Preperitoneal packing versus angioembolization for the initial management of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Damage Control Interventional Radiology: The bridge between non-operative management and damage control surgery

Traumatic injuries continue to be on the rise globally and with it, the role interventional radiology (IR) has also expanded in managing this patient cohort. The role of damage control surgery (DCS) has been well established in the trauma management pathway, however it is only recently that Damage Control IR (DCIR) has become increasingly utilized in managing the extremis trauma and emergency patient.Visceral artery embolizations (both temporary and permanent), temporary balloon occlusions including Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in iliac arteries and aorta respectively are amongst the treatment options now available for the trauma (and non-traumatic bleeding) patient.We review the literature for the role of DCS and utilization of IR in trauma, outcomes and the paradigm shift towards minimally invasive techniques. The focus of this paper is to highlight the importance of multi-disciplinary working and having established pathways to ensure timely treatment of trauma patients as well as careful patient selection.We show that outcomes are best when both surgical and IR are involved in patient care from the outset and that DCIR should not be defined as Non-Operative Management (NOM) as it currently is categorized as.

Internal iliac artery ligation as a damage control method in hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures: A systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

Internal iliac artery ligation (IIAL) has been used as a damage control procedure to treat hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture for many years. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness and safety of this hemostatic method. Therefore, we performed a systematic literature review to assess the efficacy and safety of IIAL for pelvic fracture hemostasis.

METHODS

Three major databases, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, were searched to screen eligible original studies published in English journals. Two reviewers independently read the titles, abstracts, and full texts of all literature. Articles were included if they reported the use and effects of IIAL.

RESULTS

A total of 171 articles were initially identified, with 22 fully meeting the inclusion criteria. Among the analyzed cases, up to 66.7% of patients had associated abdominal and pelvic organ injuries, with the urethra being the most frequently injured organ, followed by the bowel. The outcomes of IIAL for achieving hemostasis in pelvic fractures were found to be satisfactory, with an effective rate of 80%. Hemorrhagic shock was the leading cause of death, followed by craniocerebral injury. Notably, no reports of ischemic complications involving the pelvic organs due to IIAL were found.

CONCLUSION

IIAL has a good effect in treating hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture without the risk of pelvic organ ischemia. This procedure should be considered a priority for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture patients with abdominal organ injuries.

An assessment of nationwide trends in emergency department (ED) resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) use - A trauma quality improvement program registry analysis

BACKGROUND

Use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) for temporary hemorrhage control in severe non-compressible torso trauma remains controversial, with limited data on patient selection and outcomes. This study aims to analyze the nationwide trends of its use in the emergency department (EDs).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) from 2017 to 2022 was performed, focusing on REBOA placements in EDs.

RESULTS

The analysis included 3398 REBOA procedures. Majority patients were male (76 ​%) with a median age of 40 years (27-58) and injury severity score of 20 (20-41). The most common mechanism was collision (64 ​%), with emergency surgeries most frequently performed for pelvic trauma (14 ​%). Level 1 trauma centers performed 82 ​% of these procedures, with consistent low annual utilization (<200 facilities). Survival rates were 85 ​% at 1-h post-placement, decreasing significantly to 42 ​% by discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

REBOA usage in remains limited but steady, primarily occurring at level 1 trauma center EDs. While short-term survival rates are favorable, they drop significantly by the time of discharge.

Control of Haemorrhage in Orthopaedic Trauma

This paper aims to outline current practices and examine promising new advancements in the modern management of haemorrhage in orthopaedic trauma. Many prehospital and perioperative haemorrhage control strategies and techniques have been available to clinicians for multiple decades, yet our understanding and utilisation of these practices continues to be refined and optimised. There is a particular focus in this article on issues related to resuscitation and coagulation in trauma. We examine the complex mechanisms that lead to coagulopathy in trauma patients as well as the transformative effect tranexamic acid has had in limiting blood loss. We also explore some emerging technologies such as endovascular interventions and clot-stabilising dressings and devices that are likely to have a significant impact going forward.

Angioembolization Has Similar Efficacy and Lower Total Charges than Preperitoneal Pelvic Packing in Patients With Pelvic Ring or Acetabulum Fractures

OBJECTIVES

To compare cost, hospital-related outcomes, and mortality between angioembolization (AE) and preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) in the setting of pelvic ring or acetabulum fractures.

METHODS

.

DESIGN

Retrospective database review.

SETTING

National Inpatient Sample, years 2016-2020.

PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA

Hospitalized adult patients who underwent AE or PPP in the setting of a pelvic ring or acetabulum fracture.

OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS

Mortality and hospital-associated outcomes, including total charges, following AE versus PPP in the setting of pelvic ring or acetabulum fractures.

