Selective non-operative management of abdominal stab wounds is a safe and cost effective strategy: A South African experience

A clinical observation algorithm for anterior abdominal stab wound is safe in an Australian setting

INTRODUCTION

We previously published the outcomes associated with the use of diagnostic laparoscopy to determine peritoneal breach for AASW patients without an immediate indication for laparotomy. Although this pathway was 100% sensitive there was a 54% non-therapeutic laparotomy rate. Another option that has been extensively reported is the clinical observation algorithm (COA) however, majority of the data originate from high-volume centres. We hypothesized that a COA would also be a safe option in an Australian setting, and reduce the rate of non-therapeutic operative intervention in managing AASW.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study examining patients with AASW admitted to a level 1 trauma centre in Sydney, Australia, between June 2021 and August 2023. Patient, injury, management and outcome data were collected from electronic medical records and the hospital trauma registry. Data were then analysed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the COA, complication rates and median hospital length-of-stay (LOS).

RESULTS

A total of 48 patients presented with AASW. Of these patients, 11 (22.9%) proceeded to immediate laparotomy. Seven patients had a contraindication to COA and underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. Thirty patients were managed with the COA, with three (10%) patients subsequently requiring a laparotomy. Only one patient (3.3%) underwent a non-therapeutic laparotomy. There were no missed injuries. The COA sensitivity was 100%, specificity 92.7%, PPV 50% and NPV 100%. Patients managed with COA had no complications. Overall median hospital LOS was 1 day (1.0-2.3).

CONCLUSION

A COA is a safe approach for evaluating patients with AASW in an Australian setting with adequate resources. It reduces the rate of non-therapeutic operative intervention and has acceptable outcomes compared with a diagnostic laparoscopy pathway.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of early detection and bundled treatment of postpartum hemorrhage alongside the E-MOTIVE trial

Timely detection and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) are crucial to prevent complications or death. A calibrated blood-collection drape can help provide objective, accurate and early diagnosis of PPH, and a treatment bundle can address delays or inconsistencies in the use of effective interventions. Here we conducted an economic evaluation alongside the E-MOTIVE trial, an international, parallel cluster-randomized trial with a baseline control phase involving 210,132 women undergoing vaginal delivery across 78 secondary-level hospitals in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the E-MOTIVE intervention, which included a calibrated blood-collection drape for early detection of PPH and a bundle of first-response treatments (uterine massage, oxytocic drugs, tranexamic acid, intravenous fluids, examination and escalation), compared with usual care. We used multilevel modeling to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios from the perspective of the public healthcare system for outcomes of cost per severe PPH (blood loss ≥1,000 ml) avoided and cost per disability-adjusted life-year averted. Our findings suggest that the use of a calibrated blood-collection drape for early detection of PPH and bundled first-response treatment is cost-effective and should be perceived by decision-makers as a worthwhile use of healthcare budgets. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04341662 .

Epidemiological profile of patients undergoing non-operative management of solid organ injury and associated factors with mortality

INTRODUCTION

Trauma primarily affects the economically active population, causing social and economic impact. The non-operative management of solid organ injuries aims to preserve organ function, reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical interventions. The aim of study was to demonstrate the epidemiological profile of patients undergoing non-operative management in a trauma hospital and to evaluate factors associated with mortality in these patients.

METHODS

This is a historical cohort of patients undergoing non-operative management for solid organ injuries at a Brazilian trauma reference hospital between 2018 and 2022. Included were patients with blunt and penetrating trauma, analyzing epidemiological characteristics, blood transfusion, and association with the need for surgical intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 365 patients were included in the study. Three hundred and forty-three patients were discharged (93.97%), and the success rate of non-operative treatment was 84.6%. There was an association between mortality and the following associated injuries: hemothorax, sternal fracture, aortic dissection, and traumatic brain injury. There was an association between the need for transfusion and surgical intervention. Thirty-eight patients required some form of surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

The profile of patients undergoing non-operative treatment consists of young men who are victims of blunt trauma. Non-operative treatment is safe and has a high success rate.

Accuracy of CT Scan for Detecting Hollow Viscus Injury in Penetrating Abdominal Trauma

BACKGROUND

In penetrating abdominal trauma, computed tomography (CT) is routinely performed to evaluate stable patients for selective non-operative management (SNOM). Triple-contrast CT (oral, rectal, and IV) has traditionally been used. However, due to its disadvantages, most trauma centres, including our unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), now perform single-contrast intravenous-only CT scans. We performed a retrospective review to determine the accuracy of single-contrast CT scans for detecting hollow viscus injuries (HVI) in penetrating abdominal trauma.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients who presented to CMJAH with penetrating abdominal injuries was performed between 01 August 2017 and 31 August 2019 and were evaluated for SNOM with CT (IV contrast only). Patient records were reviewed to determine pertinent demographics, mechanism, and site of injury, as well as metabolic parameters. CT findings were compared to findings at laparotomy.

