Thoracic compartment syndrome

Prolonged mechanical rib separation is a key element to prevent thoracic compartment syndrome in penetrating chest trauma: A case report

Penetrating cardiac injury in trauma patients is highly morbid. Most cases do not survive long enough to manifest the severe physiologic consequences of massive blood product resuscitation, namely, thoracic compartment syndrome and right ventricular (RV) failure. This case exhibits a thoracic compartment syndrome and RV failure so severe that the open chest management required mechanical separation of a clamshell thoracotomy. The resuscitation and the techniques utilized to maintain an open chest will be described.

Timing of surgical intervention for compartment syndrome in different body region: systematic review of the literature

Compartment syndrome can occur in many body regions and may range from homeostasis asymptomatic alterations to severe, life-threatening conditions. Surgical intervention to decompress affected organs or area of the body is often the only effective treatment, although evidences to assess the best timing of intervention are lacking. Present paper systematically reviewed the literature stratifying timings according to the compartmental syndromes which may beneficiate from immediate, early, delayed, or prophylactic surgical decompression. Timing of decompression have been stratified into four categories: (1) immediate decompression for those compartmental syndromes whose missed therapy would rapidly lead to patient death or extreme disability, (2) early decompression with the time burden of 3-12 h and in any case before clinical signs of irreversible deterioration, (3) delayed decompression identified with decompression performed after 12 h or after signs of clinical deterioration has occurred, and (4) prophylactic decompression in those situations where high incidence of compartment syndrome is expected after a specific causative event.

Survival following traumatic thoracic compartment syndrome managed with VV-ECMO

Whilst post-traumatic respiratory failure is the most common indication for use of VV-ECMO in trauma patients, its use in traumatic thoracic compartment syndrome is not yet well described. Thoracic compartment syndrome, a rare complication of thoracic trauma, occurs in the setting of chest wall injuries, impaired chest wall compliance, pulmonary contusions and subsequent high ventilatory pressures. This in turn impairs venous return and increases risk of circulatory arrest due to obstructive shock. This case study describes the successful use of VV-ECMO in a young male with thoracic compartment syndrome following severe blunt chest trauma sustained in a high speed motor vehicle crash. Following brief circulatory arrest, thoracic compartment syndrome was relieved during thoracotomy but reoccurred on chest closure. The use of VV-ECMO for oxygenation permitted lower ventilatory pressures, allowing venous return and primary closure of the thoracotomy. The patient subsequently had an excellent functional outcome. This case describes the successful use of VV-ECMO for a novel indication. The indications for ECMO in thoracic trauma patients continue to evolve.

Thoracic compartment syndrome after penetrating heart and lung injury

Thoracic injuries are the most lethal penetrating injuries. After attempting suicide, two patients with a penetrating thoracic wound were admitted to our emergency department. During CT scan they became hemodynamically unstable, which is why we had to perform an emergency thoracotomy. In both cases, a perforation in the left ventricle as well as multiple lesions of the lung parenchyma and vessel injuries were found. After the treatment of the different injuries, a massive edema of the heart and lung prevented a primary closure of the thorax. Due to massive diffuse bleeding, a "packing" of the pleural cavity became necessary. To prevent a thoracic compartment syndrome, the thoracic wall was left open and the skin was closed with a plastic sheet. Due to the "open chest" procedure combined with "packing" of the thoracic cavity, the majority of patients with an edema of the heart and lung after a penetrating chest injury can be saved. Pitfalls of preclinical and clinical treatment, aspects of diagnostics and surgery are discussed.

Delayed Cardiac Rupture Induced by Traumatic Myocardial Infarction: Consequence of a 45-Magnum Blast Injury; A Comprehensive Case Review

A penetrating chest trauma, a myocardial contusion or a myocardial infarction can lead to a cardiac rupture, which is linked to an extreme high death rate. Only few cases with delayed perforation of the myocardium have been reported in literature. We report about a penetrating gunshot injury, which led to a myocardial contusion with secondary delayed rupture of the left ventricle and the left inferior lobe of the lung. The leakage of the lesion in the left ventricle could be sealed sufficiently with fibrin-coated collagen fleeces after adapting stitches with Prolene 2-0. For additional stabilization of the vulnerable myocardium area, a bovine patch has been placed on the damaged ventricle. Fibrin fleeces are used successfully in cardiac surgery, as in our case, to seal the leakage of the lesion in the left ventricle. The implantation of a bovine patch in the pericardium could prevent a cardiac compartment syndrome with a fatal pericardial tamponade. To prohibit a thoracic compartment syndrome a modified Bogota bag could be sewed in for temporarily closure of the chest. In most cases penetrating cardiac injuries can be treated without heart-lung-machines. An immediate transfer to a cardio-surgical center is, due to the acute situation, not possible. If a surgeon with thoraco-surgical expertise is present a transfer is not absolutely necessary.