RESULTS

A total of 3780 patients, 3620 undergoing AE and 160 undergoing PPP, were included. No significant differences in mortality, length of stay, time to procedure, or discharge disposition were found ( P > 0.05); however, PPP was associated with significantly greater charges than AE ( P = 0.04). Patients who underwent AE had a mean total charge of $250,062.88 while those undergoing PPP had a mean total charge of $369,137.16.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite equivalent clinical efficacy in terms of mortality and hospital-related outcomes, PPP was associated with significantly greater charges than AE in the setting of pelvic ring or acetabulum fractures. This data information can inform clinical management of these patients and assist trauma centers in resource allocation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Preperitoneal pelvic balloon tamponade-an effective intervention to control pelvic injury hemorrhage in a swine model

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the effects of the volume of preperitoneal balloon (PPB) on arterial and venous hemorrhage in a swine pelvic fracture model. Methods: Twenty-four swine were randomized into 0-mL, 500-mL, 800-mL, and 1000-mL intra-hematoma PPB groups. They were subjected to open-book pelvic fracture and reproducible injuries in the external iliac artery and vein. The pelvic binder and IH-PPBs with different volumes of fluid were applied to control the active hemorrhage after arterial and venous injuries. The survival time and rate during 60-min observation and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images were the primary endpoints in this study. Secondary endpoints included survival rate within 70 min, peritoneal pressure, hemodynamics, blood loss, infusion fluid, blood pH, and lactate concentration. Results: Our results indicated that the 800-mL and 1000-mL groups had a higher survival rate (0%, 50%, 100% and 100% for 0, 500, 800, and 1000-mL groups respectively; p < 0.0001) and longer survival time (13.83 ± 2.64, 24.50 ± 6.29, 55.00 ± 6.33, and 60.00 ± 0.00 min for 0, 500, 800, and 1,000 groups respectively; p < 0.0005) than the 0-mL or 500-mL groups during the 60 min observation. Contrastingly, survival rate and time were comparable between 800-mL and 1000-mL groups during the 60-min observation. The IH-PPB volume was associated with an increase in the pressure of the balloon and the preperitoneal pressure but had no effect on the bladder pressure. Lastly, the 1000-mL group had a higher mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance than the 800-mL group. Conclusion: IH-PPB volume-dependently controls vascular bleeding after pelvic fracture in the swine model. IH-PPB with a volume of 800 mL and 1000 mL efficiently managed pelvic fracture-associated arterial and venous hemorrhage and enhanced survival time and rate in the swine model without evidences of visceral injury.

Outcomes of Preperitoneal Packing and Angioembolization for Hemorrhage Control in Hemodynamically Unstable Pelvic Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures are often life-threatening injuries; however, the optimal management remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the most appropriate primary management of hemorrhage in adult patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures by comparing outcomes following the initial use of preperitoneal packing (PPP) vs angioembolization (AE).

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and ProQuest databases was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies assessing hemorrhage management in trauma patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures were included. The data extracted from selected articles included patient demographics, study design, and outcomes such as 24-hour PRBC transfusions, in-hospital mortality, and DVT rate.

RESULTS

Eight articles were included in the systematic review. Among the included studies, 2040 patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures were analyzed. Meta-analyses revealed that treatment with PPP was associated with fewer 24-hour PRBC transfusions (mean difference = -1.0, 95% CI: -1.8 to -.2) than AE. However, no significant differences were noted in in-hospital mortality (RR: .91, 95% CI: .80-1.05) and the rate of deep vein thrombosis (RR: .89, 95% CI: .62-1.28) between groups.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that primary management with PPP was associated with fewer 24-hour PRBC transfusions compared to AE. The choice of primary management with PPP or AE did not significantly impact in-hospital mortality. Future studies should address clinical outcomes and the factors that affect them to better understand the impact of different management strategies and direct the creation of practice management guidelines.

Safety and efficacy of pelvic arterial embolization for primary postpartum hemorrhage in hemodynamically stable and hemodynamically unstable patients: Is it "time" for a paradigm change?

BACKGROUND

Pelvic artery embolization (PAE) is an effective and safe technique for treating postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) with hemodynamic stability. However, its use in hemodynamically unstable patients remains controversial.

PURPOSE

To determine the safety and efficacy of pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) according to the hemodynamic state of primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) patients.

