Prognostic factors and management of civilian penetrating duodenal trauma

Management of duodenal trauma: A retrospective review from the Panamerican Trauma Society

INTRODUCTION

The operative management of duodenal trauma remains controversial. Our hypothesis is that a simplified operative approach could lead to better outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted an international multicenter study, involving 13 centers. We performed a retrospective review from January 2007 to December of 2016. Data on demographics, mechanism of trauma, blood loss, operative time, and associated injured organs were collected. Outcomes included postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis, leak, need for unplanned surgery, length of stay, renal failure, and mortality. We used the Research Electronic Data Capture tool to store the data. Poisson regression using a backward selection method was used to identify independent predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

We collected data of 372 patients with duodenal injuries. Although the duodenal trauma was complex (median Injury Severity Score [ISS], 18 [interquartile range, 2-3]; Abbreviated Injury Scale, 3.5 [3-4]; American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade, 3 [2-3]), primary repair alone was the most common type of operative management (80%, n = 299). Overall mortality was 24%. On univariate analysis, mortality was associated with male gender, lower admission systolic blood pressure, need for transfusion before operative repair, higher intraoperative blood loss, longer operative time, renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy, higher ISS, and associated pancreatic injury. Poisson regression showed higher ISS, associated pancreatic injury, postoperative renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy, the need for preoperative transfusion, and male gender remained significant predictors of mortality. Duodenal suture line leak was statistically significantly lower, and patients had primary repair over every American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade of injury.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for transfusion prior to the operating room, associated pancreatic injuries, and postoperative renal failure are predictors of mortality for patients with duodenal injuries. Primary repair alone is a common and safe operative repair even for complex injuries when feasible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level IV.

Duodenal diverticulization as treatment of complex duodeno-pancreatic lesions: Case report

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal and pancreatic lesions are uncommon, but severe and responsible for high incidence in morbidity and mortality. Differences between the mechanisms of trauma, the severity of lesions and the time between trauma, diagnosis and treatment influence the evolution of the case.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of a 20-year-old patient with several lesions in stomach, duodenum, pancreas and jejunum due to three gunshots treated at our service. Duodenal diverticulalization was used on treatment of complex duodeno-pancreatic lesions. The patient presented good evolution, with discharge conditions in the 10th PO.

DISCUSSION

We discussed the positives and negatives of this technique, with the approval of the Ethics Committee number 13736519.8.0000.5479.

CONCLUSION

The duodenal diverticulization leads to an irreversible change to the food transit. However, this is a feasible bypass option in cases of high chances of fistula and scar stenosis complex duodenal injury, particularly in the context of associated gastric injury.

Duodenal emergencies: utility of multidetector CT with 2D multiplanar reconstructions for challenging but critical diagnoses

Duodenal pathology is an infrequent cause of acute abdominal pain for which patients present to the emergency department. Critical pathology on multidetector CT (MDCT) may be overlooked if the radiologist does not carefully evaluate the duodenum as part of the search pattern. Optimal MDCT protocols include intravenous contrast with multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs). A variety of etiologies ranging from infection to malignancy can involve the duodenum, for which interrogation with MPRs is most helpful given the anatomy and complex relationship with surrounding structures. The purpose of this review article is to highlight the importance of CT acquisition with multiplanar reconstructions and review the spectrum of emergent duodenal pathology, with the goal of ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis to best guide patient management.

Primary repair of duodenal injuries: a retrospective cohort study from a major trauma centre in South Africa

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The management of duodenal trauma remains controversial. This retrospective audit of a prospectively maintained database was intended to clarify the operative management of duodenal injury at our institution and to assess the risk factors for leak following primary duodenal repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study undertaken at the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Operative techniques used for duodenal repair were recorded. Our primary outcome was duodenal leak in the postoperative period. Patients from January 2012 to December 2016 were included. All duodenal injuries were graded according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grading. Only patients who had a primary repair were included in the final analysis.