RESULTS

A total of 437 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority were male (92.7%), with a mean age of 31.5 yrs (SD 8.7). Injuries were predominantly due to stab wounds (72,5%, n = 317). CT scan was negative in 342 patients, of which 314 completed SNOM successfully. A total of 93 patients proceeded to laparotomy. CT had a sensitivity of 95.1%, specificity of 44.2%, positive predictive value of 57.4%, and negative predictive value of 92%.

CONCLUSION

Single-contrast CT in penetrating abdominal trauma is a valuable investigative tool in identifying patients for SNOM. Features of HVI on single-contrast CT are not very specific and should be interpreted along with other clinical factors including wound trajectory and serial abdominal examinations. Other associated injuries such as diaphragmatic and solid organ injuries should be considered in the final management plan.

Relationship between the anatomical location and the selective non-operative management of penetrating stab wounds in the abdomen

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between the anatomical location of penetrating abdominal stab wounds (SW) and the rate of selective non-operative management (SNOM) based on that location is scarcely reflected in the specialized literature. Our main objective has been to assess this rate based on the anatomical location, and our results.

METHODS

Retrospective review of a prospective registry of abdominal trauma from April 1993 to June 2020. The two study groups considered were the Operative Management (OM), and the SNOM, including in this one the use of diagnostic laparoscopy. Penetrating SWs in the abdomen were classified according to anatomical location.

RESULTS

We identified 259 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. SNOM was applied in 31% of the patients with a success rate of 96%, and it was more frequent in the lumbar, flank, and thoraco-abdominal regions; within the anterior abdomen it was more applicable in the RH, followed by the LH and epigastrium, respectively. An unnecessary laparotomy was done in 21% of patients, with the highest number in the epigastrium. Taking into account the unnecessary laparotomies and the rates of successful SNOM, 70.5% of lumbar, 66.5% of epigastric, 62% of flank, and 59% of RH penetrating SW could have been managed without a laparotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

SNOM of penetrating SW in the abdomen has been safer and more applicable in those located in the lumbar, flank, epigastric, and RH regions.

Preliminary model assessing the cost-effectiveness of preoperative chlorhexidine mouthwash at reducing postoperative pneumonia among abdominal surgery patients in South Africa

Background

Pneumonia is a common and severe complication of abdominal surgery, it is associated with increased length of hospital stay, healthcare costs, and mortality. Further, pulmonary complication rates have risen during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This study explored the potential cost-effectiveness of administering preoperative chlorhexidine mouthwash versus no-mouthwash at reducing postoperative pneumonia among abdominal surgery patients.

Methods

A decision analytic model taking the South African healthcare provider perspective was constructed to compare costs and benefits of mouthwash versus no-mouthwash-surgery at 30 days after abdominal surgery. We assumed two scenarios: (i) the absence of COVID-19; (ii) the presence of COVID-19. Input parameters were collected from published literature including prospective cohort studies and expert opinion. Effectiveness was measured as proportion of pneumonia patients. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of parameter uncertainties. The results of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis were presented using cost-effectiveness planes and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves.

Results

In the absence of COVID-19, mouthwash had lower average costs compared to no-mouthwash-surgery, $3,675 (R 63,770) versus $3,958 (R 68,683), and lower proportion of pneumonia patients, 0.029 versus 0.042 (dominance of mouthwash intervention). In the presence of COVID-19, the increase in pneumonia rate due to COVID-19, made mouthwash more dominant as it was more beneficial to reduce pneumonia patients through administering mouthwash. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curves shown that mouthwash surgery is likely to be cost-effective between $0 (R0) and $15,000 (R 260,220) willingness to pay thresholds.

Conclusions

Both the absence and presence of SARS-CoV-2, mouthwash is likely to be cost saving intervention for reducing pneumonia after abdominal surgery. However, the available evidence for the effectiveness of mouthwash was extrapolated from cardiac surgery; there is now an urgent need for a robust clinical trial on the intervention on non-cardiac surgery.

