI) is difficult. This study aimed to identify indicators for laparotomy and appropriate time intervals to surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our hospital's trauma registry to identify patients with a diagnosis of BBMI from February 2011 to July 2017. Patients requiring therapeutic surgical treatment (OM group) were compared with those who did not (NOM group). Preoperative risk factors for surgery (with p < 0.1 by univariate analysis) were integrated in a multivariate logistic regression model. In the OM group, we identified relevant factors for time intervals to surgical interventions.

RESULTS

Among 2808 trauma patients admitted to our hospital, 83 (3.0%) had bowel and mesenteric injury; 6 patients with penetrating trauma, 2 lethal, untreated cases, and 2 patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy were excluded. Finally, 73 patients (47 males), with a mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 23, were included. Results from univariate analysis identified three relevant factors between the OM and NOM groups: ISS score (p = 0.036), hemodynamic instability (p = 0.041), and free air (p = 0.0018). Multivariate analysis revealed one relevant factor, free air (p = 0.0002). Short intervals between hospital admission and intervention were associated with 7-day mortality (p = 0.029), hemodynamic instability (p = 0.0009), focused assessment with sonography for trauma positive (p < 0.0001), and mesenteric extravasation (p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Early surgical intervention is essential in cases of hemodynamically unstable BBMI and bowel perforation with free air; nevertheless, it is associated with high mortality. We suggest that prompt transport along with early intervention could significantly lessen mortality.

A big mesenteric rupture after blunt abdominal trauma: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

A blunt abdominal trauma especially in organs less commonly injured (such as small bowel and mesentery injury), are difficult to diagnose.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of a blunt abdominal trauma, in a 43 year old male presented in the Emergency Department after a truck vehicle accident. He sustained a chest injury, a pelvic fracture and diffuse abdominal tenderness. The patient had tachycardia (120 pulses/min) and normal blood pressure (120/90mmHg). The computed tomography (CT) showed only free fluid. We placed two chest tubes (due to pneumothorax and hemothorax at both sides) and the patient went to the operating room (OP). An external pelvic osteosynthesis was performed first and then we did an exploratory laparotomy, which revealed a big mesenteric rupture. Finally, an enterectomy (circa 2m) with a fist stage side to side anastomosis was performed.

DISCUSSION

Mesentery and bowel injury constitutes 3-5% of blunt abdominal injuries. The main diagnostic challenge is to identify lesions that require surgery. Diagnostic delay over 8h can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates. Laparotomy is the standard of care in hemodynamically unstable patients.

CONCLUSION

In polytrauma cases with abdominal pain and unclear CT findings the decision to proceed with exploratory laparotomy is better than a conservative treatment, because any surgical delay can lead to severe complications.

Motor vehicle collision with seatbelt sign and traumatic abdominal wall hernia should raise suspicion for hollow viscus injury

Diagnosing hollow viscus injury following motor vehicle collision (MVC) requires a high index of suspicion. Here we present two cases of high velocity MVC, with 3-point restrained occupants, who presented with a seatbelt sign and associated acute traumatic flank herniation. Both patients underwent a computer tomography (CT) scan which did not identify any hollow viscus injuries. Significant injuries were ultimately identified in the operating room (OR). The presence of a seatbelt sign and underlying acute traumatic hernia should prompt a heightened level of suspicion for intra-abdominal injury, particularly hollow viscus. A heightened level of suspision and a lower threshold for operative exploration is suggested to avoid the morbidity and mortality associated with a delayed diagnosis of hollow viscus injury.

Examining the impact of small bowel resection procedure timing in patients with blunt traumatic injury: a propensity-matched analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the timing of small bowel resection in small bowel injury on patients' outcomes.

METHODS

This study was performed using data from patients included in the National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2010) who sustained blunt injuries and underwent a small bowel resection (SBR) within 24 h of arrival to the hospital. The patients' characteristics and outcomes were compared between two groups: SBR within 4 h (Group 1) and SBR between 4 and 24 h (Group 2) using Chi-square, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. However, in an attempt to better balance the groups, propensity score matching was performed using baseline characteristics and a follow-up paired analysis was performed using McNemar, Stuart-Maxwell, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

A total of 1774 patients qualified for the study. Of those, 1,292 (72.8%) patients underwent SBR within 4 h and 482 (27.2%) underwent SBR between 4 and 24 h after arrival. There were significant baseline differences between the two groups regarding Injury Severity Score (ISS) [Median (IQR)19 (10, 29) vs 14 (9, 25), P < 0.001], Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) [15 (13, 15) vs 15 (15, 15), P < 0.001] and the proportion of patients with an initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mmHg (18.3% vs 8.7%, P < 0.001). Given these clear differences, 482 patients from each group were pair-matched using propensity score matching on age, sex, race, ISS, GCS, and SBP. After matching, there were no significant differences observed in the matching variables, patient mortality rate (8.3% vs 7.9%, P = 0.90), or discharge disposition (home with no services: 63.1% vs 64.9%, P = 0.90); however, there was a significantly shorter hospital length of stay for those patients in Group 1 compared to Group 2 [9 (6, 15) vs 10 (7, 19), P = 0.03].

CONCLUSION

More than 70% of the patient cases examined underwent SBR within 4 h of hospital arrival. However, there were no significant differences identified in the mortality rate or the discharge disposition regardless of the timing of the SBR (≤ 4 vs > 4-24 h). However, the patients whose SBR was performed within 4 h of arrival had a lower hospital length of stay when compared with those whose procedure was delayed.

Determinants of Outcome of Abdominal Trauma in an Urban Tertiary Center

Background

Abdominal trauma constitutes a significant cause of potentially preventable mortality. Therefore, knowledge of the determinants of outcome facilitates the development of rational treatment protocols for improving outcome.

Objective

To identify the determinants of outcome in patients with abdominal trauma managed in a tertiary health center.

Patients and Methods

This is a prospective study of consecutive patients presenting with abdominal trauma to our tertiary health center over a 12-month period. Data regarding patient demographics, injury mechanisms, type of organ injuries, treatment modalities, injury-to-intervention time, and outcomes were documented. The Injury Severity Scores and Revised Trauma Scores were determined. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.

