Outcomes and complications for portal vein or superior mesenteric vein injury: No improvement in the era of damage control resuscitation

IntroductionPortal vein (PV) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) injuries are lethal. We hypothesised outcomes have improved with modern trauma care.MethodsWe reviewed patients presenting to our Level 1 trauma centre over ten-years with PV/SMV injuries, analysing physiology, operative management, associated injuries, and outcomes.ResultsTwenty-four patients had 7 PV and 15 SMV injuries, 2 had both; all had operative exploration. Sixty-seven percent had penetrating trauma. While many had normal vitals, profound acidosis was common. All patients had ≥2 additional abdominal injuries, liver most common (50%). Additional abdominal vascular injuries were more common in non-survivors than survivors: IVC 46% vs 22%, common hepatic artery 20% vs 0%, SMA 26% vs 11%. The mean injury severity score (ISS) was 32.4, and the mean new injury severity score (NISS) was 44.5. Mortality was 63%. Eleven patients died from exsanguination, two from SMV thrombosis, and two from sequelae of other injuries. All survivors had venorrhaphy, as did 8 non-survivors. Non-survivors were also shunted; had ligation; or bypass, shunting, and ligation. Three exsanguinated prior to repair. Two survivors had SMV related complications. One with proximal SMV injury developed severe venous congestion and multiple enterocutaneous fistulae. Another developed an arterioportal fistula, managed with embolisation and percutaneous portal vein stenting.ConclusionDespite advances (REBOA, damage control surgery and resuscitation, liberal use of ED thoracotomy), PV and SMV injuries remain lethal. Injuries to other structures are ubiquitous. Early exsanguination is the major cause of death. All survivors had successful venorrhaphy; those who required more complex repairs died. Compromised mesenteric venous flow causes morbidity and mortality.     

Blunt Abdominal Trauma Requiring Laparotomy: an Analysis of 342 Polytraumatized Patients

Abstract Introduction: Hemorrhage due to abdominal trauma is one of the most frequent causes of early mortality in polytraumatized patients. Therefore, the initial management of abdominal trauma is an important factor in determining the outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical course in multiple trauma patients who sustained abdominal trauma requiring operative intervention. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective analysis, a database containing prospectively collected data on polytraumatized patients from a European level I trauma center was used. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) operative intervention for blunt abdominal injuries with positive intraoperative findings, (2) injury severity score (ISS) > 18, and (3) age 16–65 years. Results: The inclusion criteria were met by 342 patients (229 male and 113 female patients, mean ISS 39.9±8.9). The most frequently observed intra-abdominal injuries were to the spleen (62.1%) and the liver (47.7%). The most common extra-abdominal injury observed in combination with abdominal trauma was trauma to the chest (71.9%). One hundred forty-three patients (41%) died during their hospital stay. The most frequent reasons for death were hemorrhagic shock (26.7%), ARDS (27.6%) and head trauma (23.2%). The severity of liver injury correlated positively with mortality. In contrast, no correlation between splenic injuries and mortality was observed. Significantly more deaths were attributed to primarily extra-abdominal injuries (111 patients, 77.6%) and then to intra-abdominal injuries (12 patients, 8.4%). In 20 patients (14%), a combination of intra- and extra-abdominal injuries caused posttraumatic death. Conclusion: Mortality was significantly higher for extra-abdominal injuries and their associated complications compared to intra-abdominal injuries. These findings should be considered in the development of treatment algorithms for blunt trauma.     