RESULTS

During the five-year data collection period, a total of 562 patients underwent a trauma laparotomy; of which 94 patients sustained a duodenal injury. A primary pyloric exclusion and gastro-jejunostomy (PEG) was performed in three patients. These three were then excluded from further analysis. Of the 91 primary duodenal repairs, seven (8%) subsequently leaked. These were managed by PEG in three and by secondary repair and para-duodenal drainage in four. The two physiological parameters most associated with subsequent leak were lactate and pH level. There was a significantly higher mortality rate for those who leaked vs those who did not leak. Chi-squared test revealed a significant difference in the leak rate between AAST I (0%), AAST-II (1.6%) and AAST-3 (66.7%) grade injuries (p <0.01).

CONCLUSION

The trend towards primary repair of duodenal injuries appears to be justified. However duodenal leak remains a significant risk in certain high risk patients and strategies to manage injuries in this subset requires further work.

Approach and Management of Traumatic Retroperitoneal Injuries

Traumatic retroperitoneal injuries constitute a challenge for trauma surgeons. They usually occur in the context of a trauma patient with multiple associated injuries, in whom invasive procedures have an important role in the diagnosis of these injuries. The retroperitoneum is the anatomical region with the highest mortality rates, therefore early diagnosis and treatment of these lesions acquire special relevance. The aim of this study is to present current published scientific evidence regarding incidence, mechanism of injury, diagnostic methods and treatment through a review of the international literature from the last 70 years. In conclusion, this systematic review showed an increasing trend towards non-surgical management of retroperitoneal injuries.

Penetrating injuries to the duodenum: An analysis of 879 patients from the National Trauma Data Bank, 2010 to 2014

BACKGROUND

Despite wide belief that the duodenal Organ Injury Scale has been validated, this has not been reported in the published literature. Based on clinical experience, we hypothesize that the American Association for Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale (AAST-OIS) for duodenal injuries can independently predict mortality. Our objectives were threefold: (1) describe the national profile of penetrating duodenal injuries, (2) identify predictors of morbidity and mortality, and (3) validate the duodenum AAST-OIS as a statistically significant predictor of mortality.

METHODS

Using the Abbreviated Injury Scale 2005 and International Classification of Diseases-9th Rev.-Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) E-codes, we identified 879 penetrating duodenal trauma patients from the National Trauma Data Bank between 2010 and 2014. We controlled patient-level covariates of age, biological sex, systolic blood pressure (SBP), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, pulse, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and Organ Injury Scale (OIS) grade. We estimated multivariable generalized linear mixed models to account for the nesting of patients within trauma centers.

RESULTS

Our results indicated an overall mortality rate of 14.4%. Approximately 10% of patients died within 24 hours of admission, of whom 76% died in the first 6 hours. Patients averaged approximately five associated injuries, 45% of which involved the liver and colon. Statistically significant independent predictors of mortality were firearm mechanism, SBP, GCS, pulse, ISS, and AAST-OIS grade. Specifically, odds of death were decreased with 10 mm Hg higher admission SBP (13% decreased odds), one point higher GCS (14.4%), 10-beat lower pulse (8.2%), and 10-point lower ISS (51.0%).

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to report the national profile of penetrating duodenal injuries. Using the National Trauma Data Bank, we identified patterns of injury, predictors of outcome, and validated the AAST-OIS for duodenal injuries as a statistically significant predictor of morbidity and mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiologic/Prognostic, level IV.

Duodenal trauma

Duodenal trauma represents a unique challenge to the surgeon due to its relative rarity, anatomic location, and often the difficulty in diagnosing and managing these injuries. Despite these challenges, significant advances have been made over the previous century, and mortality has fallen to as low as 17%. The CT scan is the primary modality for diagnosis in the blunt trauma patient, and thorough surgical exploration at laparotomy is the mainstay for penetrating injuries. Management is guided by the grade of injury, with low-grade hematomas managed by observation, intermediate grade injuries by primary repair, and high-grade injuries with a damage control surgery approach. While pyloric exclusion remains the most common technique to augment primary repair in intermediate and higher grade injuries, the utility of this procedure has come into question in current literature, and an overall ‘less-is-more’ surgical approach has been advocated in recent publications. Complications following duodenal trauma are common and include fistulae, duodenal obstruction, and infectious complications. However, the overall morbidity and mortality have improved with these injuries. Future investigation is needed to determine the optimal management approach for these challenging patients.