Results

There were 76 patients, 66 males and 10 females, whose ages ranged from 15 to 66 years (mean of 32.9 ± 10 years). Thirty-one (40.2%) patients had blunt abdominal trauma whereas 45 (59.8%) patients had penetrating trauma. There was a mortality rate of 8% predominantly from blunt trauma as compared to penetrating abdominal trauma (12.9% vs. 4.4%). There was a statistically significant difference between survivors and nonsurvivors as regards the means of injury-to-intervention time (25.4 ± 36.4 vs. 67.5 ± 58.2, P = 0.007), the means of Injury Severity Scores (15.1 ± 27.9 vs. 23.7 ± 9.8, P = 0.008), and the presence of brain injury (50.0% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.029).

Conclusion

This study has shown that delayed intervention, high Injury Severity Score, and associated significant brain injury were determinants of poor outcomes. Prompt intervention and postoperative management in intensive care definitely improve outcome.

Occult bowel injury after blunt abdominal trauma

BACKGROUND

Following blunt abdominal trauma, bowel injuries are often missed on admission computed tomography (CT) scan.

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective analysis of 176 adults with moderate-critical blunt abdominal trauma and admission CT scan who underwent operative exploration. Patients with a bowel injury missed on CT (n = 36, 20%) were compared to all other patients (n = 140, 80%).

RESULTS

The missed injury group had greater incidence free fluid without solid organ injury on CT scan (44% vs. 25%, p = 0.038) and visceral adhesions (28% vs. 6%, p = 0.001). Independent predictors of missed bowel injury included prior abdominal inflammation (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.37-10.18), CT evidence of free fluid in the absence of solid organ injury (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.03-5.19) and intraoperative identification of visceral adhesions (OR 4.46, 95% CI 1.52-13.13).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with visceral adhesive disease and indirect evidence of bowel injury on CT scan were more likely to have occult bowel injury.

Multiple isolated small bowel perforations following blunt abdominal trauma

INTRODUCTION

Small bowel injury is uncommon after blunt abdominal trauma. Repeated clinical assessment is important, especially when investigative imaging is negative.

CASE PRESENTATION

39-year-old male presented to the emergency department following a blunt abdominal trauma. No initial hemodynamic abnormalities were found. Abdominal CT scan was negative for small bowel perforation. Repeated clinical assessment revealed increasing abdominal pain with tachycardia, and an emergent laparotomy was undertaken. Four grade II and one grade I small bowel perforations were found, all repaired with interrupted sutures. Patient was discharged home on day 7.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of small bowel injury is difficult and a low threshold of suspicion is crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality. Hemodynamic instability or abdominal tenderness after blunt abdominal trauma are indications for immediate surgical exploration, despite negative imaging findings. Serial clinical assessment is the main decision tool to perform an abdominal exploration.

Complete Jejunal Transection After Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Isolated complete transection of the small bowel is extremely rare in blunt abdominal trauma. If it occurs, it is often associated with high-energy impact, as seen in motor vehicle accidents and falls from heights. In this case, a trivial trauma due to a handlebar injury caused a complete transection of the middle jejunum.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 47-year-old man walked into the emergency department with moderate abdominal pain ∼10 hours after a fall on to a bicycle's handlebar from a standing position. A bedside ultrasound showed minimal amount of free fluid and a following performed computed tomographic scan indicated an edematous loop of small bowel with diminutive amount of extraluminal air, suggesting small bowel perforation. Because of the absence of abdominal peritonism in a hemodynamically stable patient, a conservative treatment and surveillance was established. In the follow-up, the patient suddenly developed severe abdominal pain with now clear signs of peritonism. An emergency laparoscopy showed a complete transection of the middle jejunum. A primary anastomosis was performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged after 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Even seemingly trivial blunt abdominal traumas can cause complete transection of the small bowel, as shown in this case. Patients with blunt abdominal trauma need to be reviewed frequently by an experienced clinician. Diagnostic laparoscopy attaches a great importance to early detection and treatment of small bowel injuries. The mechanical pattern of the injury seems to be more important than the energy of the impact itself.

Nonsurgical management of traumatic pneumoperitoneum in a cat

OBJECTIVE

To describe the nonsurgical management of a cat with traumatic pneumoperitoneum.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY

A 4-year-old cat was presented following vehicular polytrauma. Thoracic radiographs revealed 4 rib fractures, a scapular fracture, and pneumothorax. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a small volume of free abdominal fluid. Computed tomography showed a mild pneumoretroperitoneum and a pneumoperitoneum in the region of the porta hepatis. The cat was managed conservatively with close monitoring. Exploratory laparotomy was not pursued given patient stability and static serial imaging studies revealing no indications for surgical intervention. After 6 days, the pneumoperitoneum was no longer detectable.

NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of successful nonsurgical management of traumatic pneumoperitoneum in a cat.

Blunt bowel and mesenteric trauma: role of clinical signs along with CT findings in patients' management

BACKGROUND

Bowel and/or mesentery injuries represent the third most common injury among patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Delayed diagnosis increases morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of clinical signs along with CT findings as predictors of early surgical repair.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between March 2014 and February 2017, charts and CT scans of consecutive patients treated for blunt abdominal trauma in two different trauma centers were reread by two experienced radiologists. We included all adult patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis with CT findings of blunt bowel and/or mesenteric injury (BBMI). We divided CT findings into two groups: the first included three highly specific CT signs and the second included six less specific CT signs indicated as "minor CT findings." The presence of abdominal guarding and/or abdominal pain was considered as "clinical signs." Reference standards included surgically proven BBMI and clinical follow-up. Association was evaluated by the chi-square test. A logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Thirty-four (4.1%) out of 831 patients who sustained blunt abdominal trauma had BBMI at CT. Twenty-one out of thirty-four patients (61.8%) underwent surgical repair; the remaining 13 were treated conservatively. Free fluid had a significant statistical association with surgery (p = 0.0044). The presence of three or more minor CT findings was statistically associated with surgery (OR = 8.1; 95% CI, 1.2-53.7). Abdominal guarding along with bowel wall discontinuity and extraluminal air had the highest positive predictive value (100 and 83.3%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In patients without solid organ injury (SOI), the presence of free fluid along with abdominal guarding and three or more "minor CT findings" is a significant predictor of early surgical repair. The association of bowel wall discontinuity with extraluminal air warrants exploratory laparotomy.