Damage control surgery for severe thoracic and abdominal injuries

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of damage control surgery in treatment of patients with severe thoracic and abdominal injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study was done on 37 patients with severe thoracic and abdominal injuries who underwent damage control surgery from January 2000 to October 2006 in our department. There were 8 cases of polytrauma (with thoracic injury most commonly seen), 21 of polytrauma (with abdominal injury most commonly seen) and 8 of single abdominal trauma. Main organ damage included smashed hepatic injuries in 17 cases, posterior hepatic veins injuries in 8,pancreaticoduodenal injuries in 7, epidural or subdural hemorrhage in 4, contusion and laceration of brain in 5, severe lung and bronchus injuries in 4, pelvis and one smashed lower limb wound in 3 and pelvic fractures and retroperitoneal hemorrhage in 6. Injury severity score (ISS) was 28-45 scores (38.4 scores on average), abbreviated injury scale (AIS) > or = 4.13. The patients underwent arteriography and arterial embolization including arteria hepatica embolization in 4 patients, arteria renalis embolization in 2 and pelvic arteria retroperitoneal embolization in 7. Once abbreviated operation finished, the patients were sent to ICU for resuscitation. Twenty-four cases underwent definitive operation within 48 hours after initial operation, 5 underwent definitive operation within 72 hours after initial operation, 2 cases underwent definitive operation postponed to 96 hours after initial operation for secondary operation to control bleeding because of abdominal cavity hemorrhea. Two cases underwent urgent laparotomy and decompression because of abdominal compartment syndrome and 2 cases underwent secondary operation because of intestinal fistulae (1 case of small intestinal fistula and 1 colon fistula) and gangrene of gallbladder. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients survived, with a survival rate of 75.68%, and 9 died (4 died within 24 hours and 5 died 3-9 days after injury). The trauma deaths at the early stage were caused by severe primary injuries resulting in failure of respiration and circulation, while mortality at the later stage was caused by multiple organ failure. CONCLUSIONS: Damage control surgery is important for the treatment against severe thoracic and abdominal injuries. It is suggested that the surgeon should select the reasonable auxiliary examination before operation, and take the proper time to perform damage control and definitive surgery.     

Gastric trauma: a straightforward injury, but no room for complacency

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the stomach are common following abdominal trauma, and there are few management controversies. This study was undertaken to document experience with the management of gastric injuries in a single surgical ward in a tertiary institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was of a cohort of all patients found at laparotomy to have gastric injuries, over a 7-year period (1998-2004). Demographic data, clinical presentation, findings at laparotomy, and outcomes were documented. Prophylactic antibiotics were given at induction of anaesthesia. All patients found to have gastric injuries were given antifungal therapy. RESULTS: Of the 488 patients undergoing laparotomy for abdominal trauma over this period, 99 (20%) were found to have gastric injuries, of whom 6 were female (M:F ratio 14:1). The mean age (+/- standard deviation (SD)) was 28.9 +/- 11.1 years. Mean delay before surgery was 7.6 +/- 5.2 hours. Seventeen patients presented in shock. Injury mechanisms were firearms (52), stabbing (43) and blunt trauma (4). The mean injury severity score (ISS) was 13.6 +/- 7.4. Forty-two patients required management in the intensive care unit (ICU), with a mean ICU stay of 4.7 +/- 4.6 hours. Twenty-nine patients developed complications, and 14 died. There was only 1 gastric injury-related complication. Causes of death were multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (8) and hypovolaemic shock (4), septic shock (1) and renal failure (1). Patients presenting in shock had a significantly higher mortality than those without shock (p<0.0001). Delay before laparotomy did not influence outcome. There were 20 patients with isolated gastric injuries, none of whom died. Mean hospital stay was 8.8 +/- 7.7 days. CONCLUSION: We reaffirm that stomach injuries are common following abdominal trauma. Isolated gastric injuries are uncommon. Complications specific to gastric injuries are uncommon but devastating. Mortality is related to associated injuries.     

A critical analysis of blood transfusion requirements in children with blunt abdominal trauma.

Over the past 2 years, 178 children with blunt abdominal trauma were admitted for observation. Fifty-five patients (31.5%) had intra-abdominal injury confirmed by computerized tomography (CT) scan, laparotomy, or postmortem examination. Forty-four children (80%) were managed with observation only; nine had other operations. Eleven patients (20%) required an operation for their intra-abdominal injuries. Thirteen patients died, ten from head or spinal injuries and three from intra-abdominal injuries (5.5%). Of 35 children with intra-abdominal injuries observed without any type of operation, 27 (77%) were not transfused (mean Pediatric Trauma Score [PTS] 8, Injury Severity Score [ISS] 19.3, average low hemoglobin [ALH] 10.1). The other eight were transfused an average of 49 cc/kg (mean PTS 4.5, ISS 26.5 ALH 6.1). Twenty children had operations. Eleven 11 (20%) of these were laparotomies; nine were transfused an average of 200.6 cc/kg (mean PTS 6, ISS 33, ALH 9). Nine had neurosurgical/orthopedic procedures (mean PTS 6.2, ISS 27.7), with six transfusions averaging 84.9 cc/kg (ALH 8.9). There were no significant complications. Blood transfusion was necessary only for 33 per cent of the observed cases, usually with multiple injuries. Blood should be transfused only to maintain hemodynamic stability (normal vital signs and tissue perfusion). Hemoglobin levels as low as 7 gm% do not mandate transfusion in children who are hemodynamically stable.     