Large thoracic defect due to shotgun violation - surgical emergency management

Shotgun injuries from a short distance (<3 m) may cause massive bleeding and tissue destruction. Only immediate aggressive (surgical) therapy prevents lethal outcome.

We report about a 27-year-old patient, who was wounded on the left chest wall by a straight-cut shotgun from a short distance. In cases of this special traumatic pattern damage control measures are necessary. The measures should take place in preclinical emergency management (by the on-site emergency physician).

We report about the emergency management from admission to our hospital and the following surgical treatment until discharge from the hospital.

Indications for use of thoracic, abdominal, pelvic, and vascular damage control interventions in trauma patients: A content analysis and expert appropriateness rating study

BACKGROUND

The use of abbreviated or damage control (DC) interventions may improve outcomes in severely injured patients when appropriately indicated. We sought to determine which indications for DC interventions have been most commonly reported in the peer-reviewed literature to date and evaluate the opinions of experts regarding the appropriateness (expected benefit-to-harm ratio) of the reported indications for use in practice.

METHODS

Two investigators used an abbreviated grounded theory method to synthesize indications for 16 different DC interventions reported in peer-reviewed articles between 1983 and 2014 into a reduced number of named, content-characteristic codes representing unique indications. For each indication code, an international panel of trauma surgery experts (n = 9) then rated the appropriateness of conducting the DC intervention of interest in an adult civilian trauma patient.

RESULTS

The 424 indications identified in the literature were synthesized into 101 unique indications. The panel assessed 12 (70.6%) of the coded indications for the 7 different thoracic, 47 (78.3%) for the 7 different abdominal/pelvic, and 18 (75.0%) for the 2 different vascular interventions to be appropriate for use in practice. These included indications for rapid lung-sparing surgery (pneumonorrhaphy, pulmonary tractotomy, and pulmonary wedge resection) (n = 1); pulmonary tractotomy (n = 3); rapid, simultaneously stapled pneumonectomy (n = 1); therapeutic mediastinal and/or pleural space packing (n = 4); temporary thoracic closure (n = 3); therapeutic perihepatic packing (n = 28); staged pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 2); temporary abdominal closure (n = 12); extraperitoneal pelvic packing (n = 5); balloon catheter tamponade (n = 6); and temporary intravascular shunting (n = 11).

CONCLUSION

This study identified a list of candidate appropriate indications for use of 12 different DC interventions that were suggested by authors of peer-reviewed articles and assessed by a panel of independent experts to be appropriate. These indications may be used to focus future research and (in the interim) guide surgical practice while studies are conducted to evaluate their impact on patient outcomes.

When the ICU is the operating room

BACKGROUND

The surgical intensive care unit (SICU) is increasingly used as a surrogate operating room (OR). This study seeks to characterize a Level I trauma center's operative undertakings in the SICU versus OR for trauma and emergency general surgery patients.

METHODS

Operative and ICU databases were queried for all operative procedures as a function of procedure type (CPT code) and location (OR, ICU) from August 2002 through June 2009. Mode of ventilation, type of anesthesia used, and adverse outcomes were recorded. Data were divided into 2002-2006 versus 2007-2009 because of MD staffing and service structure changes. Time frames were compared via Student's t-test or χ(2) as appropriate; significance for p < 0.05 (*) versus 2002-2006.

RESULTS

Trauma service-admitted patient volume increased from 2002-2003 (n = 1,293) to 2006-2007 (n = 1,577) and again in 2008-2009 (n = 1,825). Emergency general surgery total operative cases increased from 2002-2003 (n = 246) to 2005-2006 (n = 468). Case volume further increased in 2006-2007 (n = 767*), 2007-2008 (n = 1,071*), and 2008-2009 (n = 875*) compared with 2002-2003 or 2005-2006. Relaparotomy and temporary abdominal closure procedures were significantly increased in 2007-2008 (n = 109*) and 2008-2009 (n = 128*) versus 2002-2006 (n = 6) and 2006-2007 (n = 10). ICU cases were 11.5% of total cases (OR + ICU) spanning 2002-2006 and significantly increased to 24.3%* in 2007-2008 and 36%* in 2008-2009. Advanced ventilation was used in 15% of ICU cases in 2002-2003 and significantly increased to 40% in 2006-2007 and 78%* in 2008-2009. Neuromuscular blockade was rare; most cases (93.9%) were performed under deep sedation.