Postoperative complications of intestinal anastomosis after blunt abdominal trauma

BACKGROUND

Intestinal disruption following blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) continues to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality despite the advances in resuscitation and management. We aim to analyze the management and postoperative outcomes of intestinal injuries secondary to blunt abdominal trauma.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients with intestinal injuries who underwent laparotomy for BAT between December 2008 and September 2015 at Level I trauma center. Data included demographics, mechanism of injury, site (small and large intestine), type of repair, (enterorrhaphy and resection with anastomosis), type of anastomosis (hand-sewn or stapled anastomoses), need for damage control laparotomy, postoperative complications, and mortality. Data were analyzed and compared for postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 160 patients with bowel injuries were included with mean age of 33 years, and 95.6% were males. Injuries involving small bowel, colon, and combined small and large bowel were found in 57.5%, 33.1%, and 9.4%, respectively, with only two duodenal and one rectal injury cases. There were 46.3% patients underwent debridement and primary closure, while 53.8% required resection with anastomosis. Anastomoses were side-to-side stapled in 79.1%, hand-sewn in 14.0%, and combination in 7.0% of patients. The overall postoperative complications (17.5%) in terms of wound infection (n = 16), intra-abdominal abscess (n = 13), and anastomotic leak (n = 13). There were two deaths occurred because of bowel injury complications. Need for blood transfusion, high serum lactate, number of re-laparotomies, and mortality were significantly associated with postoperative complications. On multivariate regression analysis, serum lactate (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.01-1.60; p = 0.04) was found to be the independent predictor of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Repair of traumatic blunt bowel injury remains a surgical challenge.

The Impact of Prior Laparotomy and Intra-abdominal Adhesions on Bowel and Mesenteric Injury Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma

BACKGROUND

Early recognition of bowel and mesenteric injury following blunt abdominal trauma remains difficult. We hypothesized that patients with intra-abdominal adhesions from prior laparotomy would be subjected to visceral sheering deceleration forces and increased risk for bowel and mesenteric injury following blunt abdominal trauma.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort analysis of 267 consecutive adult trauma patients who underwent operative exploration following moderate-critical (abdominal injury score 2-5) blunt abdominal trauma, comparing patients with prior laparotomy (n = 31) to patients with no prior laparotomy (n = 236). Multivariable regression was performed to identify predictors of bowel or mesenteric injury.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between groups for injury severity scores or findings on abdominal ultrasound, diagnostic peritoneal aspirate/lavage, pelvic radiography, or preoperative CT scan. The prior laparotomy cohort had greater incidence of full thickness bowel injury (26 vs. 9%, p = 0.010) and mesenteric injury (61 vs. 31%, p = 0.001). The proportion of bowel and mesenteric injuries occurring at the ligament of Treitz or ileocecal region was greater in the no prior laparotomy group (52 vs. 25%, p = 0.003). Prior laparotomy was an independent predictor of bowel or mesenteric injury (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.6-16.8) along with prior abdominal inflammation and free fluid without solid organ injury (model AUC: 0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.88).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a prior laparotomy are at increased risk for bowel and mesenteric injury following blunt abdominal trauma. The distribution of bowel and mesenteric injuries among patients with no prior laparotomy favors embryologic transition points tethering free intraperitoneal structures to the retroperitoneum.

Ability of specific and nonspecific signs of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnosis of blunt surgically important bowel and mesenteric injuries

PURPOSE

To determine the accuracy of MDCT in the evaluation of blunt surgically relevant bowel and/or mesenteric injuries (BMIs) using single specific CT signs together with specific pairs of nonspecific signs.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients examined with MDCT were divided into two groups: a 'surgical' group of 20 patients-which underwent surgery for blunt BMIs-and a control group of 34 'nonsurgical' trauma patients. Two radiologists with different experience performed a double-blind retrospective evaluation of the images, classifying the patients in the two groups by using only single specific signs; then, the images were reviewed in consensus with a third radiologist and sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Subsequently, the frequency of every single sign and of every possible combination of nonspecific signs in the two groups was registered, to find combinations present only in the surgical group; sensitivity and specificity were calculated by using even those specific combinations.

RESULTS

At the first consensual evaluation, sensitivity and specificity were 75 and 100%, respectively. Two combinations of nonspecific signs (focal wall thickening + extraluminal air; focal wall thickening + seat belt sign) were found only in surgical patients that did not present any single specific sign: Sensitivity calculated adding those two combinations was 95%, without a decrease in specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

MDCT is an accurate technique in the evaluation of blunt surgically relevant BMIs. The single specific CT signs were sufficient for the diagnosis in only 75% of the cases; adding the two specific combinations allowed an increase in sensitivity of 20%.

The spectrum and outcome of blunt trauma related enteric hollow visceral injury

Introduction This audit focused on patients who sustained enteric injury following blunt abdominal trauma. Methods Our prospectively maintained electronic registry was interrogated retrospectively, and all patients who had sustained blunt abdominal trauma between December 2011 and January 2016 were identified. Results Overall, 2,045 patients had sustained blunt abdominal trauma during the period under review. Seventy per cent were male. The median age was 28 years. Sixty patients (2.9%) sustained a small bowel injury (SBI). Thirty-five of these were peritonitic on presentation. All patients with a SBI had a chest x-ray and free air was present in seven. In 18 patients with a SBI, computed tomography (CT) was performed, which revealed isolated free fluid in 12 and free intraperitoneal air in 5. In five cases, the CT was normal. A total of 32 patients (1.5%) sustained blunt duodenal trauma (BDT). All patients with BDT had a chest x-ray on presentation. Free intraperitoneal air was not present in any. CT was performed on 17 patients with BDT. This revealed isolated free fluid or retroperitoneal air in 12. The median delay between injury and presentation for these enteric injures was 15.5 hours (interquartile range [IQR]: 8-25 hours) while between presentation at hospital and operation, the median delay was 6 hours (IQR: 3-13 hours). Conclusions Blunt trauma related enteric hollow visceral injury remains associated with delayed diagnosis and significant morbidity. It can be caused by a disparate array of mechanisms and is difficult to diagnose even with modern imaging strategies.