Severity and treatment of “occult” intra-abdominal injuries in blunt trauma victims

Backgroundto assess the severity and treatment of “occult” intra-abdominal injuries in blunt trauma victims.MethodRetrospective analysis of charts and trauma register data of adult blunt trauma victims, admitted without abdominal pain or alterations in the abdominal physical examination, but were subsequently diagnosed with intra-abdominal injuries, in a period of 2 years. The severity was stratified according to RTS, AIS, OIS and ISS. The specific treatment for abdominal injuries and the complications related to them were assessed.ResultsIntra-abdominal injuries were diagnosed in 220 (3.8%) out of the 5785 blunt trauma victims and 76 (34.5%) met the inclusion criteria. The RTS and ISS median (lower quartile, upper quartile) were 7.84 (6.05, 7.84) and 25 (16, 34). Sixty seven percent had a GCS ≥ 13 on admission. Injuries were identified in the spleen (34), liver (33), kidneys (9), intestines (4), diaphragm (3), bladder (3) and iliac vessels (1). Abdominal injuries scored AIS ≥ 3 in 67% of patients. Twenty-one patients (28%) underwent laparotomy, 5 of which were nontherapeutic. The surgical procedures performed were splenectomy (8), suturing of the diaphragm (3), intestines (3), bladder (2), kidneys (1), enterectomy/anastomosis (1), ligation of the common iliac vein (1), and revascularization of the common iliac artery (1). Angiography and embolization of liver and/or spleen injuries were performed in 3 cases. Three patients developed abdominal complications, all of which were operatively treated. There were no deaths directly related to the abdominal injuries.ConclusionSevere “occult” intra-abdominal injuries, requiring specific treatment, may be present in adult blunt trauma patients.     

严重多发脏器损伤的临床特点及诊治

目的探讨严重多发脏器损伤的临床特点和诊治方法.方法对1988～1998年间收治的合并有闭合性腹内脏器损伤的严重多发伤、ISS大于16的165例患者进行回顾性分析.结果3个或3个以上部位多发伤占28.5%.63例有腹内多脏器损伤.腹腔穿刺是确诊的主要检查手段,部分病例选用了腹部B超和CT,3项诊断检查阳性率均在90%以上.全组漏诊腹内伤21例(12.7%),死亡29例(17.6%).死亡病例平均ISS41.6,明显高于非死亡病例24.8(t=15.21,P<0.01).结论严重多发伤病例应常规行诊断性腹腔穿刺,酌情选择腹部B超和CT等检查,以排除腹内脏器损伤.对全身多发伤并存腹内伤的病例,要根据伤情确定急救处理顺序.剖腹手术中要注意多脏器损伤.ISS大于40提示预后不良.     

Penetrating abdominal vena cava injuries.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical management and outcome of abdominal vena cava (AVC) injuries is presented. STUDY DESIGN, PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective record review of patients with AVC injuries treated in the Trauma Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital between January 1999 and December 2003 was undertaken. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, surgical management, associated injuries, duration of hospital stay, complications and mortality were extracted from patient records. Patients with acute peritonitis and/or shock underwent emergency laparotomy. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients with AVC injuries were identified. Gunshot wounds accounted for 45 (94%) injuries. The mean weighted revised trauma score, injury severity score (ISS) and penetrating abdominal trauma index (PATI) were 6.3, 24 and 42, respectively. The AVC injury was infrarenal and suprarenal in 41 and seven patients, respectively. Thirty injuries were ligated. There were 15 deaths (31%). Significant differences between survivors and non-survivors included ISS, preoperative hypotension and blood transfusion requirements, whereas site of injury, PATI, and surgical management did not. CONCLUSION: Abdominal vena cava injuries are associated with a high mortality. Ligation of the AVC in critically ill patients is a feasible and life-saving option.     