Penetrating duodenal trauma: A 19-year experience

BACKGROUND

Multiple techniques are used for repair in duodenal injury ranging from simple suture repair for low-grade injuries to pancreaticoduodenectomy for complicated high-grade injuries. Drains, both intraluminal and extraluminal, are placed variably depending on associated injuries and confidence with the repair. It is our contention that a simplified approach to repair will limit complications and mortality. The major complication of duodenal leak (DL) was the outcome used to assess methods of repair in this study.

METHODS

After early deaths from associated vascular injuries were excluded, patients with a penetrating duodenal injury admitted during a 19-year period ending in 2014 constituted the study population.

RESULTS

A total of 125 patients with penetrating duodenal injuries were included. Overall, the leak rate was 8% with two duodenal-related mortalities. No differences were seen in patients who had a DL as compared with no leak with respect to demographics, injury severity, or admission variables. Patients with DL were more likely to have a major vascular injury (60% vs. 23%, p = 0.02) and a combined pancreatic injury (70% vs. 31%, p = 0.03). No differences were identified by repair technique, location, or grade of injury. DLs were more likely to have an extraluminal drain (90% vs. 45%, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Primary suture repair should be the initial approach considered for most injuries. Major vascular injuries and concomintant pancreatic injuries were associated with most leaks; therefore, adjuncts to repair including intraluminal drainage and pyloric exclusion should be considered on the initial operation. Extraluminal drains should be avoided unless required for associated injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management study, level IV.

Review of Pancreaticoduodenal Trauma with a Case Report

Complex anatomical relation of the duodenum, pancreas, biliary tract, and major vessels plays to obscure pancreaticoduodenal injuries. Causes of pancreaticoduodenal injuries are blunt trauma (traffic accidents, sport injuries) in 25 % of cases and penetrating abdominal injuries (stab wounds and firearm injuries) in 75 % of cases. Duodenal injuries are reported to occur in 0.5 to 5 % of all abdominal trauma cases and are observed in 11 % of abdominal firearm wounds, 1.6 % of abdominal stab wounds, and 6 % of blunt trauma. Retroperitoneal and deep abdominal localization of duodenum as an organ contribute to the difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. There are three important major points regarding treatment of duodenal injuries: (1) operation timing and decision, (2) Intraoperative detection, and (3) post-operative care. Therefore, it is difficult to diagnose and treat duodenal trauma. We would like to present a 21-year-old male patient with pancreaticoduodenal injury who presented to our emergency service after firearm injury to his abdomen and discuss his treatment with a short review of related literature.

Management of pancreatic trauma

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic trauma (PT) is associated with high morbidity and mortality; the therapeutic options remain debated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of PT treated in the University Hospital of Grenoble over a 22-year span. The decision for initial laparotomy depended on hemodynamic status as well as on associated lesions. Main pancreatic duct lesions were always searched for. PT lesions were graded according to the AAST classification.

RESULTS

Of a total of 46 PT, 34 were grades II or I. Hemodynamic instability led to immediate laparotomy in 18 patients, for whom treatment was always drainage of the pancreatic bed; morbidity was 30%. Eight patients had grade III injuries, six of whom underwent immediate operation: three underwent splenopancreatectomy without any major complications while the other three who had simple drainage required re-operation for peritonitis, with one death related to pancreatic complications. Four patients had grades IV or V PT: two pancreatoduodenectomies were performed, with no major complication, while one patient underwent duodenal reconstruction with pancreatic drainage, complicated by pancreatic and duodenal fistula requiring a hospital stay of two months. The post-trauma course was complicated for all patients with main pancreatic duct involvement. Our outcomes were similar to those found in the literature.