Single-Contrast CT for Detecting Bowel Injuries in Penetrating Abdominopelvic Trauma

OBJECTIVE

Many centers advocate use of triple-contrast (IV, oral, and rectal) CT for assessing hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating abdominopelvic trauma. Enteric contrast material has several disadvantages, leading our practice to pursue use of single-contrast (IV) CT. We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records at our institution to assess the accuracy of single-contrast CT for diagnosing bowel injuries in cases of penetrating abdominopelvic trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who presented to our emergency department between January 1, 2004, and March 1, 2014, with penetrating abdominopelvic trauma, underwent an abdominopelvic CT, and had surgery performed thereafter. We reviewed pertinent emergency department records for details regarding the site of injury, the number of injuries per patient, and the type of weapon used. We correlated CT reports with operative notes for presence and sites of bowel injury.

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients (median age, 27 years old) met our inclusion criteria; 77% had sustained gunshot wounds (GSWs). CT showed bowel injury in 173 cases; surgery revealed bowel injury in 162 cases. CT had 142 true-positive, 31 false-positive, 81 true-negative, and 20 false-negative cases, resulting in sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 72%, positive predictive value of 82%, and negative predictive value of 80% for detecting bowel injuries. CT had the highest sensitivity and specificity in patients with multiple GSWs (94% and 79%, respectively) and those with injuries to the stomach and rectum.

CONCLUSION

Single-contrast CT can show bowel injuries in patients with penetrating abdominopelvic trauma with accuracy comparable with that reported for triple-contrast CT.

Outcomes of selective surgery in patients with suspected small bowel injury from blunt trauma

Purpose

The role of initial conservative therapy with selective surgery for patients with suspected blunt bowel injury by radiologic evaluation is less clear. The aim of the study is to assess the outcomes of patients who received initial conservative therapy with selective delayed surgery, compared to emergency surgery.

Methods

During this 8-year study, a total of 77 patients who were hemodynamically stable were enrolled, in which computed tomography verified suspected bowel injury from blunt trauma (mesenteric hematoma, mesenteric fat infiltration, bowel wall thickening, and free fluid without solid organ injury) was managed with either initial conservative therapy with selective delayed surgery (group A; n = 42) or emergency surgery (group B; n = 35). The clinical outcomes including the rate of negative or nontherapeutic exploration and postoperative complications, between the groups were compared.

Results

The enrolled patients had a mean age of 41 years including 51 men and 26 women. No difference in the clinical characteristics was found between the groups. In group A, 18 patients underwent delayed surgery and 24 recovered without surgery. Among patients who underwent surgery, 3 (17%) underwent negative or nontherapeutic explorations. In group B, 13 (37%) underwent negative or nontherapeutic explorations. Postoperative complications occurred in 21 patients and there was no difference between the groups.

Conclusion

Initial conservative therapy with selective delayed surgery did not increased severe postoperative complications and had a low rate of negative or nontherapeutic surgical explorations in hemodynamically stable patients with suspected blunt bowel injury.

Clinical outcomes and effect of delayed intervention in patients with hollow viscus injury due to blunt abdominal trauma: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Hollow viscus injury (HVI) due to blunt abdominal trauma remains a diagnostic challenge, often presenting late and results in delayed intervention. Despite several treatment algorithms, there is currently no consensus on how to manage patients with HVI. The aim of this review was to define clinical outcomes and the effect of delayed intervention in patients with HVI due to blunt abdominal trauma. The primary outcome of interest was difference in mortality between groups.

METHODS

Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement, a literature search was performed. Studies comparing clinical outcomes in adult patients with hollow viscus injury due to blunt abdominal trauma undergoing early or delayed laparotomy were included. Two independent reviewers screened the abstracts.

RESULTS

In all, 2288 articles were retrieved. After screening, 11 studies were included. Outcomes in 3812 patients were reported. Overall mortality was 17%. Ten studies reported no difference in mortality between groups. A statistical increase in morbidity was described in five studies, and a trend to increased morbidity was seen in a further two studies. Two studies reported increased mortality in delayed intervention in isolated bowel injury.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review summarises the results of studies considering outcomes in patients with HVI due to blunt abdominal trauma who have early vs delayed intervention. Overall mortality was significant at 17%. If all patients with hollow viscus injury are considered, the majority of studies do not show an increase in mortality. As patients with isolated bowel injuries have higher mortality in the studies reviewed, to improve outcomes in this subset further investigation is warranted.

Identification of Hollow Viscus Injury with FAST Examination in Kurdistan, Iraq

Point-of-care ultrasound has become indispensable in the evaluation of trauma, particularly in low resource areas, where it may be the only rapidly available imaging modality. The FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) in particular can be lifesaving, by rapidly detecting signs of intra-abdominal hemorrhage. However, the FAST is primarily designed to identify free fluid associated with solid organ injury and is thought to have less sensitivity and power in identifying evidence of hollow viscus injury. We present a case of an unidentified man that presented to a hospital in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, a region of low resources, surrounded by war. The FAST exam proved to be the key to identifying this patient's injuries.

Avoiding delayed diagnosis of significant blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries: Can a scoring tool make the difference? A 7-year retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Significant blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries (sBBMI) are frequently missed despite the widespread use of computed tomography (CT). Early treatment improves the outcome related to these injuries. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sBBMI, the incidence of delayed diagnosis and to test the performance of the Bowel Injury Prediction Score (BIPS), determined by the white blood cell (WBC) count, presence or absence of abdominal tenderness and CT grade of mesenteric injury.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Single-centre, registry-based retrospective cohort study, screening all consecutive trauma patients admitted to Lausanne University Hospital Trauma Centre from 2008 to 2015 after a road traffic accident. All patients with reliable information about the presence or absence of sBBMI who underwent abdominal CT and for whom calculation of the BIPS was possible were included for analysis. The incidence of delayed (>24h after admission) diagnosis in the patient group with sBBMI was determined and the diagnostic performance of the BIPS for sBBMI was assessed.

