Recent changes in the management of blunt splenic injury: effect on splenic trauma patients and hospital implications

INTRODUCTION

Management of blunt splenic injury has been controversial with an increasing trend towards splenic conservation. A retrospective study was performed to identify the effect of this changed policy on splenic trauma patients and its implications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data regarding patient demography, mode of splenic injury, CT grading, blood transfusion requirement, operative findings hospital stay and follow-up were collected. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using non-parametric Mann–Whitney tests

RESULTS

Over an 8-year period, only 21 patients were admitted with blunt splenic injury. Ten patients were managed operatively and 11 non-operatively. Non-operative management failed in one patient due to continued bleeding. Using Buntain''s CT grading, the majority of grades I and II splenic injuries were managed non-operatively and grades III and IV were managed operatively (P = 0.008). Blood transfusion requirement was significantly higher among the operative group (P = 0.004) but the non-operative group had a significantly longer hospital stay (P = 0.029). Among those managed non-operatively (median age, 24.5 years), a number of patients were followed up with CT scans with significant radiation exposure and unknown long-term consequences.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-operative management of blunt splenic trauma in adults can be performed with an acceptable outcome. Although CT is classed as the ‘gold standard’, initial imaging for detection and evaluation of blunt splenic injury, ultrasound can play a major role in follow-up imaging and potentially avoids major radiation exposure.     

腹腔镜技术诊治脾外伤的临床体会

目的:探讨腹腔镜技术诊治脾外伤的手术技巧与临床效果.方法:回顾分析2010年4月至2012年4月为32例脾外伤患者行腹腔镜手术的临床资料.结果:29例顺利完成腹腔镜手术,3例因损伤脾门血管导致术中出血过多及时中转开腹.手术时间平均(75±26) min,平均住院(7.3±1.8)d,无手术并发症及死亡病例.结论:只要掌握手术指征,治疗团队具有丰富的开放脾外伤手术经验及娴熟的腹腔镜手术技巧,注重手术操作细节,即可迅速、安全地完成腹腔镜手术.     

Radioisotope diagnosis of splenic trauma

Multiple injury or delay in seeking medical attention may prevent confident clinical diagnosis of splenic trauma. The spleen scan is a rapid, simple, noninvasive test useful in such circumstances. When peritoneal lavage is contraindicated, unrevealing, or inappropriate, radioisotope imaging of the spleen can help confirm a suspicion of splenic injury.     

The impact of splenic artery embolization on the management of splenic trauma: an 8-year review

Background

Splenic artery embolization (SAE) is an adjunct to nonoperative management (NOM) of splenic injuries. We reviewed our experience with SAE to identify its impact on splenic operations.

Methods

Patients admitted with splenic injuries over an 8-year period were identified and the initial method of management noted (simple observation, SAE, or splenic surgery). The first 4 years (period 1) during which SAE was introduced was compared with the latter 4 years (period 2) when it was used frequently.

Results

There were 304 patients in period 1 and 416 in period 2. NOM was initial management in 59.9% in period 1% and 60.1% in period 2 (P = 1.0) and failure rates were 5.3% versus 2.9%, respectively (P = .12). More SAE procedures were performed in period 2—13.7% versus 4.9% (P ≤.001)—and there was a reduction in the proportion of splenic operations—35.2% versus 26.2% (P <.01).

Conclusions

SAE is associated with a reduction in splenic operations, although it did not alter the failure rate of NOM.     

儿童外伤性脾破裂非手术疗法探讨

目的　探讨儿童脾外伤非手术治疗的特殊性。方法　 1988～ 1999年共收治儿童脾外伤 6 4例 ,其中非手术治疗 18例 ,均经B型超声或CT证实。结果　非手术治疗的选择率为 2 8.1% ,成功率为 94 .4 % ,输血率为 5 0 %。结论　采用非手术治疗必须具备一定的先决条件 ,合理掌握适应证 ,避免不必要的手术。减少不必要的重症监护 ,可降低患儿住院费用 ,节省人力、物力。减少输血的随意性 ,可避免输血引起血清感染的可能性     

Minimally invasive splenectomy in grade IV splenic trauma: A case report associated with high-grade renal trauma