METHODS

This cohort study was conducted retrospectively, using data from January 2004 to December 2021, in a resource-rich setting at a tertiary Level 1 trauma academic center. A total of 437 patients were diagnosed with PPH during the study period. Of these 437 patients, 161 with primary PPH who underwent PAE were enrolled in the study. The outcomes assessed included the clinical success rate, mortality, the overall success rate, predictive factors for failed PAE, and time-dependent changes in hemodynamic parameters, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and shock index (SI). Propensity score (PS) matching analysis was performed to assess the influence of specific variables or conditions on the outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 161 patients who underwent PAE for primary PPH (mean age, 32.9 ± 4.3 [SD]), 85 were retrospectively categorized as having hemodynamic stability (mean age, 32.6 ± 4.1 [SD]), while 76 were categorized as having hemodynamic instability (mean age, 33.3 ± 4.4 [SD]). This study showed PAE for primary PPH had a success rate of 91.9 %, with no significant difference in mortality rates between the groups. The clinical success rate was 98.8 % for patients with hemodynamic stability and 84.2 % for those with hemodynamic instability (p < .001). The overall success rate was 98.8 % for hemodynamic stability and 89.5 % for hemodynamic instability (p = .014). After propensity score matching, the clinical success rate was higher in hemodynamically stable patients than in unstable ones (100 % vs. 86.3 %, p = .013). However, there was no significant difference in the overall success rate (100 % vs. 90.2 %, p = .056). Among the PS-matched population, predictive factors for the failed PAE in primary PPH were hemodynamic instability (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 21.22, 95 % CI 1.27-355.76; p = .034) and emergency Cesarean delivery with accompanying hemorrhag (aOR 54.00, 95 % CI 11.93-244.56; p = .008). In three groups within a PS-matched population - hemodynamically stable, unstable with successful outcomes, and unstable with unsuccessful outcomes, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis for time-dependent changes in hemodynamic parameters revealed a statistically significant difference in SBP, HR, and SI at various time points.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic arterial embolization of primary postpartum bleeding in hemodynamic instability has been identified as an alternative, safe, and effective life-saving procedure for multidisciplinary treatment in resource-rich environments even after the baseline characteristics are balanced by the PS matching, suggesting it is a primary care option.

Open Fixation After Preperitoneal Pelvic Packing Is Associated With a High Surgical Site Infection Rate

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of pelvic space surgical site infection (SSI) after preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) for persistent hemodynamic instability.

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

SETTING

Urban Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

83 patients who received PPP and 55 patients who had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the anterior pelvic ring without PPP.

INTERVENTION

Operative fixation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Pelvic space SSI.

RESULTS

The SSI rate in the PPP group was 31.3% (26/83) compared with 10.9% (6/55) in the control group (proportional difference 20.4%, confidence interval (CI) 6.4-32.5, P = 0.007). Patients in the PPP group (n = 43) were 1:1 propensity score matched with patients in the control group to account for differences in Injury Severity Score and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. In this matched cohort, the rate of pelvic space SSI remained higher in the PPP group compared with that in the control group (30.2% vs. 9.3%; proportional difference 20.9%, CI, 3.7-36.3; P = 0.02). On multivariate analysis of the PPP group, anterior ORIF (odds ratio 6.56, CI, 2.00-21.47, P = 0.002) was found to be independently associated with SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

PPP is an independent risk factor of space SSI. The likelihood of SSI after PPP is increased with anterior ORIF. The morbidity of SSI after PPP must be weighed against the risk of exsanguination.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Extraperitoneal pelvic packing versus angiographic embolization for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures: a retrospective single-center analysis

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze the clinical data and treatment procedures of angiographic embolization (AE) and extraperitoneal pelvic packing (EPP) for traumatic pelvic fractures in our center for the purpose of providing recommendations on the selection of treatment protocols.

METHODS

We analyzed 110 patients with traumatic pelvic fractures treated with AE and EPP from January 2015 to May 2023. The patients were divided into the AE group (69 men, 41 women) and the EPP group (20 men, 12 women). The primary outcomes were the mortality rate and incidence of complications.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was slightly lower in the AE than EPP group (7.3% vs. 9.4%). The overall blood transfusion volume was lower and the length of hospital stay was shorter in the AE than EPP group (7.79 ± 12.04 vs. 9.14 ± 14.21 units and 20.48 ± 11.32 vs. 22.14 ± 10.47 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Both AE and EPP have good treatment effects. AE is preferred for patients in stable condition with severe hemorrhage. This study suggests that EPP should be the primary treatment and that AE should serve as a complementary treatment for critical patients.

Standard practice in the treatment of unstable pelvic ring injuries: an international survey

PURPOSE

Unstable pelvic ring injury can result in a life-threatening situation and lead to long-term disability. Established classification systems, recently emerged resuscitative and treatment options as well as techniques, have facilitated expansion in how these injuries can be studied and managed. This study aims to access practice variation in the management of unstable pelvic injuries around the globe.