RESULTS

For analysis, 766 patients with reliable information about the presence or absence of sBBMI were included. The prevalence of sBBMI was 3.1% (24/766). In 24% (5/21) of stable trauma patients undergoing CT, a diagnostic delay of more than 24h occurred. Abdominal tenderness (p<0.0001) and CT grade ≥4 (p<0.0001) were associated with sBBMI, whereas CT grade 4 alone (p=0.93) and WBC count ≥17G/l (p=0.30) were not. A BIPS ≥2 had a sensitivity of 89% (95% CI, 67-99), specificity of 89% (95% CI, 86-91), positive likelihood ratio of 8 (95% CI, 6.1-10), negative likelihood ratio of 0.12 (95% CI, 0.03-0.44), positive predictive value (PPV) of 19% (95% CI, 15-24) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.7% (95% CI, 98.7-99.9). CT alone identified 79% (15/19) and the BIPS 89% (17/19) of patients with sBBMI (p=0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic delays in patients with sBBMI are common (24%), despite the routine use of abdominal CT. Application of the BIPS on the present cohort would have led to a high number of non-therapeutic abdominal explorations without identifying significantly more sBBMI early than CT alone.

Pneumoperitoneum after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: The Roles of Bystander-Provided BLS and Laryngeal Mask Airway

We present a case of post-resuscitative pneumoperitoneum following bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and artificial ventilation via a laryngeal mask airway. Artificial ventilation can result in gastric distention and contribute to subsequent gastric perforation. Among the various approaches to ventilating patients in respiratory failure, mouth-to-mouth and bag-valve-mask are much more likely to cause gastric inflation than ventilating with a laryngeal mask airway. Abdominal distention, haematemesis, and bloody gastric aspiration are common manifestations of post-resuscitative gastric perforation in which pneumoperitoneum is discovered in the majority of these patients by a roentgenogram of the chest after successful resuscitation. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2015;22:126-129)

A Case of Small Bowel Obstruction and Enterocutaneous Fistulation Resulting from a Mesenteric Haematoma following Blunt Abdominal Trauma

A 23-year-old male with a history of previous abdominal surgery was involved in a road traffic accident. He was discharged after initial assessment but represented several days with small bowel obstruction secondary to a mesenteric haematoma. He underwent resection and recovered well but represented later on the day of discharge with a leaking surgical wound consistent with an enterocutaneous fistula. This was managed conservatively and closed spontaneously after ten days. This case serves to highlight that adhesions from previous surgery can tether the small bowel causing mesenteric injury following blunt-force trauma. It also demonstrates that postoperative ileus can result in an enterocutaneous fistula that has the appearance of an anastomotic breakdown but which resolves more rapidly.

A nomogram predicting the need for abdominal and pelvic computed tomography in blunt trauma patients: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (APCT) has become the preferred means for the initial evaluation of blunt trauma patients. However, computed tomography examination has some disadvantages, such as radiation exposure, the requirement for intravenous iodinated contrast medium, high cost, and time. We aimed to develop a nomogram to predict the need for APCT scanning after the primary survey of blunt trauma patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study at a single-center and reviewed medical records of 972 trauma patients admitted between January 2013 and June 2016. We enrolled 786 blunt trauma patients who had undergone APCT and were 16 years of age or older. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine independent predictors for trauma-related findings on APCT scans. A nomogram was constructed to predict injury on APCT scans based on each predictive factor.

RESULTS

Of 786 patients, 355 (45%) patients had at least 1 injury on APCT scans. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that independent predictive factors of injuries on APCT scans were as follows: falls (≥3 m high); pain (abdominal, back, flank, or pelvic); positive peritoneal signs; abnormal findings on chest radiographs; abnormal findings on pelvic radiographs; and positive findings on focused assessment with ultrasonography for trauma. The nomogram was developed using these parameters. The area under a receiver operating characteristic curve of the multivariate model for discrimination was 0.865 (95% confidence interval, 0.840-0.892). The calibration plot showed good agreement between predicted and observed outcomes. The maximal Youden index was 0.59, corresponding to a cutoff value > 59 points, which was considered the optimal cutoff value for the probability that the injury would be detected on APCT scans.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram, based on initial clinical findings in blunt trauma patients, will help clinicians be more selective in their use of APCT evaluations.

Correlating abdominal pain and intra-abdominal injury in patients with blunt abdominal trauma

Background

A thorough history and physical examination in patients with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is important to safely exclude clinically significant intra-abdominal injury (IAI). We seek to evaluate a correlation between self-reported abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness on examination and IAI discovered on CT or during exploratory laparotomy.

Methods

This retrospective analysis assessed patients with BAT ≥13 years old who arrived to the emergency department following BAT during the 23-month study period. Upon arrival, the trauma team examined all patients. Only those who underwent an abdominal and pelvic CT scan were included. Patients were excluded if they were unable to communicate or lacked documentation, had obvious evidence of extra-abdominal distracting injuries, had a positive drug or alcohol screen, had a Glasgow Coma Scale ≤13, or had a positive pregnancy screening. The primary objective was to assess the agreement between self-reported abdominal pain and abdominal tenderness on examination and IAI noted on CT or during exploratory laparotomy.

Results

Among the 594 patients included in the final analysis, 73.1% (n=434) had no self-reported abdominal pain, 64.0% (n=384) had no abdominal tenderness on examination, and 22.2% (n=132) had positive CT findings suggestive of IAI. Among the 352 patients who had no self-reported abdominal pain and no abdominal tenderness on examination, a significant number of positive CT scan results (14%, n=50) were still recorded. Furthermore, a small but clinically significant portion of these 50 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy (1.1%, n=4). All four of these patients ultimately underwent a splenectomy and all were completed on hospital day one.

Conclusion

Lack of abdominal pain and tenderness in patients with BAT with non-distracting injuries was associated with a small portion of patients who underwent a splenectomy. Patients with BAT without abdominal pain or tenderness may need a period of observation or CT scan to rule out IAI prior to discharge home.

Level of evidence

Level III, therapeutic/care management.

Hollow viscus injuries: predictors of outcome and role of diagnostic delay

INTRODUCTION

Hollow viscus injuries (HVIs) are uncommon but potentially catastrophic conditions with high mortality and morbidity rates. The aim of this study was to analyze our 16-year experience with patients undergoing surgery for blunt or penetrating bowel trauma to identify prognostic factors with particular attention to the influence of diagnostic delay on outcome.

METHODS

From our multicenter trauma registry, we selected 169 consecutive patients with an HVI, enrolled from 2000 to 2016. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed to assess determinants of mortality, morbidity, and length of stay by univariate and multivariate analysis models.