Introduction and importanceIn closed abdominal trauma, the spleen is the most frequently injured organ (30–45%). Splenic lesions grades IV-V have higher failure rates with nonoperative management (NOM). The minimally invasive approach is an alternative when NOM fails. This is the first reported case of a patient with splenic and left renal trauma, both grade IV, with combined management, which consisted of a minimally invasive surgical resolution of the splenic trauma and a conservative management of the renal trauma, with a satisfactory recovery of the patient. This contributes to understanding the benefits of minimally invasive surgery in moderate splenic trauma associated with other high-grade injuries.Case presentationWe present a 45-year-old woman with a multiple trauma after a motorbike vs car traffic accident. On physical examination, she was hemodynamically stable, with abdominal guarding and generalized rebound tenderness associated with multiple upper and lower limb fractures. An abdominal CT scan revealed grade IV splenic and left renal trauma, with moderate hemoperitoneum. A minimally invasive laparoscopic approach for hemoperitoneum drainage and splenectomy was performed.Clinical discussionThere is currently no consensus to define the indications for minimally invasive treatment on splenic trauma. While laparotomy is the standard treatment, it is not without potential severe complications, while laparoscopy providing a treatment option in selected cases with hemodynamic stability.ConclusionThe role of the minimally invasive approach is safe and feasible in selected patients with high-grade splenic lesions and hemodynamic stability, including the association with other organic lesions such as kidney trauma.     

Nonoperative management of delayed splenic rupture in a patient with hemophilia B

Nonoperative management of splenic lacerations has become the standard of care in hemodynamically stable patients. The decision to manage a patient nonoperatively is much more difficult when the patient has a known bleeding disorder. There are a few case reports in the literature describing nonoperative management of splenic trauma in children with hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency), but only one case report of a patient with hemophilia B (factor IX deficiency) and a splenic laceration successfully managed nonoperatively. We present the case of a 13-year-old boy who presented with a grade 4 splenic laceration, acute blood loss anemia, and hypotension that was managed nonoperatively.     

Trauma surgeon becomes consultant: Evaluation of a protocol for management of intermediate-level trauma patients

Purpose

At our level 1 pediatric trauma center, 9-54 intermediate-level (“level 2”) trauma activations are received per month. Previously, the surgery team was required to respond to and assume responsibility for all patients who had “level 2” trauma activations. In 8/2011, we implemented a protocol where the emergency room (ER) physician primarily manages these patients with trauma consultation for surgical evaluation or admission. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effects of the new protocol to ensure that patient safety and quality of care were maintained.

Methods

We compared outcomes of patients treated PRE-implementation (10/2010-7/2011) and POST-implementation (9/2011-5/2012), including surgeon consultation rate, utilization of imaging and laboratory testing, ER length of stay, admission rate, and missed injuries or readmissions. Statistical analysis included chi-square and Student's t-test.

Results

We identified 472 patients: 179 in the PRE and 293 in the POST period. The populations had similar baseline clinical characteristics. The surgical consultation rate in the POST period was only 42%, with no missed injuries or readmissions. The ER length of stay did not change. However, in the POST period there were significant decreases in the admission rate (73% to 44%) and the mean number of CT scans (1.4 to 1), radiographs (2.4 to 1.7), and laboratory tests (5.1 to 3.3) ordered in the emergency room (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Intermediate-level pediatric trauma patients can be efficiently and safely managed by pediatric emergency room physicians, with surgical consultation only as needed. The protocol change improved resource utilization by decreasing testing and admissions and streamlining resident utilization in an era of reduced duty hours.     

Nonoperative management of pediatric splenic injury with angiographic embolization

A 12-year-old girl was admitted after a bicycle accident, and a grade 4 splenic injury was diagnosed. She became hemodynamically unstable within the first hours after arrival and remained so despite fluid resuscitation and transfusions. As an alternative to laparotomy, splenic artery embolization was performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery without the need for further transfusions. Nonoperative management of blunt splenic trauma remains the gold standard in pediatric trauma care. In hemodynamically unstable patients, splenic artery embolization should be considered as an adjunct to that strategy.     