CONCLUSION

In patients with distal PT and main pancreatic duct involvement, simple drainage is associated with high morbidity and mortality. For proximal PT, the therapeutic options of drainage versus pancreatoduodenectomy must be weighed; pancreatoduodenectomy may be unavoidable when the duodenum is injured as well. Two-stage (resection first, reconstruction later) could be an effective alternative in the emergency setting when there are other associated traumatic lesions.

Creation of a neopylorus after pyloric exclusion using a "double-endoscope" technique

OBJECTIVE

Pyloric exclusion may be implemented in the setting of a high-grade duodenal or pancreatic injury. After exclusion, the pylorus should spontaneously open in 3-6 weeks. However, we present the case of a critically ill 17-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the abdomen that underwent stapled pyloric exclusion with gastrostomy and jejunostomy tube placement who did not achieve pyloric patency after 5 months, and describe an innovative "double-endoscope" technique to correct it.

METHODS

A gastroscope was inserted through the mouth into the stomach, and an endoscope was inserted retrograde through the jejunostomy site to the duodenum. The closed pylorus was seen from both ends with transillumination. A needle knife was pushed through the membrane with clear visualization from the contralateral side. A balloon dilation catheter was then passed over a guidewire, and the neopylorus was sequentially dilated. A gastrojejunostomy tube was placed to ensure patency of the neopylorus. Postoperative imaging showed no evidence of leak or pneumoperitoneum. Serial endoscopic dilations were performed every 1-4 weeks to prevent restricturing.

RESULTS

The patient recovered well. After the first follow-up endoscopic dilation, he was eating a regular diet and had no retained food products. After four endoscopic dilations, the patient remained symptom free and the pylorus was widely patent. His gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes were removed.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we presented a rare complication of pyloric exclusion and an innovative approach that used a "double-endoscope" technique and serial endoscopic dilations to establish and maintain a neopylorus, avoiding the morbidity of a major surgical procedure.

Combined gastric and duodenal perforation through blunt abdominal trauma

Blunt abdominal traumas are uncommonly encountered despite their high prevalence, and injuries to the organ like duodenum are relatively uncommon (occurring in only 3%-5% of abdominal injuries) because of its retroperitoneal location. Duodenal injury combined with gastric perforation from a single abdominal trauma impact is rarely heard. The aim of this case report is to present a rare case of blunt abdominal trauma with combined gastric and duodenal injuries.

Duodenal injuries due to trauma: Review of the literature

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

An analysis of predictors of morbidity after stab wounds of the pancreas in 78 consecutive injuries

INTRODUCTION

Penetrating injuries of the pancreas may result in serious complications. This study assessed the factors influencing morbidity after stab wounds of the pancreas.

METHODS

A retrospective univariate cohort analysis was carried out of 78 patients (74 men) with a median age of 26 years (range: 16-62 years) with stab wounds of the pancreas between 1982 and 2011.

RESULTS

The median revised trauma score (RTS) was 7.8 (range: 2.0-7.8). Injuries involved the body (n=36), tail (n=24), head/uncinate process (n=16) and neck (n=2) of the pancreas. All 78 patients underwent a laparotomy. Sixty-five patients had AAST (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma) grade I or II pancreatic injuries and thirteen had grade III, IV or V injuries. Eight patients (10.3%) had an initial damage control operation. Sixty-nine patients (84.6%) had drainage of the pancreas only, six had a distal pancreatectomy and one had a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Most pancreas related complications occurred in patients with AAST grade III injuries; eight patients (10.2%) developed a pancreatic fistula. Four patients (5.1%) died. Grade of pancreatic injury (AAST grade I-II vs grade III-V injuries, p<0.001), RTS (odds ratio [OR]: 5.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-17.19, p<0.007), presence of shock on admission (OR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.16-9.42, p=0.022), need for a blood transfusion (OR: 6.46, 95% CI: 2.40-17.40, p<0.001) and repeat laparotomy (p<0.001) had a significant influence on the development of general complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Although mortality was low after a pancreatic stab wound, morbidity was high. Increasing AAST grade of injury, high RTS, shock on admission to hospital, need for blood transfusion and repeat laparotomy were significant factors related to morbidity.