RESULTS

Overall mortality and morbidity rates were 15.9% and 36.1%, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 23±7 days. Morbidity was independently related to an increase of white blood cells (P=0.01), and to delay of treatment >6 hours (P=0.033), while Injury Severity Score (ISS) (P=0.01), presence of shock (P=0.01), and a low diastolic arterial pressure registered at emergency room admission (P=0.02) significantly affected postoperative mortality.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence that patients with clinical signs of shock, low diastolic pressure at admission, and high ISS are at increased risk of postoperative mortality. Leukocytosis and delayed treatment (>6 hours) were independent predictors of postoperative morbidity. More effort should be made to increase the preoperative detection rate of HVI and reduce the delay of treatment.

Educational Review of Predictive Value and Findings of Computed Tomography Scan in Diagnosing Bowel and Mesenteric Injuries after Blunt Trauma: Correlation with Trauma Surgery Findings in 163 Patients

Background and Aims

Laparotomy can detect bowel and mesenteric injuries in 1.2%–5% of patients following blunt abdominal trauma. Delayed diagnosis in such cases is strongly related to increased risk of ongoing sepsis, with subsequent higher morbidity and mortality. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is the gold standard in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma, being accurate in the diagnosis of bowel and mesenteric injuries in case of hemodynamically stable trauma patients. Aims of the present study are to 1) review the correlation between CT signs and intraoperative findings in case of bowel and mesenteric injuries following blunt abdominal trauma, analysing the correlation between radiological features and intraoperative findings from our experience on 25 trauma patients with small bowel and mesenteric injuries (SBMI); 2) identify the diagnostic specificity of those signs found at CT with practical considerations on the following clinical management; and 3) distinguish the bowel and mesenteric injuries requiring immediate surgical intervention from those amenable to initial nonoperative management.

Materials and Methods

Between January 1, 2008, and May 31, 2010, 163 patients required laparotomy following blunt abdominal trauma. Among them, 25 patients presented bowel or mesenteric injuries. Data were analysed retrospectively, correlating operative surgical reports with the preoperative CT findings.

Results

We are presenting a pictorial review of significant and frequent findings of bowel and mesenteric lesions at CT scan, confirmed intraoperatively at laparotomy. Moreover, the predictive value of CT scan for SBMI is assessed.

Conclusions

Multidetector CT scan is the gold standard in the assessment of intra-abdominal blunt abdominal trauma for not only parenchymal organs injuries but also detecting SBMI; in the presence of specific signs it provides an accurate assessment of hollow viscus injuries, helping the trauma surgeons to choose the correct initial clinical management.

In the Modern Era of CT, Do Blunt Trauma Patients with Markers for Blunt Bowel or Mesenteric Injury Still Require Exploratory Laparotomy?

After blunt trauma, certain CT markers, such as free intraperitoneal air, strongly suggest bowel perforation, whereas other markers, including free intraperitoneal fluid without solid organ injury, may be merely suspicious for acute injury. The present study aims to delineate the safety of non-operative management for markers of blunt bowel or mesenteric injury (BBMI) that are suspicious for significant bowel injury after blunt trauma. This was a retrospective review of adult blunt trauma patients with abdominopelvic CT scans on admission to a Level I trauma center between 2012 and 2014. Patients with CT evidence of acute BBMI without solid organ injury were included. The CT markers for BBMI included free intraperitoneal fluid, bowel hematoma, bowel wall thickening, mesenteric edema, hematoma and stranding. Two thousand blunt trauma cases were reviewed, and 94 patients (4.7%) met inclusion criteria. The average Injury Severity Score was 13.6 ± 10.1 and the median hospital stay was four days. The most common finding was free fluid (74 patients, 78.7%). The majority of patients (92, 97.9%) remained asymptomatic or clinically improved without abdominal surgery. After a change in abdominal examination, two patients (2.1%) underwent laparotomy with bowel perforation found in only one patient. Thus, 93 patients did not have a surgically significant injury, indicating that these markers demonstrate 1.1 per cent positive predictive value for bowel perforation. The presence of these markers after blunt trauma does not mandate laparotomy, though it should prompt thorough and continued vigilance toward the abdomen.

Repeat computed tomography is highly sensitive in determining need for delayed exploration in blunt abdominal trauma

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography (CT) imaging has an established role in the initial evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma. What is less clear is the role of CT in guiding delayed exploration in patients initially managed nonoperatively after blunt trauma. We hypothesized that a repeat CT would accurately identify the need for an exploratory laparotomy in this patient population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2005 to 2014, we reviewed all blunt abdominal trauma patients at our institution who received an admission CT scan. We identified patients who underwent repeat CT of the abdomen within 72 h for the documented purpose of reevaluating potential intra-abdominal injuries. CT findings were categorized as either having a CT indication for exploration or not, allowing a sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 50 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 9 underwent surgical exploration of the abdomen and 41 did not. Admission clinical indicators such as Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, and vitals were similar between the operative and nonoperative groups (P > 0.05). When compared with initial CT scan, repeat scan was found to increase the sensitivity from 67% to 100%, while also improving the specificity to 86%, positive predictive value to 50%, and negative predictive value to 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat CT scan of the abdomen may be useful in evaluating blunt trauma patients initially managed nonoperatively. The second CT scan increases the sensitivity of CT evaluation to 100% while also improving the specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

Delayed Presentation of Isolated Jejunal Perforation Following Accidental Trauma

Blunt abdominal trauma can injure any abdominal organs which had significant morbidity and mortality in paediatric age group. It can lead to duodenal, jejunal or rather any bowel perforation. Isolated jejunal perforation still remains rare entity with less documented reports in specifically paediatric age group. We hereby present a case of three-year-old female child with isolated jejunal perforation, post history of fall from height. Early exploration and prompt surgical intervention led to successful outcome in this patient.

Senior general surgery residents can be trained to perform focused assessment with sonography for trauma patients accurately

PURPOSES

Researchers studying trauma have found that physicians are able to perform a focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) with minimal training and achieve ideal accuracy. However, there are currently no consensus or standard guidelines regarding the performance of this assessment. The aim of our study was to clarify the value of FAST performed by well-qualified senior general surgery residents in cases of suspected blunt abdominal trauma, which presents an important diagnostic problem in emergency departments.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study in the emergency department (ED) of our hospital performed from January 2011 to September 2013. Patients were included if they (1) had undergone a FAST examination performed by qualified residents and (2) had received subsequent formal radiographic or surgical evaluations. The results were compared against subsequent surgical findings or formal Department of Radiology reference standards.

