Is routine chest radiograph necessary after chest tube removal?

Background

Obtaining a chest radiograph (CXR) after chest tube (CT) removal to rule out a pneumothorax is a universal practice. However, the yield of this CXR has not been well documented. Additionally, most iatrogenic pneumothoraces resulting from CT removal are atmospheric in origin, asymptomatic, and can be observed. Recently, we have begun to discontinue routine CXR for CT removal. We evaluated our experience with CT removal to clarify the usefulness of routine post CT removal CXR.

Methods

After IRB approval, a retrospective study was conducted on patients who had a CT placed in the past decade. Cardiac patients requiring a CT were excluded. Patient demographics, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Patients were divided into two groups, those with a CXR after CT removal (Group 1) and those without (Group 2). Percentages were compared with Chi square with Yates correction.

Results

462 patients were identified (group 1 = 327, group 2 = 135). Indications for CT included; empyema (n = 176), lung resection (n = 146), pneumothorax (n = 71), pleural effusion (n = 26), spinal fusion (n = 20), trauma (n = 16), and miscellaneous (n = 7). Seven patients (2.1%) in group 1 required reinsertion for pneumothorax (n = 4), empyema (n = 2), and pleural effusion (n = 1) compared to 1 patient (0.7%) in group 2 who required reinsertion for pleural effusion. This difference was not significant (P = 0.2).

Conclusions

In non-cardiac patients with a CT, tube reinsertion is uncommon and tube replacement is secondary to symptoms. Therefore, routine post CT removal CXR is not necessary. CXR in these patients should be obtained based upon clinical indications after CT removal.     

Can we predict the failure of thoracostomy tube drainage in the treatment of pediatric parapneumonic collections?

Background/Purpose

Tube thoracostomy is a standard method of treating pediatric parapneumonic collections. Despite recent work denoting thoracoscopy as a superior method of treatment, few studies have looked at factors predictive of tube thoracostomy failure. We reviewed parapneumonic collections initially treated with tube thoracostomy to identify such factors.

Methods

Nontuberculous parapneumonic collections treated initially with tube thoracostomy over a 10-year period were reviewed. A “failed primary tube thoracostomy” was defined as the presence of worsening clinicoradiological signs requiring a further chest procedure (ie, thoracoscopy, thoracotomy, or second thoracostomy).

Results

Fifty-eight patients were identified. Forty-three percent failed primary tube thoracostomy. Within group F (failure group), 32% of patients had a concomitant medical condition (P < .001). Sixty percent of group F patients had duration of symptoms for more than 1 week compared with only 24% of group S (successful group) (P < .001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that primary treatment of parapneumonic collections with tube thoracostomy is likely to be unsuccessful in patients who are symptomatic for more than a week or who have a concomitant medical condition.A more aggressive primary surgical intervention is suggested for this group.     

Occult pneumothorax in the blunt trauma patient: Tube thoracostomy or observation?

Background

The term occult pneumothorax (OP) describes a pneumothorax that is not suspected on the basis of either clinical examination or initial chest radiography, but is subsequently detected on computed tomography (CT) scan. The optimal management of OP in the blunt trauma setting remains controversial. Some physicians favour placement of a thoracostomy tube for patients with OP, particularly those undergoing positive pressure ventilation (PPV), while others favour close observation without chest drainage. This study was conducted both to determine the incidence of OP and to describe its current treatment status in the blunt trauma population at a Canadian tertiary trauma centre. Of interest were the rates of tube thoracostomy vs. observation without chest drainage and their respective outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of the Nova Scotia Trauma Registry. The data on all consecutive blunt trauma patients between October 1994 and March 2003 was reviewed. Outcome measures evaluated include length of stay, discharge status—dead vs. alive, intervention and time to intervention (tube thoracostomy and its relation to institution of PPV). Direct comparison was made between the OP with tube thoracostomy group and OP without tube thoracostomy group (observation or control group). They were compared in terms of their baseline characteristics and outcome measures.