CONCLUSION

Our ICU is increasingly used for surgical procedures traditionally reserved for the OR. Advanced ventilation management may influence the choice of operative location. The ICU may be safely used as an operative location for the critically ill and injured.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiologic study, level III.

Abdominal compartment syndrome: risk factors, diagnosis, and current therapy

Abdominal compartment syndrome's manifestations are difficult to definitively detect on physical examination alone. Therefore, objective criteria have been articulated that aid the bedside clinician in detecting intra-abdominal hypertension as well as the abdominal compartment syndrome to initiate prompt and potentially life-saving intervention. At-risk patient populations should be routinely monitored and tiered interventions should be undertaken as a team approach to management.

Compartment syndrome: pathophysiology, clinical presentations, treatment, and prevention in human and veterinary medicine

OBJECTIVE

To review the human and veterinary literature pertaining to all forms of compartment syndrome (CS).

DATA SOURCES

Data sources included scientific reviews and original research publications from the human and veterinary literature.

HUMAN DATA SYNTHESIS

While CS affecting the extremities has been recognized in people for decades, other forms of CS in the abdominal and thoracic cavities are recently gaining more attention. The role of CS in critically ill people is a rapidly growing area of interest. More research on prevention and treatment of CS is being conducted in people because some studies have found mortality rates as high as 80% for those suffering from these conditions.

VETERINARY DATA SYNTHESIS

While a significant amount of experimental studies of CS have been performed on small animals, there is a marked lack of primary veterinary studies. The majority of the veterinary literature includes case reports and series, and many of these studies were published over a decade ago. However, the increased recognition of CS in people has sparked an interest in veterinary critical care medicine and this has been demonstrated by the recent increased evaluation of compartment pressures in veterinary patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CS is a complex clinical condition where increased pressure within a compartment can cause significant adverse effects within the compartment as well as throughout the body. Systemic inflammatory responses and local ischemia-reperfusion elements can contribute to the detrimental effects seen in CS. This cascade of events results in increased mortality rates and contributes to the development of CS elsewhere. A better understanding of CS will help veterinarians improve patient care and outcome. Future studies on incidence, prevention, and treatment of CSs in the critical care patient are needed in veterinary medicine.

Thoracic compartment syndrome: a case report

Thoracic compartment syndrome has been observed after trauma and after mediastinal and cardiac procedures; however, an adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-like presentation has not been described as a part of thoracic compartment syndrome. We describe the case of an obese patient who underwent coronary artery bypass (his third such procedure) and hiatal hernia reduction during the same operation, followed by transmyocardial laser revascularization and full chest closure the next day. The patient was hypoxic after chest closure. Two days later, his peak airway pressure increased, and his cardiac and urine outputs decreased. Chest radiography findings suggested ARDS without hemodynamic instability. After we reopened the sternal incisions, the patient's symptoms reversed. Although our patient initially appeared to have ARDS, we believe the organ-volume displacement that occurred during the lengthy dual operation produced a thoracic and abdominal compartment syndrome that responded to decompression of the chest.

Perioperative pulmonary complications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews current concepts in perioperative pulmonary management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Preoperative risk assessment tools for perioperative pulmonary complications (POPCs) are evolving for both children and adults. Intraoperative management strategies have a demonstrable effect on outcomes. Late POPCs may be preceded by clinical signs.

SUMMARY

POPCs are common and lead to significant resource utilization. Optimal POPC risk mitigation must span all phases of surgical care. Preoperative assessment may identify patients at risk and effectively lower their risk by identifying targeted interventions. Intra-operative strategies impact postoperative outcome. POPCs continue to be a concern for several days postoperatively. We review the current literature on this broad subject with a focus on implementable interventions for the clinician.