The successful use of simple tube duodenostomy in large duodenal perforations from varied etiologies

INTRODUCTION

Tube decompression of the duodenum is an old but underutilized technique known to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with difficult to manage duodenal injuries. Broad arrays of techniques have been described in the literature and are reviewed, but most are complex procedures not appropriate for the management of an unstable patient.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

In this paper we describe the technique of tube duodenostomy and the successful application in three cases of large defects (>3cm) which two of these cases had failed previous repair attempts. The defects were caused by very different etiologies, including blunt trauma, peptic ulcer disease and erosion from cancer. All were finally managed by application of tube duodenostomy with success.

DISCUSSION

Patients with "difficult to manage duodenum" usually present with hemodynamic instability with hostile abdomen. Complex procedures in an unstable patient are associated with adverse outcomes. In patients with significant comorbidities and instability the damage control principle of trauma surgery is gaining popularity. Tube duodenostomy technique described in this paper fits in well with that principle.

CONCLUSION

Application of tube duodenostomy instead of a complex procedure in an unstable patient provides an opportunity to stabilize the patient, converting an impending catastrophe to a future scheduled surgery.

Management of duodenal injuries

Injuries to the duodenum pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the surgeon. Due to the intra- and extra-peritoneal location of the duodenum, the presentation can be overt or occult, and delay in diagnosis is associated with an increased mortality rate. A range of interventions have been described and this article reviews the relevant literature, highlights the salient points and suggests a treatment algorithm.

Pyloric exclusion in the treatment of severe duodenal injuries: results from the National Trauma Data Bank

Pyloric exclusion (PEX) has traditionally been used in the management of complicated duodenal injuries to temporarily protect the duodenal repair and prevent septic abdominal complications. We used the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank (v 5.0) to evaluate adult patients with severe duodenal injuries [American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Grade > or = 3] undergoing primary repair only or repair with PEX within 24 hours of admission. Propensity scoring was used to adjust for relevant confounding factors during outcomes comparison. Among 147 patients with severe duodenal injuries, 28 (19.0%) underwent PEX [15.9% (11/69) Grade III vs 34.0% (17/50) Grade IV-V]. Despite similar demographics, PEX was associated with a longer mean hospital stay (32.2 vs 22.2 days, P = 0.003) and was not associated with a mortality benefit. There was a trend toward increased development of septic abdominal complications (intra-abdominal abscess, wound infection, or dehiscence) with PEX that was not statistically significant. After multivariable analysis using propensity score, no statistically significant differences in mortality or occurrence of septic abdominal complications was noted between those patients undergoing primary repair only or PEX. The use of PEX in patients with severe duodenal injuries may contribute to longer hospital stay and confers no survival or outcome benefit.

The use of pyloric exclusion for treating duodenal trauma: case series

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES

Significant controversy exists regarding the best surgical treatment for complex duodenal injuries. The aims of this study were to report on a series of eight cases of duodenal repairs using pyloric exclusion and to describe reported complications or improvements in clinical outcomes among patients with complex duodenal trauma.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study followed by a case series in a university hospital.

METHODS

Data on eight patients with duodenal trauma who underwent pyloric exclusion over a 17.5 year period were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The causes of the injuries included penetrating gunshot wounds (GSW) in five patients and motor vehicle accidents (blunt trauma) in three patients. The time elapsed until surgery was longer in the blunt trauma group, while in one patient, the gunshot injury was initially missed and thus the procedure was carried out 36 hours after the original injury. The injuries were grade III (50%) or IV (50%) and the morbidity rate was 87.5%. Four patients (50%) died during the postoperative period from complications, including hypovolemic shock (one patient), sepsis (peritonitis following the missed injury) and pancreatitis with an anastomotic fistula (two patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Pyloric exclusion was associated with multiple complications and a high mortality rate. This surgical technique is indicated for rare cases of complex injury to the duodenum and the surgeon should be aware that treatment with a minimalistic approach, with only primary repair, may be ideal.