RESULTS

Among the 438 patients enrolled, false-negative results were obtained in 8 and false-positive results in 5. Only one patient was missed and required laparotomy to repair a small intestine perforation. The sensitivity and specificity were 87 and 99%, respectively; the accuracy was 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

Senior general surgery residents can be trained to perform accurate FAST examinations on trauma patients.

Early diagnosis of hollow viscus injury using intestinal fatty acid-binding protein in blunt trauma patients

A delay in diagnosing hollow viscus injury (HVI) causes an increase in mortality and morbidity. HVI remains a challenge to diagnose, and there is no specific diagnostic biomarker for HVI. We evaluated the utility of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) in diagnosing HVI in blunt trauma patients. Within a 5-year period, 93 consecutive patients with clinically suspected HVI at our trauma center were prospectively enrolled. The diagnostic performance of I-FABP for HVI was compared with that of other various parameters (physical, laboratory, and radiographic findings). HVI was diagnosed in 13 patients (14%), and non-HVI was diagnosed in 80 patients (86%). The level of I-FABP was significantly higher in patients with HVI than in those with non-HVI (P = 0.014; area under the curve, 0.71). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 76.9%, 70.0%, 29.4%, and 94.9%, respectively (P = 0.003). However, all other biomarkers were not significantly different between the groups. Presence of extraluminal air, bowel wall thickening on computed tomography (CT), and peritonitis signs were significantly higher in patients with HVI (P < 0.05). Of 49 patients (52.7%) who had a negative I-FABP and negative peritonitis signs, none developed HVI (sensitivity, 100%; negative predictive value, 100%). This is the first study that demonstrated the diagnostic value of a biomarker for HVI. I-FABP has a higher negative predictive value compared to traditional diagnostic tests. Although the accuracy of I-FABP alone was insufficient, the combination of I-FABP and other findings can enhance diagnostic ability.

Peritoneal fluid of low CT Hounsfield units as a screening criterion for traumatic bowel perforation

PURPOSE

To investigate whether peritoneal fluid of low CT Hounsfield units is an important screening criterion for traumatic bowel perforation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study on two cohorts of blunt trauma patients who had peritoneal fluid. Intravenous and oral contrast was used for the first cohort (61 patients) as opposed to intravenous contrast only for the second cohort (60 patients). We compared the CT Hounsfield units of peritoneal fluid with bowel perforation. The optimal cutoff value of CT Hounsfield units was determined, and its diagnostic values for bowel perforation were calculated.

RESULTS

The mean CT Hounsfield units (HU) of peritoneal fluid with bowel perforation were significantly lower (30.3 ± 9.0 versus 44.1 ± 13.6 HU, p = 0.008) in the second cohort. The optimal cutoff value was 43 HU, and its sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and positive likelihood ratio were 100.0, 69.2, 73.3% and 3.3, respectively, for bowel perforation. Comparisons of CT HUs of peritoneal fluid with bowel perforation in the first cohort that used additional oral contrast for CT did not show statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Peritoneal fluid of low CT HU is a sensitive and important CT screening criterion for traumatic bowel perforation.

Arterial ammonia levels: Prognostic marker in traumatic hemorrhage

Background:

In blunt trauma, extent of hemorrhage cannot be determined by physical examination, and vital signs may also not give clear picture in all the patients, especially young healthy ones. Hemorrhagic shock has been reported to increase blood ammonia levels. Arterial ammonia was analyzed in blunt trauma abdomen patients and correlated with shock index (SI). Its predictive value was determined for timely decision of intervention.

Materials and Methods:

Hundred blunt trauma abdomen patients presented in the emergency ward of tertiary care hospital were included in the study. Group I comprised 62 patients requiring either blood transfusion ≥2 units and/or intervention to control bleeding within 24 h following admission. Group II had 38 patients: Not requiring transfusion/intervention during hospital stay. Arterial blood sample was taken immediately after admission; ammonia was analyzed within 20 min of sampling on Cobas 6000 (Roche). SI was calculated. Predictive value of ammonia was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results:

Ammonia levels and SI were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in Group I compared to Group II patients (68.55 ± 14.36 umol/L vs. 37.55 ± 7.41 umol/L and 1.28 ± 0.5 vs. 0.74 ± 0.12, respectively). Significantly higher number of patients in Group I (88.7% vs. 13%) had SI > 0.9. Ammonia levels were significantly higher in patients with complications and in those expired.

Conclusions:

Ammonia levels were significantly higher in patients requiring blood transfusion/intervention in 24 h of admission. The best cutoff value to maximize sensitivity and specificity was ammonia >58.85 μmol/L. Ammonia estimation at admission can be clinically significant indicator of traumatic hemorrhage needing intervention.

Are We Missing Traumatic Bowel and Mesenteric Injuries?

Purpose

Traumatic bowel and mesenteric injury (TBMI), although an uncommon entity, can be lethal if not detected and treated in a timely manner. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for the detection of TBMI in patients at our level 1 trauma centre.

Methods

We used our hospital's trauma registry to identify patients with a diagnosis of TBMI from January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2013. Only patients who had a 64-slice MDCT scan at presentation and subsequently underwent laparotomy or laparoscopy were included in the study cohort. Using the surgical findings as the gold standard, the accuracy of prospective radiology reports was analyzed.

Results

Of the 4781 trauma patients who presented to our institution, 44 (0.92%) had surgically proven TBMI. Twenty-two of 44 were excluded as they did not have MDCT before surgery. The study cohort consisted of 14 males and 8 females with a median age of 41.5 years and a median injury severity score of 27. In total 17 of 22 had blunt trauma and 5 of 22 had penetrating injury. A correct preoperative imaging diagnosis of TBMI was made in 14 of 22 of patients. The overall sensitivity of the radiology reports was 63.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41%-82%), specificity was 79.6% (95% CI: 67%-89%), PPV was 53.9% (95% CI: 33%-73%), and the NPV was 85.5% (95% CI: 73%-94%). Accuracy was calculated at 75.3%. However, only 59% (10 of 17) of patients with blunt injury had a correct preoperative diagnosis. Review of the findings demonstrated that majority of patients with missed blunt TBMI (5 of 7) demonstrated only indirect signs of injury.