Relationship between the anatomical location and the selective non-operative management of penetrating stab wounds in the abdomen

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between the anatomical location of penetrating abdominal stab wounds (SW) and the rate of selective non-operative management (SNOM) based on that location is scarcely reflected in the specialized literature. Our main objective has been to assess this rate based on the anatomical location, and our results.

METHODS

Retrospective review of a prospective registry of abdominal trauma from April 1993 to June 2020. The two study groups considered were the Operative Management (OM), and the SNOM, including in this one the use of diagnostic laparoscopy. Penetrating SWs in the abdomen were classified according to anatomical location.

RESULTS

We identified 259 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. SNOM was applied in 31% of the patients with a success rate of 96%, and it was more frequent in the lumbar, flank, and thoraco-abdominal regions; within the anterior abdomen it was more applicable in the RUQ, followed by the LUQ and epigastrium, respectively. An unnecessary laparotomy was done in 21% of patients, with the highest number in the epigastrium. Taking into account the unnecessary laparotomies and the rates of successful SNOM, 70,5% of lumbar, el 66,5% of epigastric, 62% of flank, and 59% of RUQ penetrating SWs could have been managed without a laparotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

SNOM of penetrating SWs in the abdomen has been safer and more applicable in those located in the lumbar, flank, epigastric, and RUQ regions.

Should the management approach to the anterior abdominal stab wound be different in patients with self-inflicted abdominal injury?

BACKGROUND

Self-inflicted injury is a leading cause of death worldwide. It is hypothesized that due to instincts for self-preservation, the severity of abdominal injury would be decreased following suicidal self-stabbing in comparison to stab wounds from assault, and therefore a more conservative management might be considered.

METHODS

All patients with isolated abdominal stab wound (SW) admitted to 19 Trauma Centers in Israel between the years 1997 and 2018 were included in the study. Patients with self-inflicted abdominal SW (Group I) were compared to victims with abdominal SW following assault (Group II).

RESULTS

Group I included 9.4% (314/3324) of patients eligible for this study. Compared to Group II, Group I patients were older (median: 39 years, IQR 28,52 vs. 24 years, IQR 19,33; p<0.001), had more females (28.7% vs 4.9%, p <0.001), had longer length of hospitalization (median: 3 days vs. 2 days; p<0.001), underwent surgery more frequently (55.4% vs. 37.4%; p<0.001), and had higher mortality (2.9% vs. 0.7%; p=0.003). Possible covariates for mortality were examined and following logistic regression, self-inflicted injury remained associated with higher death rates compared to assault (OR 4.027, CI95% 1.380, 11.749; p=0.011).

CONCLUSION

In this study, patients with isolated self-inflicted abdominal injuries had higher mortality and more frequently underwent abdominal surgery.

Predicting the Outcome of Non-operative Management of Splenic Trauma in South Africa

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to expand on the global surgical discussion around splenic trauma in order to understand locally and clinically relevant factors for operative (OP) and non-operative management (NOM) of splenic trauma in a South African setting.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using 2013-2017 data from the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service. All adult patients (≥15 years) were included. Those managed with OP or NOM for splenic trauma were identified and analyzed descriptively. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified patients and clinical factors associated with management type.

RESULTS

There were 127 patients with splenic injury. Median age was 29 [19-35] years with 42 (33%) women and 85 (67%) men. Blunt injuries occurred in the majority (81, 64%). Organ Injury Scale (OIS) grades included I (25, 20%), II (43, 34%), III (36, 28%), IV (15, 11%), and V (8, 6%). Nine patients expired. On univariate analysis, increasing OIS was associated with OP management, need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and hospital and ICU duration of stay, but not mortality. In patients with a delayed compared to early presentation, ICU utilization (62% vs. 36%, p = 0.008) and mortality (14% vs. 4%, p = 0.03) were increased. After adjusting for age, sex, presence of shock, and splenic OIS, penetrating trauma (adjusted odds ratio, 5.7; 95%CI, 1.7-9.8) and admission lactate concentration (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; 95%CI 1.1-1.9) were significantly associated with OP compared to NOM (p = 0.002; area under the curve 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified injury mechanism and admission lactate as factors predictive of OP in South African patients with splenic trauma. Timely presentation to definitive care affects both ICU duration of stay and mortality outcomes. Future global surgical efforts may focus on expanding non-operative management protocols and improving pre-hospital care in patients with splenic trauma.