The problem of the closed abdominal injury in polytrauma patients]

The histories of 66 patients with blunt abdominal trauma requiring surgery in the period from 1985 to 1989 were analysed. The patients were divided into three groups on the basis of the other injuries present. Group I, isolated blunt abdominal trauma and blunt abdominal trauma with slight concomitant injuries (18 patients, ISS 17.17 +/- 1.40); group II, blunt abdominal trauma with severe concomitant injuries but without craniocerebral trauma (23 patients, ISS 29.34 +/- 1.45); and group III, blunt abdominal trauma with severe concomitant injuries and an additional craniocerebral trauma (25 patients, ISS 31.08 +/- 1.27, GCS: 10.04 +/- 0.88). Initially, the diagnosis was made in 23 cases by means of diagnostic peritoneal lavage and in 43 cases by means of sonography. The subsequent laparotomy revealed the ultrasound findings to have been false-positive in 3 cases. No false-negative ultrasound findings were demonstrated at all. Peritoneal lavage, on the other hand, was found to have yielded false-negative and false-positive findings in 2 cases each. Counting from the time of admission, the time up to diagnosis of the intra-abdominal injury was 85 +/- 14.3 min in group I, 82 +/- 9.9 min in group II, and 86 +/- 12.9 min in group III. Thus, the presence of severe additional injuries did not lead to any significant delay in the diagnosis of blunt abdominal injury requiring surgery. The total mortality rate was 18.18% (group I, 11.1%; group II, 21.7%; group III, 20.0%). Six patients died in the acute phase and a further six patients during their stay on the intensive care ward.     

Outcome and management of blunt liver injuries in multiple trauma patients

Background: In Germany, abdominal trauma in multiple- trauma patients can be observed in about 25–35% of all cases. Due to major bleeding complications, the initial treatment of blunt abdominal trauma in multiple-trauma patients has high priority. The aim of this study was to discuss management, treatment and outcome of blunt liver injury in multiple-trauma patients treated in our department. Methods: The clinical records of 1192 multiple-trauma patients [injury severity score (ISS) 3–18] treated at the Surgical Department of the University Clinic of Essen from January 1975 to February 1998 were reviewed. Seventy-five patients with an ISS above 18 operated on due to a blunt liver injury could be included. The mean age was 29.82±1.80 years (60 males and 15 females). The degree of injury in this group was high (ISS 37.12±1.06). Results: Twenty-three of the 75 (30.6%) patients died during their hospital stay. Deceased patients were older (27±2 years versus 37±4 years; P<0.01) and had a higher ISS (ISS=34.5±1 versus 43.2±2; P<0.01). In nine cases, death was strongly related to liver injury. Operational blood loss was higher in the group of multiply injured patients with liver injury and in those patients who did not survive (P<0.05). An increased mortality could be seen in this selected patient group when compared with our large collective of multiply injured patients. The age of the patients, the ISS and operative blood loss were the significant factors that influenced the operative mortality after blunt hepatic injuries in our study. Received: 28 October 1998 Accepted: 22 April 1999     

Management of pancreatic injuries

This is a retrospective analysis of the treatment of 18 patients with pancreatic injuries at our institution. 13 were victims of blunt abdominal trauma. 17 sustained a polytrauma and had an ISS > 15. They had 2.4 associated intraabdominal and 2.7 associated extraabdominal injuries. The mean pancreatic organ injury scale was II. A partial duodenopancreatectomy was performed in one case. In 5 cases a distal pancreatic resection was necessary. In the remaining patients drainage procedures were applied. 3 additional injured organs had to be treated during the first operation. 2 of them were situated intraabdominally. The primary operative procedure was performed in 13 cases during the first 6 hours after the trauma. 7 patients (39%) died during the hospitalisation. None deceased during an operation. 5 patients (28%) died because of abdominal complications. 4 of 5 patients with injuries to the great vessels died. 12 had abdominal complications. The mean hospitalisation time was 49 days. The mean drainage time was 26 days. The patients sustained parenteral nutrition for 21 days. The priority in the primary operative approach is damage control. This consists of bleeding control, control of enteral spillage, assessment of pancreatic damage, especially recognition of any ductal injury and generous drainage of the injured pancreas. Definitive treatment in the severely injured patient has to be performed after hemodynamic stabilisation without delay by an experienced surgeon.     