Trauma de duodeno: análise de fatores relacionados à morbimortalidade

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores preditivos de morbimortalidade em pacientes com trauma duodenal. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo retrospectivo de 77 pacientes com lesão traumática de duodeno, em um hospital universitário, de janeiro de 1990 a dezembro de 2005. As lesões Grau I foram excluídas. RESULTADOS: O mecanismo de trauma foi penetrante em 87% dos casos e fechado em 13%, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa na mortalidade nestes grupos. Atraso maior que seis horas entre o trauma e a cirurgia foi observado em 7,8% dos casos e não influenciou na evolução dos pacientes. O reparo primário da lesão duodenal foi realizado em 84,4% dos pacientes e os procedimentos complexos em 15,6%, com maior índice de mortalidade no último grupo. A média do ATI foi de 34,5 e a do ISS foi de 22,8. As taxas de morbidade e de mortalidade foram, respectivamente, 61% e 27,3%. A maioria dos pacientes que evoluíram a óbito apresentou-se com choque hipovolêmico na admissão, possuia baixo RTS, elevados ATI e ISS, e baixo TRISS quando comparados aos sobreviventes. Choque hipovolêmico, RTS alterado, lesões associadas e probabilidade de sobrevivência menor que 50% foram considerados fatores independentes associados à mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: A morbidade associada ao trauma duodenal neste estudo foi dependente de lesões intra-abdominais associadas, contaminação da cavidade peritoneal e reparos complexos da lesão duodenal. A apresentação fisiológica do paciente, gravidade das lesões (ISS > 25) e TRISS foram importantes fatores preditivos de morbidade e mortalidade em traumatizados com lesão duodenal.

A ten-year retrospective review: does pyloric exclusion improve clinical outcome after penetrating duodenal and combined pancreaticoduodenal injuries?

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine whether the performance of pyloric exclusion during repair of penetrating advanced duodenal injuries prevents postoperative duodenal fistulas and improves clinical outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients from 1995 to 2004 with penetrating duodenal injuries >or=grade II and all combined pancreaticoduodenal injuries was performed. Patients managed either without or with pyloric exclusion were compared on the basis of age, sex, mechanism, injury grade, Injury Severity Score (ISS), hemodynamic stability, the presence of vascular injury or associated injuries, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and mortality.

RESULTS

Fifteen of 29 patients were managed without pyloric exclusion and 14 with exclusion. Both groups were similar with respect to age, sex, mechanism, injury grade, ISS, hemodynamic stability, the presence of vascular injury, associated abdominal injuries, and mortality rates. A trend toward a higher overall complication rate (71% vs. 33%), pancreatic fistula rate (40% vs. 0%), and length of hospital stay (24.3 days vs. 13.5 days) was evident in the pyloric exclusion group. No duodenal fistula was detected in either patient group.

CONCLUSION

In our study population, the performance of pyloric exclusion for penetrating advanced duodenal injury and combined pancreatic and duodenal injuries did not improve clinical outcome. The trend toward a greater overall complication rate, pancreatic fistula rate, and increased length of hospital stay in the pyloric exclusion group suggests that simple repair without pyloric exclusion is both adequate and safe for most penetrating duodenal injuries.

Duodenal injuries: surgical management adapted to circumstances

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the results of an evolving policy of primary repair of duodenal injuries, when considered feasible and safe, complemented by pyloric exclusion if any doubt as to the integrity of the repair existed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective analysis of all patients with surgically identified duodenal injuries treated at a single institution over a 3-year period.

