Abdominal injuries in a low trauma volume hospital--a descriptive study from northern Sweden

Outcomes and Its Associated Factors among Patients with Abdominal Trauma Requiring Laparotomy at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, South Central Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Trauma is a serious public health problem, and abdominal injuries are among the leading causes of hospitalization after trauma. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the outcome of abdominal trauma and its predictors in patients who underwent laparotomy at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital (ARTH), South Central Ethiopia. We conducted a retrospective institutional based cross-sectional study of patients who underwent laparotomy for abdominal trauma at ARTH from October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2020. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine associations between independent factors and mortality due to abdominal trauma, and a P value of <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Out of 139 patients, 110 (79.1%) were males and 88 (63.3%) aged <30 years old, with a mean age of 29 ± 15.73 years. The most common mechanism of injury was penetrating trauma, which accounted for 94 (67.6%) patients. The mortality rate was 21 (15.1%). Factors such as blunt mechanism of injury (95% CI: AOR: 3.36, 1.24-9.09), SBP < 90 mmHg at presentation (95% CI: AOR = 9.37, 3.28-26.80), time >6 hours from trauma to admission (95% CI: AOR: 5.44, 1.78-16.63), unstable intraoperative patient condition (95% CI: AOR = 8.82, 3.05-25.52), and patients who need blood transfusion (95% CI: AOR: 6.63, 1.92-22.91) were significantly associated with mortality. The mortality rate of abdominal trauma patients who underwent laparotomy was high. Therefore, healthcare providers should provide priority for traumatic patients as prolonged waiting time to get healthcare results in poor outcomes for the patients.

The application of deep learning in abdominal trauma diagnosis by CT imaging

BACKGROUND

Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan is a crucial imaging modality for creating cross-sectional images of the abdominal area, particularly in cases of abdominal trauma, which is commonly encountered in traumatic injuries. However, interpreting CT images is a challenge, especially in emergency. Therefore, we developed a novel deep learning algorithm-based detection method for the initial screening of abdominal internal organ injuries.

METHODS

We utilized a dataset provided by the Kaggle competition, comprising 3,147 patients, of which 855 were diagnosed with abdominal trauma, accounting for 27.16% of the total patient population. Following image data pre-processing, we employed a 2D semantic segmentation model to segment the images and constructed a 2.5D classification model to assess the probability of injury for each organ. Subsequently, we evaluated the algorithm's performance using 5k-fold cross-validation.

RESULTS

With particularly noteworthy performance in detecting renal injury on abdominal CT scans, we achieved an acceptable accuracy of 0.932 (with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.888, negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.943, sensitivity of 0.887, and specificity of 0.944). Furthermore, the accuracy for liver injury detection was 0.873 (with PPV of 0.789, NPV of 0.895, sensitivity of 0.789, and specificity of 0.895), while for spleen injury, it was 0.771 (with PPV of 0.630, NPV of 0.814, sensitivity of 0.626, and specificity of 0.816).

CONCLUSIONS

The deep learning model demonstrated the capability to identify multiple organ injuries simultaneously on CT scans and holds potential for application in preliminary screening and adjunctive diagnosis of trauma cases beyond abdominal injuries.

The Predictive Role of Systemic Inflammatory Markers in the Development of Acute Kidney Failure and Mortality in Patients with Abdominal Trauma

Background: Abdominal trauma is defined as a variety of injuries to the abdominal wall, solid or hollow intra-abdominal organs, and various intra-abdominal vessels. Recently, there has been a significant amount of interest in the establishment of a reliable biomarker that can predict the outcome in patients with an abdominal injury. The purpose of this study is to confirm the predictive role of inflammatory biomarkers and underlying risk factors and the risk of acute kidney insufficiency (AKI) developing and mortality in abdominal trauma patients; Materials and methods: The current study was intended as an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study and included all patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of abdominal trauma confirmed through a CT scan admitted to the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Targu-Mureș, Romania between January 2017, and December 2021; Results: Non-survivor patients had a greater age (p = 0.02), as well as a higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) (p = 0.007), history of myocardial infarction (MI) (p = 0.002), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (p = 0.01), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (p = 0.01), and all risk factors (p = 0.0004 and p < 0.0001). In terms of injured organs, we have in the second group a higher incidence of kidney injury (p = 0.003) and hemoperitoneum (p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis showed a high baseline value for all inflammatory biomarkers that are independent predictors of adverse outcomes for all recruited patients. Furthermore, for all hospitalized patients, the history of MI (p = 0.03; p = 0.001; and p = 0.003), PAD (p = 0.01; p = 0.01; and p = 0.002), obesity (for all p < 0.0001), CKD (p < 0.001; p = 0.01; and p = 0.001), and kidney injury (p = 0.02; p = 0.004; and p = 0.01) were independent predictors of all outcomes. Moreover, IHD (p = 0.008 and p = 0.02), tobacco (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.02), and hemoperitoneum (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01) were predictors of mortality and composite endpoint, but not for AKI risk, as well as atrial fibrillation [AF] (p = 0.04) as predictors of the composite endpoint Conclusions: Higher monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelets to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (NLR), aggregate inflammatory systemic index (AISI), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) levels at admission, according to our data, highly predict AKI risk and death.