Management of pancreatic injuries

This is a retrospective analysis of the treatment of 18 patients with pancreatic injuries at our institution. 13 were victims of blunt abdominal trauma. 17 sustained a polytrauma and had an ISS > 15. They had 2.4 associated intraabdominal and 2.7 associated extraabdominal injuries. The mean pancreatic organ injury scale was II. A partial duodenopancreatectomy was performed in one case. In 5 cases a distal pancreatic resection was necessary. In the remaining patients drainage procedures were applied. 3 additional injured organs had to be treated during the first operation. 2 of them were situated intraabdominally. The primary operative procedure was performed in 13 cases during the first 6 hours after the trauma. 7 patients (39 %) died during the hospitalisation. None deceased during an operation. 5 patients (28 %) died because of abdominal complications. 4 of 5 patients with injuries to the great vessels died. 12 had abdominal complications. The mean hospitalisation time was 49 days. The mean drainage time was 26 days. The patients sustained parenteral nutrition for 21 days. The priority in the primary operative approach is damage control. This consists of bleeding control, control of enteral spillage, assessment of pancreatic damage, especially recognition of any ductal injury and generous drainage of the injured pancreas. Definitive treatment in the severly injured patient has to be performed after hemodynamic stabilisation without delay by an experienced surgeon.     

Bedside laparotomy for trauma: are there risks?

BACKGROUND: Critically ill trauma patients are often too unstable for safe transfer to the operating room. Damage control laparotomy patients frequently require early reoperation and have a reported mortality of 50-60%. As a result, many of these patients must undergo laparotomy in the intensive care unit. We hypothesized that patients undergoing bedside laparotomy (BSL) and managed with the abdomen left open would have an unacceptably high mortality or intra-abdominal complications. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of our Trauma Registry. Of the 11,096 consecutive trauma admissions from March 1, 1996 to May 20, 2000, 75 patients underwent 95 BSL. Patients were stratified according to injury severity score (ISS), base deficit (BD), lactic acid (LA), total transfusion (TRBC) requirements, indication for BSL, mechanism of injury, infectious complications (intra-abdominal abscess (IAA), fistula), and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients underwent 95 BSL. Mean ISS was 50.6 +/- 18.9, mean BD was -11.9 (+/- 5), and the mean LA was 5 +/- 5 for the study group. The TRBC for the group was 43.7 +/- 42.6 units. Indications for the 95 BSL were (1) abdominal compartment syndrome (n = 47, 49.5%); (2) suspected intra-abdominal infection (n = 18, 19.0%); (3) washout/pack removal (n = 14, 14.7%); (4) washout with fascial closure (n = 12, 12.6%); and (5) other (n = 4, 4.2%). Twenty-nine of 75 patients (39.2%; ISS 52.3 +/- 18.8) died within 72 h of operation. Of the 46 remaining patients, an additional eight died 72 h or more after operation, for a late mortality rate of 17.4% and a total mortality rate of 49%. None of these deaths were attributable to either the operation or to post-operative IAA or fistula formation; all late deaths were secondary to multiple organ failure. Intra-abdominal abscesses developed in three of 46 patients (6.5%), each of whom had a TRBC of >100 units (mean, 160 units). Five of 46 patients (10.9%) developed enterocutaneous fistulae. None of these eight patients died. Thirty-eight of 75 patients (50.7%) survived to discharge, with a mean ISS of 40 (+/- 11.9). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high acuity of the population undergoing BSL, 50.7% of patients survived. Moreover, during BSL, IAA and fistula formation occurred at low rates.     

Management of penetrating pancreatic trauma: an 11-year experience of a level-1 trauma center

Introduction: We present our experience in the management of penetrating pancreatic injuries, focusing on factors related to complications and death.

Methods: Retrospective trauma registry-based analysis of 62 consecutive patients with penetrating pancreatic injuries during an 11-year period. Overall injury severity was assessed by the injury severity score (ISS) and the penetrating abdominal trauma index (PATI). Pancreatic injuries were graded according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Organ Injury Scaling (OIS). Complications were characterised using standardised definitions. Mortality was recorded as early (within 48 h after admission) and late (after 48 h).

Results: Thirty patients suffered gunshot wounds and 24 had grade I pancreatic injuries. Shotgun and gunshot wounds were more destructive than stab wounds (higher PATI, number of intraabdominal injuries and mortality). Seventeen patients died. Most deaths occurred within 1 h after admission due to massive bleeding and severe associated injuries. Only one death was potentially related to the pancreatic injury. Mortality rate also correlated with pancreatic injury grading. Sixty-one patients had associated intraabdominal injuries. Combined pancreaticoduodenal injuries were present in 13 patients, and five died. Simple drainage was the most common procedure performed. Pancreas-related complications were found in 12 out of 47 patients who survived more than 48 h; intraabdominal abscess (n=7) that was associated with colon injuries, and pancreatic fistula (n=5).