RESULTS

In 30 patients studied, there were four deaths (13%) and an overall complication rate of 47%. There were 68 associated intra-abdominal injuries in 29 patients. Primary duodenorraphy was employed in 18 patients (60%), pyloric exclusion in 11 (37%) and pancreatoduodenectomy in one patient (3%). No failures of duodenal repair were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Adverse results in patients with duodenal trauma are largely a reflection of frequent associated injuries and their consequences. Selective, liberal employment of pyloric exclusion, based on individualized intra-operative assessment, can minimize duodenum-related morbidity.

Role of duodenography in the diagnosis of blunt duodenal injuries

BACKGROUND

The differentiation of duodenal perforation from duodenal hematoma is not always possible with computed tomography (CT). Our diagnostic guideline has included duodenography to investigate CT findings of periduodenal fluid or wall thickening. However, the utility of duodenography as a diagnostic study in blunt abdominal trauma is not defined. We evaluated duodenography as a diagnostic test in patients with suspected blunt duodenal injuries (BDIs).

METHODS

During a 10-year period, 96 patients out of 25,608 trauma admissions had CT findings of possible BDI and underwent duodenography. Demographic and clinical data, diagnostic methods, and management were derived from prospectively collected data. CT and duodenography studies were reviewed and correlated with surgical findings and outcome. All CT scans were obtained with intravenous contrast; oral contrast was used in 32 patients. Duodenography was analyzed using the 2 x 2 method and Bayes theorem.

RESULTS

Indications for duodenography included periduodenal fluid without extravasation (76%), abnormal duodenal wall thickening (16%), and retroperitoneal extraluminal gas (5%). Eighty-six duodenography studies were reported as normal, six were consistent with hematoma, one was indeterminate, and only three revealed extravasation. Two of these three patients with duodenal perforation had retroperitoneal extraluminal air. Only one patient underwent exploration on the basis of duodenography. No blunt duodenal perforation was diagnosed by CT. Overall, duodenography had sensitivity of 54% and specificity of 98%. For BDIs requiring repair, duodenography sensitivity was only 25%; the false-negative rate was also 25%. Retroperitoneal extraluminal air was a useful sign of duodenal perforation, occurring in two of three patients with BDI and only in one without BDI (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Duodenography has a low sensitivity in patients with suspected BDI by CT findings and is of minimal utility in diagnostic evaluation. Retroperitoneal extraluminal air seen on CT is an important sign of BDI requiring surgical repair.

CT of the duodenum: an overlooked segment gets its due

Abdominal computed tomography (CT) is frequently performed to evaluate gastrointestinal pathologic conditions, and the majority of the gastrointestinal radiology literature has concentrated on the colon, stomach, and distal small bowel. In a description of CT findings of duodenal pathologic conditions, congenital, traumatic, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases are presented. Congenital duodenal anomalies such as duplications and diverticula are usually asymptomatic, while annular pancreas and malrotation may manifest in the 1st decade of life. CT plays a vital role in the diagnosis of traumatic duodenal injury. Primary inflammatory processes of the duodenum such as ulcers and secondary involvement from pancreatitis can reliably be diagnosed at CT. Infectious diseases of the duodenum are difficult to diagnose, as the findings are not specific. While small bowel malignancies are relatively rare, lipoma, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma, as well as local extension from adjacent malignancies, can be diagnosed at CT. Careful CT technique and attention to the duodenum can result in reliable prospective diagnoses.

Duodenal injuries

BACKGROUND

The worldwide increase in road traffic accidents and use of firearms has increased the incidence of duodenal trauma.

METHODS

The English language literature on duodenal trauma over the period 1970-1999 was reviewed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Upper gastrointestinal radiological studies and computed tomography may lead to the diagnosis of blunt duodenal trauma. Exploratory laparotomy remains the ultimate diagnostic test if a high suspicion of duodenal injury continues in the face of absent or equivocal radiographic signs. The majority of duodenal injuries may be managed by simple repair. More complicated injuries require more sophisticated techniques. High-risk duodenal injuries are followed by a high incidence of suture line dehiscence and they should be treated by duodenal diversion. Pancreaticoduodenectomy should be considered only if no alternative is available. 'Damage control' should precede definitive reconstruction.