METHODS

A standardized questionnaire including 15 questions was developed by experts from the SICOT trauma committee (Société Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie) and then distributed among members. The survey was conducted online for one month in 2022 with 358 trauma surgeons, encompassing responses from 80 countries (experience > 5 years = 79%). Topics in the questionnaire included surgical and interventional treatment strategies, classification, staging/reconstruction procedures, and preoperative imaging. Answer options for treatment strategies were ranked on a 4-point rating scale with following options: (1) always (A), (2) often (O), (3) seldom (S), and (4) never (N). Stratification was performed according to geographic regions (continents).

RESULTS

The Young and Burgess (52%) and Tile/AO (47%) classification systems were commonly used. Preoperative three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) scans were utilized by 93% of respondents. Rescue screws (RS), C-clamps (CC), angioembolization (AE), and pelvic packing (PP) were observed to be rarely implemented in practice (A + O: RS = 24%, CC = 25%, AE = 21%, PP = 25%). External fixation was the most common method temporized fixation (A + O = 71%). Percutaneous screw fixation was the most common definitive fixation technique (A + O = 57%). In contrast, 3D navigation techniques were rarely utilized (A + O = 15%). Most standards in treatment of unstable pelvic ring injuries are implemented equally across the globe. The greatest differences were observed in augmented techniques to bleeding control, such as angioembolization and REBOA, more commonly used in Europe (both), North America (both), and Oceania (only angioembolization).

CONCLUSION

The Young-Burgess and Tile/AO classifications are used approximately equally across the world. Initial non-invasive stabilization with binders and temporary external fixation are commonly utilized, while specific haemorrhage control techniques such as pelvic packing and angioembolization are rarely and REBOA almost never considered. The substantial regional differences' impact on outcomes needs to be further explored.

Pelvic ring injuries: recent advances in diagnosis and treatment

Pelvic ring injuries typically occur from high-energy trauma and are often associated with multisystem injuries. Prompt diagnosis of pelvic ring injuries is essential, and timely initial management is critical in the early resuscitation of polytraumatized patients. Definitive management of pelvic ring injuries continues to be a topic of much debate in the trauma community. Recent studies continue to inform our understanding of static and dynamic pelvic ring stability. Furthermore, literature investigating radiographic and clinical outcomes after nonoperative and operative management will help guide trauma surgeons select the most appropriate treatment of patients with these injuries.

Preperitoneal Packing for Pelvic Fracture Bleeding Control: A Human Cadaver Study

BACKGROUND

Preperitoneal packing (PPP) has been widely accepted as a damage control technique for severe bleeding from pelvic fractures. It is supposed to work by direct compression and tamponade of the bleeding source in the pelvis and it has been suggested to be effective for both venous and arterial bleeding. However, there is little evidence to support its efficacy or the ability to place the laparotomy pads in proximity of the desired location.

METHODS

Bilateral PPP was performed on 10 fresh human cadavers, followed by laparotomy and measurements of resultant pad placement in relation to critical anatomic structures.

RESULTS

A total of 20 assessments of laparotomy pad placement were performed. Following completion of PPP, a midline laparotomy was performed to determine proximity and closest distance of the laparotomy pads to sites of potential bleeding in pelvic fractures. In almost all cases, the pad placement was not contiguous with the key anatomic structure with mean placement 3.9 + 1.1 cm from the sacroiliac joint, 3.5 + 1.6 cm from the common iliac artery, 1.1 + 1.2 cm from the external iliac artery, 2.8 + 0.8 cm from the internal iliac artery, and 2.3 + 1.2 cm from the iliac bifurcation. Surgeon experience resulted in improved placement relative to the sacroiliac joint, however the pads still did not directly contact the target point.

CONCLUSION

This human cadaver study has shown that PPP, even in experienced hands, may not be placed in significant proximity of anatomical structures of interest. The role of PPP needs to be revisited with better clinical or human cadaver studies.

Angioembolization versus preperitoneal packing for severe pelvic fractures: A propensity matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether AE or PPP would be associated with survival among hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture remains controversial.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database from 2016 to 2018. Patients >16 years with a severe pelvic fracture (abbreviated injury scale 3-5) who underwent AE or PPP were recruited. The primary outcome was in-hospital survival. Data were evaluated using a propensity-score matching (PSM) analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1123 patients met our inclusion criteria. Of these, AE and PPP were performed in 964 (85.8%) and 159 (14.2%) patients, respectively. Concomitant hemorrhage control laparotomy was performed in 25.6% and 82.4% of AE and PPP patients, respectively. In 220 PSM patients, the mortality rate between AE and PPP groups was not significantly different (30.9% vs. 38.2%, P = 0.321).

CONCLUSIONS

Though patients' characteristics differed between AE and PPP groups, comparable propensity-matched patients with severe pelvic fractures showed no significant difference in in-hospital survival. PPP was more likely to be selected for severe pelvic fractures necessitating laparotomy.