Conclusion: An approach based on injury grade and location is advised. Routine drainage is recommended; distal resection is indicated in the presence of main duct injury, and the management of severe injuries will be tailored according to the overall physiologic status, presence of associated injuries, and duodenal viability. Morbidity and mortality is mainly due to associated injuries.     

Evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma occurring during pregnancy

Evaluation of abdominal trauma in pregnant patients presents a number of dilemmas. Few series compare the various modalities available in this situation. The present review characterizes various techniques and their results. The charts of all patients with a secondary diagnosis of pregnancy admitted to a Level I trauma center over a 7 1/2-year period were reviewed. Forty were considered to have sustained possible blunt abdominal trauma: 30 were occupants in motor vehicle collisions, five were pedestrians, four sustained falls, and one was riding a motorcycle. Immediate laparotomy for emergency caesarean section or other indications was performed in three cases (7%). In 13 cases (32%) evaluation was accomplished by diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL). Three patients (7%) underwent computerized tomography of the abdomen. The remaining 22 patients (55%) were observed with serial physical exams, and hematocrits. The group that was observed had a mean ISS of 5.9. The mean Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 14.9. No patients had to undergo exploratory laparotomy for abdominal injury during hospitalization. In the 13 patients undergoing DPL, the mean ISS was 34.6, and the mean GCS was 10.6. Overall accuracy was 92% with no major complications. Pregnant patients sustaining minor injuries and blunt abdominal trauma may be safely observed. Those with major injuries, shock, altered mental status, or neurologic deficit require further studies to rule out intra-abdominal injury. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage proved to be safe and accurate in these patients. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage proved to be safe and accurate in these patients. CT scan and ultrasonography are other modalities which merit further assessment as a primary diagnostic technique in abdominal trauma occurring during pregnancy.     

The prognostic significance of thoracic and abdominal trauma in severe trauma patients (Injury severity score > 15)

The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic significance of thoracic and abdominal trauma in severely injured patients. A retrospective analysis was performed based on data from the period from March 1 2006 to December 31 2007, taken from the Trauma Registry of the University Hospital "SantAndrea" in Rome. A total of 844 trauma patients were entered in a database created for this purpose, and only patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15, (163 patients, 19.3%), were selected for the present study. These patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A (103 patients, 63.2%), consisting of patients with at least one thoracic injury, and Group B (46 patients, 28.2%) consisting of patients with concomitant thoracic and abdominal injuries. The impact of thoracic and abdominal trauma was studied by analyzing mortality and morbidity, in relation to patient age, cause and dynamics of trauma, length of hospital stay, and both ISS and New ISS (NISS). In a vast majority of cases, the cause of trauma was a road accident (126 patients, 77.3%). The mean age of patients with ISS > 15 was 45.2 +/- 19.3 years. The mean ISS and NISS were 25.7 +/- 10.5 and of 31.4 +/- 13.1 respectively. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 18.4% (30 patients) and 28.8% (47 patients) respectively. In Group A the mortality rate was 23.3% (24 patients) and the morbidity rate was 33.9% (35 patients). In Group B mortality and morbidity rates were 369% (17 patients) and 43.5% (20 patients) respectively. It was shown that the presence of both thoracic and abdominal injuries significantly increases the risk of mortality and morbidity. In patients with predominantly thoracic injuries, NISS proved to be the more reliable score, while ISS appeared to be more accurate in evaluating patients with injuries affecting more than one region of the body.     