Surviving a delayed trans-diaphragmatic hepatic rupture complicated by an acute superior vena cava and thoracic compartment syndromes

We describe the first reported survivor of a delayed trans-diaphragmatic hepatic rupture complicated by acute superior vena cava (SVCS) and thoracic compartment syndromes (TCS). A thirty one year old male was involved in a boating accident. The patient was diagnosed with a grade IV liver laceration, which was initially managed with both angio-embolization and open surgical repair. Exactly one month from admission, the patient presented with an abrupt cardiac arrest, which was further complicated by a SVCS and TCS. The SVCS was managed with bilateral thoracostomies which revealed a delayed trans-diaphragmatic hepatic rupture into the right chest cavity. The TCS was managed with a decompressive thoraco-abdominal incision. The patient survived and is now leading a normal life. Our success was largely due to an integrated trauma system of physicians, nurses and technicians that prompted the early recognition of two potentially life threatening complications of a delayed trans-diaphragmatic hepatic rupture.

Compartment syndromes from head to toe

Compartment syndrome is defined as the dysfunction of organs/tissues within the compartment due to limited blood supply caused by increased pressure within the compartment. The aim of this article is to introduce and discuss acute compartment syndromes that are essential for critical care physicians to recognize and manage. Various pathophysiological mechanisms (ischemia-reperfusion syndrome, direct trauma, localized bleeding) could lead to increased compartmental pressure and decreased blood flow through the intracompartmental capillaries. Although compartment syndromes are described in virtually all body regions, the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are best characterized for three key body regions (extremity, abdominal, and thoracic compartment syndromes). Compartment syndromes can be classified as either primary (pathology/injury is within the compartment) or secondary (no primary pathology or injury within the compartment), and based on the etiology (e.g., trauma, burn, sepsis). A recently described phenomenon is the "multiple" compartment syndrome or "poly"-compartment syndrome, which is usually a complication of a severe shock and massive resuscitation. The prevention of compartment syndromes is based on preemptive open management of compartments (primary syndromes) in high-risk patients and/or careful fluid resuscitation (both primary and secondary syndromes) to limit interstitial swelling.

A case report of thoracic compartment syndrome in the setting of penetrating chest trauma and review of the literature

Trauma-related thoracic compartment syndrome (TCS) is a rare, life threatening condition that develops secondary to elevated intra-thoracic pressure and manifests itself clinically as significantly elevated airway pressures, inability to provide adequate ventilation and hemodynamic instability temporally related to closure of a thoracic surgical incision. TCS is exceedingly rare in the trauma population. We present a case of TCS following surgical repair of a stab wound injury that necessitated decompressive thoracotomy and peri-operative open-chest management.

Abdominal compartment syndrome

Acute renal failure frequently occurs in the intensive care unit as a primary or secondary event in association with trauma, surgery, or comorbid medical disease. An increasingly common thread linking surgical and medical disease management is the abdominal compartment syndrome. In particular, the rise of early goal-directed therapy for the initial resuscitation and management of severe sepsis and septic shock is associated with an increased frequency of secondary abdominal compartment syndrome. This paper will explore the pathophysiology underpinning the abdominal compartment syndrome and its contribution to acute kidney injury and acute renal failure with regard to intra-abdominal pressure dynamics, preload limitation, and afterload augmentation. Diagnostic modalities and therapeutic interventions will be addressed as a means of reducing the frequency of acute kidney injury and acute renal failure in the critically ill.

Abdominal compartment syndrome: clinical aspects and monitoring

Markedly elevated intra-abdominal pressures will result in predictable hemodynamic consequences related to compromised venous return. When the hemodynamic abnormalities are associated with organ dysfunction of failure, patients suffer from the abdominal compartment syndrome. At-risk patients should be routinely monitored for intra-abdominal hypertension, and a multidisciplinary care paradigm should be established. Vigorous resuscitation of both surgical and medical patients highly correlates with IAH and ACS risk. Vigilance, prompt diagnosis, and intervention for abdominal compartment syndrome will reduce the morbidity and mortality in critically ill. Future challenges include altering resuscitation strategies to reduce ascites formation, earlier diagnosis of organ dysfunction, and intra-organ monitoring techniques.

Thoracic compartment syndrome secondary to a thoracic procedure: a case report

Prolonged open sternotomy is a well-known phenomenon in the pediatric and adult cardiac surgery literature. It is usually an adjuvant in the treatment of a severely compromised heart. We present a case of thoracic compartment syndrome that developed postoperatively from a noncardiac thoracic procedure. Management, diagnosis, and literature review are presented.