Epidemiology of abdominal trauma: An age- and sex-adjusted incidence analysis with mortality patterns

PURPOSE

Abdominal injuries may occur in up to one-third of all patients who suffer severe trauma, but little is known about epidemiological trends and characteristics in a Northern European setting. This study investigated injury demographics, and epidemiological trends in trauma patients admitted with abdominal injuries.

METHODS

This was an observational cohort study of all consecutive patients admitted to Stavanger University Hospital (SUH) with a documented abdominal injury between January 2004 and December 2018. Injury demographics, age- and sex-adjusted incidence, and mortality patterns are analyzed across three time periods.

RESULTS

Among 7202 admitted trauma patients, 449 (6.2%) suffered abdominal injuries. The median age was 31 years, and the age increased significantly over time (from a median of 25 years to a median of 38.5 years; p = 0.020). Patients with ASA 2 and 3 increased significantly over time. Men accounted for 70% (316/449). The injury mechanism was blunt in 91% (409/449). Transport-related accidents were the most frequent cause of injury in 57% (257/449). The median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 21, and the median New Injury Severity Score (NISS) was 25. The annual adjusted incidence of all abdominal injuries was 7.2 per 100,000. Solid-organ injuries showed an annual adjusted incidence of 5.7 per 100,000. The most frequent organ injury was liver injury, found in 38% (169/449). Multiple abdominal injuries were recorded in 44% (197/449) and polytrauma in 51% (231/449) of the patients. Overall 30-day mortality was 12.5% (56/449) and 90-day mortality 13.6% (61/449).

CONCLUSION

The overall adjusted incidence rate of abdominal injuries remained stable. Age at presentation increased by over a decade, more often presenting with pre-existing comorbidities (ASA 2 and 3). The proportion of polytrauma patients was significantly reduced over time. Mortality rates were declining, although not statistically significant.

Treatment outcomes of penetrating abdominal injury requiring laparotomy at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia

Background

Penetrating abdominal injury (PAI) is a public health problem and accounts for significant mortality and disability in both developing and developed countries. It often causes damage to internal organs, resulting in shock and infection. In this study, we assessed the outcomes of PAI and factors associated with post-surgical outcomes including surgical site infection (SSI) and in-hospital death.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 January to January 30, 2020, using a standard checklist to review the clinical charts of patients who presented to Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital (HFSUH) with PAI and underwent laparotomy between January 2015 and September 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of patients, and odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported for factors included in binary logistic regression. The statistical significance was declared at a P-value <0.05.

Results

A total of 352 charts of patients with PAI were reviewed. A majority of them (84.9%) were males and the mean age was 26.5 years. The anterior abdomen was the most common site of injury, accounting for 285 patients (81%), 329 patients (93.5%) suffered organ injury, 204 (62%) had a single organ injury, and 125 (38%) had more than one organ injury. The leading injured organs were small intestines 194 (55.1%), followed by the colon 88 (25%) and liver 40 (11.4%). The magnitude of SSI and hospital death was 84 (23.9%) and 12 (3.4%), respectively. Patients above 45 years of age (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2, 9.2), with fluid collection (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.9), colostomy (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.9, 7.8), body temperature >37.5 °C (AOR = 3.8,95% CI:1.9,7.6), and Hgb < 10 mg/dl (AOR = 7.4, 95% CI: 3.4,16.1) had a higher likelihood of SSI. Those patients admitted to the intensive care unit (AOR = 21.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 412.3) and who underwent damage control surgery (AOR = 9.6, 95% CI: 1.3, 73.3) had a higher likelihood of mortality.

Conclusions

SSI and death among patients with PAI were high. Age, fluid collection, colostomy, body temperature, and hemoglobin level were statistically associated with SSI, and intensive care unit and damage control surgery were statistically associated with death. Therefore, health professionals working in surgical wards should consider these factors to alleviate SSI and prevent death. Broadly speaking, the guidelines of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) should consider these factors in their recommendations.