Assessment of mechanism, type and severity of injury in multiple trauma patients: A cross sectional study of a trauma center in Iran

Purpose: To accurately assess the mechanism, type and severity of injury in Iranian multiple trauma patients of a trauma center. Methods: Patients with multiple traumas referring to the emergency department of Hasheminejad University Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, entered this cross sectional study from March 2013 to December 2013. All the patients with injury severity score (ISS) > 9 were included in this study. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software (Version 11.5) and P values less than 0.05 were considered as significant differences. Results: Among the 6306 hospitalized trauma patients during this period, 148 had ISS>9. The male female ratio was 80%. The mean age of the patients was (33.5 ± 19.3) years. And 71% of the patients were younger than 44 years old. There were 19 (13%) deaths from which 68.5% were older than 44 years old. The mean transfer time from the injury scene to hospital was (55 ± 26) minutes. The most frequent mechanisms of injury were motorcycle crashes and falling from height, which together included 66.2% of all the injuries. A total of 84% of hospital deaths occurred after the first 24 h of hospitalization. Head and neck were the most common body injured areas with a prevalence of 111 cases (75%). Conclusion: Motorcycle crashes have high frequency in Iran. Since most victims are young males, injury prevention strategies should be considered to reduce the burden of injuries.     

Vascular trauma at a military level II trauma center(1)

As members of an American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma-designated level II trauma center, we decided to review our experience with vascular trauma. In addition, we sought to characterize the vascular injuries presented and to compare our outcomes to the general trauma population.A review of all vascular trauma admissions from January 1997 through January 2000 was performed. The William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) trauma registry data base was searched for vascular injuries utilizing 3 different search criteria: organ system, operation/procedure, and ICD-9 codes. Injuries were then characterized by age, gender, site of injury, injury severity score (ISS), mechanism, and need for surgery. Mortality rates were computed for both vascular and nonvascular trauma populations. Statistical analysis of the data was determined by Student t test and z score.Between January 1997 and January 2000, there were 1398 patients admitted to the trauma service at WBAMC. Of these, 48 patients (3.4%) had vascular injuries. The mean ISS for all nonvascular traumas was 8.4 +/- 8.9. The mean ISS for those with vascular injuries was 17.9 +/- 12.6 (p < 0.001). Blunt trauma accounted for 90% of all nonvascular admissions. Penetrating trauma accounted for 10% of all nonvascular admissions. In the vascular trauma population, blunt trauma accounted for 56% and penetrating trauma accounted for 39%. Five percent of the vascular injuries identified were iatrogenic. Surgical intervention was required in 85.4% and 44.2% of the vascular and nonvascular trauma populations, respectively. The mortality rate for nonvascular admissions was 4.8% (65/1350). Those with vascular injuries had a mortality rate of 20.8% (10/48). For trauma patients requiring an operation, the mortality rate was 4.5% (27/597). For patients with vascular injuries who required an operation, the mortality rate was 25.7% (9/35) (p = 0.007).Vascular trauma represents a small percentage of all trauma admissions. These patients have a higher ISS on admission and more of them require surgical intervention. The operative and overall mortality rates are higher in patients with vascular injuries than in the general trauma population.     

Scapular fractures and concomitant injuries

Objective: The association of scapular fractures with other life-threatening injuries including blunt thoracic aortic injury is widely recognized.Few studies have investigated this presumed association...     

Hospital management of abdominal trauma in Tehran, Iran: a review of 228 patients

Objective: Today, trauma is a major public health problem in some countries. Abdominal trauma is the source of significant mortality and morbidity with both blunt and penetrating injuries. We performed an epidemiological study of abdominal trauma (AT) in Tehran, Iran. We used all our sources to describe the epidemiology and outcome of patients with AT.Methods: This study was done in Tehran. The study population included trauma patients admitted to the emergency department of six general hospitals in Tehran during one year. The data were collected through a questionnaire that was completed by a trained physician at the trauma center. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software (version 11.5 for Windows). The statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-square and P＜0.05 was accepted as being statistically significant.Results: Two hundred and twenty-eight (2.8%) out of 8 000 patients were referred to the above mentioned centers with abdominal trauma. One hundred and twenty-five (54.9%)of the patients were in their 2nd and 3rd decades of life and 189 (83%) of our patients were male. Road traffic accidents (RTA) were the leading cause of AT with 119 (52.2%) patients. Spleen was the commonly injured organ with 51 cases. Following the analysis of injury severity, 159 (69.7%) patients had mild injuries (ISS＜16) and 69 (30.3%) patients had severe injuries (ISS= 16). The overall mortality rate was 46 (20.2%).Conclusions: Blunt abdominal trauma is more common than penetrating abdominal trauma. Road traffic accidents and stab wound are the most common causes of blunt and penetrating trauma, respectively. Spleen is the most commonly injured organ in these patients. The mortality rate is higher in blunt trauma than penetrating one.