Role of conservative management in low energy transfer penetrating shotgun abdominal injuries

Background and aims

Penetrating abdominal trauma can be caused by a variety of weapons which require different management protocols. After a long era of mandatory laparotomy for abdominal gunshot wounds, the concept of selective laparotomy and conservative management in the form of serial observations has been introduced in some centers. This study aims to assess the feasibility and safety of conservative management and close observation of victims of low energy transfer shotgun penetrating abdominal injury.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of hemodynamically stable patients who had sustained low energy transfer shotgun injuries to the abdomen who presented to the surgical emergency department of Cairo University Hospitals from May 2016 to January 2019. They were subjected to a conservative management and follow-up protocol.

Results

A total of 250 patients (167 males and 83 females) were included. The conservative management protocol was successful in 217/250 patients (86.8%), unsuccessful in 22 patients (8.8%) where abdominal exploration was done either open or laparoscopically. Delayed diagnosis of bowel injury occurred in one patient (0.4%). There was one death (0.4%) and abdominal exploration was negative in 10 (4%) patients.

Conclusion

We recommend this conservative protocol for the victims of low energy transfer penetrating shotgun injuries which may save many patients from the morbidities of unnecessary laparotomy. We accept that the injury pattern may not be sufficiently common in many countries to allow comfort with this non-operative approach.

Cost-effectiveness of emergency care interventions in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review and appraise the quality of cost-effectiveness analyses of emergency care interventions in low- and middle-income countries.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed®, Scopus, EMBASE®, Cochrane Library and Web of Science for studies published before May 2019. Inclusion criteria were: (i) an original cost-effectiveness analysis of emergency care intervention or intervention package, and (ii) the analysis occurred in a low- and middle-income setting. To identify additional primary studies, we hand searched the reference lists of included studies. We used the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards guideline to appraise the quality of included studies.

RESULTS

Of the 1674 articles we identified, 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. We identified an additional four studies from the reference lists. We excluded many studies for being deemed costing assessments without an effectiveness analysis. Most included studies were single-intervention analyses. Emergency care interventions evaluated by included studies covered prehospital services, provider training, treatment interventions, emergency diagnostic tools and facilities and packages of care. The reporting quality of the studies varied.

CONCLUSION

We found large gaps in the evidence surrounding the cost-effectiveness of emergency care interventions in low- and middle-income settings. Given the breadth of interventions currently in practice, many interventions remain unassessed, suggesting the need for future research to aid resource allocation decisions. In particular, packages of multiple interventions and system-level changes represent a priority area for future research.

Selective non-operative management for penetrating abdominal injury in a Dutch trauma centre

INTRODUCTION

Selective non-operative management (SNOM) for penetrating abdominal injury (PAI) is accepted in trauma centres in South Africa and the US. Owing to the low incidence of gunshot wounds (GSWs) in Western Europe, few are inclined to practise SNOM for such injuries although it is considered for stab wounds (SWs). This study evaluated the outcome of patients admitted to a Dutch level 1 trauma centre with PAI.

METHODS

A retrospective study was undertaken of all PAI patients treated over 15 years. In order to prevent bias, patients admitted six months prior to and six months following implementation of a treatment algorithm were excluded. Data concerning type of injury, injury severity score and treatment were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 393 patients were included in the study: 278 (71%) with SWs and 115 (29%) with GSWs. Of the 178 SW patients in the SNOM group, 111 were treated before and 59 after introduction of the protocol. The SNOM success rates were 90% and 88% respectively (p=0.794). There were 43 patients with GSWs in the SNOM cohort. Of these, 32 were treated before and 11 after implementation of the algorithm, with respective success rates of 94% and 100% (p=0.304).The protocol did not bring about any significant change in the rate of non-therapeutic laparotomies for SWs or GSWs. However, the rate of admission for observation for SWs increased from 83% to 100% (p<0.001). There was a decrease in ultrasonography for SWs (from 84% to 32%, p<0.001) as well as for GSWs (from 87% to 43%, p<0.001). X-ray was also used less for GSWs after the protocol was introduced (44% vs 11%, p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SNOM for PAI resulting from either SWs or GSWs can be safely practised in Western European trauma centres. Results are comparable with those in trauma centres that treat high volumes of PAI cases.

Selective Nonoperative Management of Abdominal Stab Wounds with Isolated Omental Evisceration is Safe: A South African Experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Selective nonoperative management of abdominal stab wound is well established, but its application in the setting of isolated omental evisceration remains controversial. The aim of the study is to establish the role of selective nonoperative management in the setting of isolated omental evisceration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted over an 8-year period from January 2010 to December 2017 at a major trauma center in South Africa to determine the outcome of selective nonoperative management.