Conclusion

The detection of TBMI in trauma patients on 64-slice MDCT can be improved, especially in patients presenting with blunt injury. Missed cases in this population occurred because the possibility of TBMI was not considered despite the presence of indirect imaging signs. The prospective diagnosis of TBMI remains challenging despite advances in CT technology and widespread use of 64-slice MDCT.

Core curriculum illustration: blunt trauma to the bowel

This is the 22nd installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at http://www.aseronline.org/curriculum/toc.htm .

Jejunum and ileum blunt trauma: what has changed with the implementation of multislice computed tomography?

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the impact of the new technology of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in improving the accuracy and early diagnosis of BSBI.

METHODS

patients with blunt small bowel injuries (BSBI) grade> I were identified retrospectively and their CT scans reviewed by an experienced radiologist. Clinical and tomographic findings were analyzed and patients grouped as "pre-MDCT" and "post-MDCT", according to the time of implementation of a 64-slice MDCT.

RESULTS

of the 26 patients with BSBI 16 had CT scans. Motor vehicle collision (62.5%) was the most frequent mechanism of injury. In the pre-MDCT period, five of the 13 patients (38.5%) had abdominal CT, and in the post-MDCT, 11 of 13 patients (84.6%) had the exam. During pre-MDCT, all CT scans were abnormal with findings of pneumoperitoneum (60%), free fluid (40%) and bowel wall enhancement (20%). In the post-MDCT group, all exams but one were abnormal and the most frequent findings were free fluid (90.9%), bowel wall enhancement (72.7%), and pneumoperitoneum (54.5%). However, the rate of delayed laparotomy did not change. The mortality rate in both groups were similar, with 20% during pre-MDCT and 18.2% during post-MDCT.

CONCLUSION

the use of MDCT in abdominal trauma in our service has increased the sensibility of the diagnosis, but has had no impact on outcome so far.

Contemporary characteristics of blunt abdominal trauma in a regional series from the UK

INTRODUCTION Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is a common injury in recent trauma series. The characteristics of patients with BAT have changed following the reconfiguration of UK trauma services. The aim of this study was to build a new profile for BAT patients undergoing immediate or delayed laparotomy. METHODS All 5,401 consecutive adults presenting with major trauma between April 2012 and April 2014 in the 3 major trauma centres in the West Midlands were analysed to identify all patients with BAT. A total of 2,793 patients with a mechanism of injury or symptomatology consistent with BAT were identified (52%). Outcomes were analysed using local electronic clinical results systems and notes. RESULTS Of the 2,793 patients, 179 (6.4%) had a mesenteric or hollow viscus injury, 168 (6.0%) had a hepatobiliary injury, 149 (5.4%) had a splenic injury and 46 (1.6%) had a vascular injury. Overall, 103 patients (3.7%) underwent an early (<12 hours) laparotomy while 30 (1.1%) underwent a delayed (>12 hours) laparotomy. Twenty (66.7%) of those undergoing a delayed laparotomy had a hollow viscus injury. In total, 170 deaths occurred among the BAT patients (6.1%). In the early laparotomy group, 53 patients died (51.5%) whereas in the delayed laparotomy group, 6 patients died (20.0%). CONCLUSIONS This series has attempted to provide the characteristics of patients with BAT in a large contemporary UK cohort. BAT was found to be a common type of injury. Early and delayed laparotomy occurred in 3.7% and 1.1% of these patients respectively, mostly because of hollow viscus injury in both cases. Outcomes were comparable with those in the international literature from regions with mature trauma services.

Pediatric Trauma: Current Concepts and Treatments

Injured children represent a complex management problem for the trauma surgeon. Physiologic and psychological factors have been shown to influence outcome; however, more importantly, injury patterns and treatment algorithms differ from those recommended for adults. Children often do well after major injuries, but surgeons must use appropriate treatment to maximize the physiologic responses and the innate healing abilities of the growing child. Historically, surgeons have defined childhood as prepubertal, but a child's physiologic response to injury extends well into the third decade of life, making treatment of a 20-year-old similar to that of a 10-year-old, rather than that of a 40-year-old. The distribution of pediatric trauma facilities across the country has limited the access of the injured child to these centers. Adult centers more often serve as the first and definitive treatment provider for children. This article reviews the current concepts of trauma treatments for children. It is hoped that the adult trauma surgeons caring for injured children might gain information that will be of assistance in their daily practice.

Factors affecting mortality in older trauma patients-A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Major trauma in older people is a significant health burden in the developed world. The aging of the population has resulted in larger numbers of older patients suffering serious injury. Older trauma patients are at greater risk of death from major trauma, but the reasons for this are less well understood. The aim of this review was to identify the factors affecting mortality in older patients suffering major injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of Medline, Cinhal and the Cochrane database, supplemented by a manual search of relevant papers was undertaken, with meta-analysis. Multi-centre cohort studies of existing trauma registries that reported risk-adjusted mortality (adjusted odds ratios, AOR) in their outcomes and which analysed patients aged 65 and older as a separate cohort were included in the review.

RESULTS

3609 papers were identified from the electronic databases, and 28 from manual searches. Of these, 15 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Demographic variables (age and gender), pre-existing conditions (comorbidities and medication), and injury-related factors (injury severity, pattern and mechanism) were found to affect mortality. The 'oldest old', aged 75 and older, had higher mortality rates than younger patients, aged 65-74 years. Older men had a significantly higher mortality rate than women (cumulative odds ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.37-1.66). Three papers reported a higher risk of death in patients with pre-existing conditions. Two studies reported increased mortality in patients on warfarin (cumulative odds ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.05-1.66). Higher mortality was seen in patients with lower Glasgow coma scores and systolic blood pressures. Mortality increased with increased injury severity and number of injuries sustained. Low level falls were associated with higher mortality than motor vehicle collisions (cumulative odds ratio 2.88, 95% CI 1.26-6.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple factors contribute to mortality risk in older trauma patients. The relation between these factors and mortality is complex, and a fuller understanding of the contribution of each factor is needed to develop a better predictive model for trauma outcomes in older people. More research is required to identify patient and process factors affecting mortality in older patients.