脾创伤保脾手术术式的选择（附158例分析体会）

目的　探讨脾创伤保脾术的术式选择。方法　对脾创伤采用术中保脾的 15 8例手术方式进行分析 ,其中氩气刀止血 5例 ,ZT生物胶止血 3例 ,单纯脾修补术 2 6例 ,脾部分切除术 77例 ,修补加脾部分切除术 12例 ,脾切除自体脾组织片网膜囊内移植术 35例。结果　全组病例治愈出院。脾切除自体脾组织片网膜囊内移植术组 35例中 ,2例出现粘连性肠梗阻 ,11例出现各类术后感染 ,而其它术中保脾组 12 3例中 ,10例出现术后感染 ,两组总感染数比较 ,P <0 .0 1。结论　脾创伤术中保脾术的术式选择 ,应根据病人个体情况及脾破裂的类型而定 ,必要时采用联合多种术式保脾。对伴有空腔脏器破裂者也可选择性保脾。但应慎重选择脾切除自体脾组织片网膜囊内移植术。     

Interventional Radiology service provision and practice for the management of traumatic splenic injury across the Regional Trauma Networks of England

IntroductionThe management of blunt splenic injuries (BSI) has evolved toward strategies that avoid splenectomy. There is growing adoption of interventional radiology (IR) techniques in non-operative management of BSI, with evidence suggesting a corresponding reduction in emergency laparotomy requirements and increased splenic preservation rates. Currently there are no UK national guidelines for the management of blunt splenic injury. This may lead to variations in management, despite the reorganisation of trauma services in England in 2012.Materials and methodsA survey was distributed through the British Society of Interventional Radiologists to all UK members aiming to identify availability of IR services in England, radiologists’ practice, and attitudes toward management of BSI.Results116 responses from respondents working in 23 of the 26 Regional Trauma Networks in England were received. 79% provide a single dedicated IR service but over 50% cover more than one hospital within the network. All offer arterial embolisation for BSI. Only 25% follow guidelines.In haemodynamically stable patients, an increasing trend for embolisation was seen as grade of splenic injury increased from 1 to 4 (12.5%–82.14%, p < 0.01). In unstable patients or those with radiological evidence of bleeding, significantly more respondents offer embolisation for grade 1–3 injuries (p < 0.01), compared to stable patients. Significantly fewer respondents offer embolisation for grade 5 versus 4 injuries in unstable patients or with evidence of bleeding.ConclusionSplenic embolisation is offered for a variety of injury grades, providing the patient remains stable. Variation in interventional radiology services remain despite the introduction of regional trauma networks.     

The contemporary management of penetrating splenic injury

Introduction

Selective non-operative management (NOM) is standard of care for clinically stable patients with blunt splenic trauma and expectant management approaches are increasingly utilised in penetrating abdominal trauma, including in the setting of solid organ injury. Despite this evolution of clinical practice, little is known about the safety and efficacy of NOM in penetrating splenic injury.

Methods

Trauma registry and medical record review identified all consecutive patients presenting to LAC+USC Medical Center with penetrating splenic injury between January 2001 and December 2011. Associated injuries, incidence and nature of operative intervention, local and systemic complications and mortality were determined.

Results

During the study period, 225 patients experienced penetrating splenic trauma. The majority (187/225, 83%) underwent emergent laparotomy. Thirty-eight clinically stable patients underwent a deliberate trial of NOM and 24/38 (63%) were ultimately managed without laparotomy. Amongst patients failing NOM, 3/14 (21%) underwent splenectomy while an additional 6/14 (42%) had splenorrhaphy. Hollow viscus injury (HVI) occurred in 21% of all patients failing NOM. Forty percent of all NOM patients had diaphragmatic injury (DI). All patients undergoing delayed laparotomy for HVI or a splenic procedure presented symptomatically within 24 h of the initial injury. No deaths occurred in patients undergoing NOM.

Conclusions

Although the vast majority of penetrating splenic trauma requires urgent operative management, a group of patients does present without haemodynamic instability, peritonitis or radiologic evidence of hollow viscus injury. Management of these patients is complicated as over half may remain clinically stable and can avoid laparotomy, making them potential candidates for a trial of NOM. HVI is responsible for NOM failure in up to a fifth of these cases and typically presents within 24 h of injury. Delayed laparotomy, within this limited time period, did not appear to increase mortality nor preclude successful splenic salvage. In clinically stable patients, diagnostic laparoscopy remains essential to evaluate and repair occult DI. As NOM for penetrating abdominal trauma becomes more common, multi-centre data is needed to more accurately define the principles of patient selection and the limitations and consequences of this approach in the setting of splenic injury.     

Pleural effusion following blunt splenic injury in the pediatric trauma population

Background

Pleural effusion is a potential complication following blunt splenic injury. The incidence, risk factors, and clinical management are not well described in children.

Methods

Ten-year retrospective review (January 2000–December 2010) of an institutional pediatric trauma registry identified 318 children with blunt splenic injury.