A characterization of trauma laparotomies in a scandinavian setting: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Despite treatment advances, trauma laparotomy continuous to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Most of the literature originates from high volume centers, whereas patient characteristics and outcomes in a Scandinavian setting is not well described. The objective of this study is to characterize treatments and outcomes of patients undergoing trauma laparotomy in a Scandinavian setting and compare this to international reports.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in the Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet (CUHR). All patients undergoing a trauma laparotomy within the first 24 h of admission between January 1st 2019 and December 31st 2020 were included. Collected data included demographics, trauma mechanism, injuries, procedures performed and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 1713 trauma patients were admitted to CUHR of which 98 patients underwent trauma laparotomy. Penetrating trauma accounted for 16.6% of the trauma population and 66.3% of trauma laparotomies. Median time to surgery after arrival at the trauma center (TC) was 12 min for surgeries performed in the Emergency Department (ED) and 103 min for surgeries performed in the operating room (OR). A total of 14.3% of the procedures were performed in the ED. A damage control strategy (DCS) approach was chosen in 18.4% of cases. Our rate of negative laparotomies was 17.3%. We found a mortality rate of 8.2%. The total median length of stay was 6.1 days.

CONCLUSION

The overall rates, findings, and outcomes of trauma laparotomies in this Danish cohort is comparable to reports from similar Western European trauma systems.

Use of near-infrared imaging using indocyanine green associates with the lower incidence of postoperative complications for intestinal and mesenteric injury

Anastomotic leakage after intestinal resection is one of the most serious complications of surgical intervention for hollow viscus injury. Adequate vascular perfusion of the anastomotic site is essential to prevent anastomotic leakage. Near-infrared imaging using indocyanine green (NIR-ICG) is useful for the objective assessment of vascular perfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of NIR-ICG with intestinal and mesenteric injuries. This was a retrospective, single-center study of patients undergoing surgery for intestinal and mesenteric injuries. NIR-ICG was used to evaluate vascular perfusion. Postoperative complications were assessed between NIR-ICG and non-NIR-ICG groups.The use of NIR-ICG was associated with a lower incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complications with a statistical tendency (p = 0.076). When limited to patients that underwent intestinal resection, the use of NIR-ICG was significantly associated with a lower risk of perioperative complications (p = 0.009). The use of NIR-ICG tended to associate with the lower incidence of postoperative complications after intestinal and mesenteric trauma surgery. NIR-ICG was associated with a significantly lower risk of complications in patients undergoing intestinal resection. The NIR-ICG procedure is simple and quick and is expected to be useful for intestinal and mesenteric trauma.

Blunt trauma to abdominal solid organs: an experience of non-operative management at a rural hospital in Zambia

Introduction

although non-operative management of patients with blunt trauma to abdominal solid organs has become standard care, the role of peripheral hospitals remains poorly defined. This study reviews treatment and outcomes in patients with liver and spleen injuries at a regional hospital over a 10-year period.

Methods

a retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed and supplemented by case notes retrieval. All patients with solid visceral injuries managed between 2009 and 2019 at a rural surgical hospital in Zambia were included. On admission, the patients were offered either urgent laparotomy or non-operative management (NOM) depending on their haemodynamic status. Continuous variables were expressed as median and mean ± standard deviation; categorical data were expressed as percentages. Statistical evaluation of data was performed by two-sample t-test. Statistical significance was assigned at p<0.05.

Results

fourty-three patients were included. The majority of victims sustained isolated spleen or liver injury. Twenty-three patients were urgently operated due to haemodynamic instability. Splenectomy performed in 17 patients, liver laceration sutured in 5 patients. One patient underwent concomitant splenectomy and liver repair. Conservative management was attempted in 20 (47%) patients and was successful in 18 (42%). In two patients NOM failed and splenectomy was performed urgently. Two patients died postoperatively. There were no deaths in NOM group.

Conclusion

NOM of patients with injury to solid abdominal organs could be safely initiated in rural hospitals provided there is uninterrupted monitoring of patients' condition, well-trained staff and unrestricted access to the operating theatre (OT).

Outcome of trauma-related emergency laparotomies, in an era of far-reaching specialization

Background

Far reaching sub-specialization tends to become obligatory for surgeons in most Western countries. It is suggested that exposure of surgeons to emergency laparotomy after trauma is ever declining. Therefore, it can be questioned whether a generalist (i.e., general surgery) with additional differentiation such as the trauma surgeon, will still be needed and can remain sufficiently qualified. This study aimed to evaluate volume trends and outcomes of emergency laparotomies in trauma.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in the University Medical Center Utrecht between January 2008 and January 2018, in which all patients who underwent an emergency laparotomy for trauma were included. Collected data were demographics, trauma-related characteristics, and number of (planned and unplanned) laparotomies with their indications. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality; secondary outcomes were complications, length of ICU, and overall hospital stay.