RESULTS

A total of 405 consecutive cases were reviewed (91% male, mean age: 27 years), of which 224 (55%) cases required immediate laparotomy. The remaining 181 cases were observed clinically, of which 20 (11%) cases eventually required a delayed laparotomy. The mean time from injury to decision for laparotomy was <3 h in 92% (224/244), 3-6 h in 6% (14/244), 6-12 h 2% (4/244), and 12-18 h in 1% (2/244). There was no significant difference between the immediate laparotomy and the delayed laparotomy group in terms of length of stay, morbidity, or mortality. Ninety-eight percent (238/244) of laparotomies were positive and 96% of the positive laparotomies (229/238) were considered therapeutic.

CONCLUSION

Selective nonoperative management for abdominal stab wound in the setting of isolated omental evisceration is safe and does not result in increased morbidity or mortality. Clinical assessment remains valid and accurate in determining the need for laparotomy but must be performed by experienced surgeons in a controlled environment.

Evaluation and management of abdominal stab wounds: A Western Trauma Association critical decisions algorithm

This is a recommended management algorithm from the Western Trauma Association addressing the management of adult patients with abdominal stab wounds. Because there is a paucity of published prospective randomized clinical trials that have generated Class I data, these recommendations are based primarily on published observational studies and expert opinion of Western Trauma Association members. The algorithm and accompanying comments represent a safe and sensible approach that can be followed at most trauma centers. We recognize that there will be patient, personnel, institutional, and situational factors that may warrant or require deviation from the recommended algorithm. We encourage institutions to use this as a guideline to develop their own local protocols.

Abdominal stab wound injury in children: Do we need a different approach?

BACKGROUND

Penetrating stab wounds in children are relatively rare and no clear recommendations for the optimal evaluation have been devised. An acceptable traditional approach to the patient with an abdominal stab wound who does not require urgent surgery is selective nonoperative management and serial exams. The use of routine computed tomography remains an actively utilized investigation for these patients at many institutions.

PURPOSE

We hypothesize that the approach to pediatric stab wound victims should be distinctly different than that of adult counterparts in order to minimize radiation exposure.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study involving abdominal stab wounds among pediatric trauma patients (age < 14) compared with adults between the years 1997 and 2016 was conducted utilizing the Israeli National Trauma Registry.

RESULTS

A total of 92 children and 4444 adults were identified from the registry for inclusion. Among the children 20 (21.7%) patients had intraabdominal injury compared to 1730 (38.9%) among adult counterparts. Four children were hemodynamically unstable, two of them were referred directly to operating room and two others were treated without surgery. Among the remaining 88 children there was no observed mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of pediatric stab wounds trauma victims have minor abdominal injuries. We do not recommend the routine utilization of abdominal CT scan in the evaluation of abdominal stab wounds. Observation with serial exams and minimization of radiation exposure from CT are warranted in this unique population.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective comparative study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

A selective non-operative approach to thoracic stab wounds is safe and cost effective - a South African experience

INTRODUCTION

Penetrating thoracic trauma is common and costly. Injuries are frequently and selectively amenable to non-operative management. Our selective approach to penetrating thoracic trauma is reviewed and the effectiveness of our clinical algorithms confirmed. Additionally, a basic cost analysis was undertaken to evaluate the financial impact of a selective nonoperative management approach to penetrating thoracic trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Services electronic regional trauma registry hybrid electronic medical records were reviewed, highlighted all penetrating thoracic traumas. A micro-cost analysis estimated expenses for active observation, tube thoracostomy for isolated pneumothorax greater than 2 cm and tube thoracostomy for haemothorax. Routine thoracic computed tomography does not form part of these algorithms.

RESULTS

Isolated thoracic stab wounds occurred in 589 patients. Eighty per cent (472 cases) were successfully managed nonoperatively. Micro-costing shows that active observation costs 4,370 ZAR (£270), tube thoracostomy for isolated pneumothorax costs 6,630 ZAR (£400) and tube thoracostomy for haemothorax costs 21,850 ZAR (£1,310).

DISCUSSION

Penetrating thoracic trauma places a striking financial burden on our limited resources. Diligent and serial clinical assessments, alongside basic radiology and stringent management criteria, can accurately stratify patients to correct clinical algorithms.

CONCLUSION

Selective nonoperative management for penetrating thoracic trauma is safe and effective. Routine thoracic computed tomography is unnecessary in all patients with isolated thoracic stab wounds, which can be reserved for a select group who are identifiable clinically. Routine thoracic computed tomography would not be financially prudent across Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Services. Government action is required to reduce the overall incidence of such trauma to save resources and patients.