Results

Of 274 evaluable nonoperatively managed pediatric blunt splenic injures, 12 patients (4.4%) developed left-sided pleural effusions. Seven (58%) of 12 patients required left-sided tube thoracostomy for worsening pleural effusion and respiratory insufficiency. Median time from injury to diagnosis of pleural effusion was 1.5 days. Median time from diagnosis to tube thoracostomy was 2 days. Median length of stay was 4 days for those without and 7.5 days for those with pleural effusions (p < 0.001) and 6 and 8 days for those pleural effusions managed medically or with tube thoracostomy (p = 0.006), respectively. In multivariate analysis, high-grade splenic injury (IV–V) (OR 16.5, p = 0.001) was associated with higher odds of developing a pleural effusion compared to low-grade splenic injury (I–III).

Conclusions

Pleural effusion following pediatric blunt splenic injury has an incidence of 4.4% and is associated with high-grade splenic injuries and longer lengths of stay. While some symptomatic patients may be successfully managed medically, many require tube thoracostomy for progressive respiratory symptoms.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy in blunt trauma.

We describe the first reported use of laparoscopic splenectomy as initial treatment in high-grade blunt splenic trauma. A 21-year-old man sustained a blow to the left flank from a large construction pipe and was transferred to our hospital with a grade V splenic laceration and a grade II left peri-renal hematoma with hematuria. He was hemodynamically stable. He underwent a laparoscopic splenectomy shortly after arrival. The patient's renal injury was managed nonoperatively, and he was discharged home with no complications and has remained well.     

脾外伤行脾部分切除术的体会

目的探讨脾外伤行脾部分切除术的可行性和注意事项。方法对1999年1月～2005年10月间收治的19例Ⅱ～Ⅲ级脾外伤病人施行脾部分切除术的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果本组19例均获治愈,仅1例术后3d发生延迟性大出血,重新行脾切除术外,其余均获得保脾。术后免疫功能检查正常,保留下来的脾脏血运良好。结论在坚持“保证生命,再保留脾脏”原则的基础上,脾部分切除术治疗脾外伤疗效肯定,安全可行,值得推广。     

Reliability of injury grading systems for patients with blunt splenic trauma

Objectives

The most widely used grading system for blunt splenic injury is the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) organ injury scale. In 2007 a new grading system was developed. This ‘Baltimore CT grading system’ is superior to the AAST classification system in predicting the need for angiography and embolization or surgery. The objective of this study was to assess inter- and intraobserver reliability between radiologists in classifying splenic injury according to both grading systems.

Methods

CT scans of 83 patients with blunt splenic injury admitted between 1998 and 2008 to an academic Level 1 trauma centre were retrospectively reviewed. Inter and intrarater reliability were expressed in Cohen's or weighted Kappa values.

Results

Overall weighted interobserver Kappa coefficients for the AAST and ‘Baltimore CT grading system’ were respectively substantial (kappa = 0.80) and almost perfect (kappa = 0.85). Average weighted intraobserver Kappa's values were in the ‘almost perfect’ range (AAST: kappa = 0.91, ‘Baltimore CT grading system’: kappa = 0.81).

Conclusion

The present study shows that overall the inter- and intraobserver reliability for grading splenic injury according to the AAST grading system and ‘Baltimore CT grading system’ are equally high. Because of the integration of vascular injury, the ‘Baltimore CT grading system’ supports clinical decision making. We therefore recommend use of this system in the classification of splenic injury.     

Reduction of resource utilization in children with blunt solid organ injury

Background/purpose

Nonoperative management of blunt solid organ injuries continues to progress and improve cost-effective utilization of resources while maximizing patient safety. The purpose of this study is to compare resource utilization and patient outcomes after changing admission criteria from a grade-based protocol to one based on hemodynamic stability.

脾外伤129例的诊治分析

目的总结外伤性脾破裂治疗经验。方法对1984年至2004年收治的129例外伤性脾破裂的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果本组非手术治疗17例,手术治疗110例,均无死亡。术后发生并发症10例,其中术后再出血3例,均为膈面渗血,均再次行剖腹手术,缝扎止血治愈;胰尾漏2例,予以引流、给予广谱抗生素、生长抑素及营养支持治疗,2～3周后胰漏闭合;膈下感染5例,经引流、应用广谱抗生素、对症治疗后治愈。术前死亡2例,患者均为复合伤合并严重脾破裂,就诊时间过晚,入院时血压为0,虽经积极抢救,仍于入院后2h内死于失血性休克。结论脾外伤的治疗应根据患者个体情况及脾破裂的类型而定。必要时采用联合多种方式保脾。