Results

A total of 268 index emergency laparotomies were evaluated. Total number of patients who presented with an abdominal AIS > 2 remained constant over the past 10 years, as did the percentage of patients that required an emergency laparotomy. Most were polytrauma patients with a mean ISS = 27.5 (SD ± 14.9). The most frequent indication for laparotomy was hemodynamic instability or ongoing blood loss (44%).Unplanned relaparotomies occurred in 21% of the patients, mostly due to relapse of bleeding. Other complications were anastomotic leakage (8.6%), intestinal leakage after bowel contusion (4%). In addition, an incisional hernia was found in 6.3%. Mortality rate was 16.7%, mostly due to neurologic origin (42%). Average length of stay was 16 days with an ICU stay of 5 days.

Conclusion

This study shows a persistent number of patients requiring emergency laparotomy after (blunt) abdominal trauma over 10 years in a European trauma center. When performed by a dedicated trauma team, this results in acceptable mortality and complication rates in this severely injured population.

Penetrating stab injuries in Iceland: a whole-nation study on incidence and outcome in patients hospitalized for penetrating stab injuries

Background

Studies on penetrating injuries in Europe are scarce and often represent data from single institutions. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and demographic features of patients hospitalized for stab injury in a whole nation.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective nationwide population-based study on all consecutive adult patients who were hospitalized in Iceland following knife and machete-related injuries, 2000–2015. Age-standardized incidence was calculated and Injury Severity Score (ISS) was used to assess severity of injury.

Results

Altogether, 73 patients (mean age 32.6 years, 90.4% males) were admitted during the 16-year study period, giving an age-standardized incidence of 1.54/100,000 inhabitants. The incidence did not vary significantly during the study period (P = 0.826). Most cases were assaults (95.9%) occurring at home or in public streets, and involved the chest (n = 32), abdomen (n = 26), upper limbs (n = 26), head/neck/face (n = 21), lower limbs (n = 10), and the back (n = 6). Median ISS was 9, with 14 patients (19.2%) having severe injuries (defined as ISS > 15). The median length of hospital stay was 2 days (range 0–53). Forty-seven patients (64.4%) underwent surgery and 26 of them (35.6%) required admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), all with ISS scores above 15. Three patients did not survive for 30 days (4.1%); all of them had severe injuries (ISS 17, 25, and 75).

Conclusion

Stab injuries that require hospital admission are rare in Iceland, and their incidence has remained relatively stable. One in every five patients sustained severe injuries, two-thirds of whom were treated with surgical interventions, and roughly one-third required ICU care. Although some patients were severely injured with high injury scores, their 30-day mortality was still low in comparison to other studies.

Characteristics of Hollow Viscus Injury following Blunt Abdominal Trauma; a Single Centre Experience from Eastern India

OBJECTIVE

To determine the presentation, anatomical distribution, diagnostic method, management and outcome of hollow viscus injury (HVI) from blunt abdominal trauma.

METHODS

This  was  a  retrospective  cross-ecnal  study  including  patients  with  blunt  abdominal  trauma leading to HVI admitted at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, over a period of 4.5 years (January 2009 to July 2014). Data were retrieved from patients' medical records. Total 173 patients with HVI due to blunt abdominal trauma, who underwent laparotomy at our institute, were reviewed. Data regarding clinical presentation, anatomical distribution, management and outcome were recorded and analysed.

RESULTS

Out of 173 patients 87.1% were men and 12.9% were women. Mean age of patients was 29±14.02 years. The most common site of injury was ileum (46.2%) followed by jejunum (44.5%). There were 5 gastric perforations (2.9%), 2 (1.15%) duodenal, 2 (1.15%) colonic, 2 (1.15%) sigmoidal and 2 (1.15%) rectal injuries. One caecal injury was also recorded. Road traffic accident was the most common mechanism of injury (57.2%) followed by fall from height (36.4%) and assault (6.4%). Free gas under diaphragm on erect abdomen radiography was seen in 85.5% of cases while preoperative CT Abdomen was done in 11.6% of cases. Treatment consisted of simple closure of the perforation (66.5%), resection and anastomosis (11.0%) and stoma (22.5%). Major complication was anastamotic leak which was recorded in 6.4% cases and 15.6% patients developed burst abdomen. Average hospital stay was 13±6 days. Overall mortality rate was 12.7%.

CONCLUSION

Although early recognition of intestinal injuries from blunt abdominal trauma may be difficult in all cases, it is very important due to its tremendous life threatening potential. Age of the patient, anatomical site and time of presentation are probably main prognostic factors.