Results

In 1881 consecutive blunt trauma patients over a 102-month period there were 307 pneumothoraces of which 68 were occult. Thirty five patients with OP underwent tube thoracostomy, 33 did not. Twenty nine (82.8%) with tube thoracostomy received positive pressure ventilation (PPV), as did 16 (48.4%) in the observation group. Mean injury severity score (ISS) for tube thoracostomy and observation groups were similar (25.80 and 22.39, p = 0.101) whereas length of stay (LOS) was different (17.4 and 10.0 days, p = 0.026). Mortality was similar (11.4% and 9.1%). There were no tension pneumothoraces.

Conclusion

The natural history of OP in blunt trauma patients at our institution appears to be one of uneventful resolution irrespective of ISS, need for PPV, or placement of tube thoracostomy. This study suggests an interesting hypothesis that observation of the blunt trauma patient with OP, without tube thoracostomy, may be safe and contribute to a shorter hospital stay. These are observations that would benefit from further study in a large, prospective randomised controlled trial.     

Isolated computed tomography diagnosis of pulmonary contusion does not correlate with increased morbidity

Background

Increased utilization of computed tomography (CT) has led to a rise in the diagnosis of pulmonary contusion. Its clinical significance, in the absence of findings on chest radiograph (CXR), has not been defined. This study examines the clinical course of patients with CT-only diagnosis of pulmonary contusion and compares it with that of patients with CXR-proven pulmonary contusion.

Methods

The trauma database identified all children undergoing chest CT for blunt thoracic trauma during a 3-year period. Records were reviewed for age, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score (ISS), length of hospital stay (LOS), need for intensive care unit admission, and need for endotracheal intubation. A pediatric radiologist reviewed all films in a blinded fashion. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance and Fisher's Exact test for 2 × 3 tables.

Results

Eighty-two patients were identified. There were no CXR-positive, CT-negative cases. A CT diagnosis of pulmonary contusion was made in 46 patients. Of these, 31 had a contusion on CXR as well (CXR+ group) and 15 had a normal CXR (CT+ only group). Mean ISS score did not differ significantly between the two groups (27 ± 12.3 and 22 ± 10.3, respectively). Thirty-six patients had a normal CT (control). Mean LOS was significantly longer in the CXR+ group (13 ± 12.0 days) than in the CT+ only and control groups (5 ± 3.6 and 9 ± 9.5 days, respectively; P < .01). The percentages of children requiring intensive care unit admission and intubation were also significantly higher in the CXR+ group.

Conclusion

The finding of pulmonary contusion by CT alone does not increase patient morbidity and appears to be of limited clinical significance.     

Occult pneumomediastinum in blunt chest trauma: Clinical significance

Introduction

Thoracic injuries are potentially responsible for 25% of all trauma deaths. Chest X-ray is commonly used to screen patients with chest injury. However, the use of computed tomography (CT) scan for primary screening is increasing, particularly for blunt trauma. CT scans are more sensitive than chest X-ray in detecting intra-thoracic abnormalities such as pneumothoraces and pneumomediastinums. Pneumomediastinum detected by chest X-ray or “overt pneumomediastinum”, raises the concern of possible aerodigestive tract injuries. In contrast, there is scarce information on the clinical significance of pneumomediastinum diagnosed by CT scan only or “occult pneumomediastinum”. Therefore we investigated the clinical consequences of occult pneumomediastinum in our blunt trauma population.

Methods

A 2-year retrospective chart review of all blunt chest trauma patients with initial chest CT scan admitted to a level I trauma centre. Data extracted from the medical records include; demographics, occult, overt, or no pneumomediastinum, the presence of intra-thoracic aerodigestive tract injuries (trachea, bronchus, and/or esophagus), mechanism and severity of injury, endotracheal intubation, chest thoracostomy, operations and radiological reports by an attending radiologist. All patients with intra-thoracic aerodigestive tract injuries from 1994 to 2004 were also investigated.

Results

Of 897 patients who met the inclusion criteria 839 (93.5%) had no pneumomediastinum. Five patients (0.6%) had overt pneumomediastinum and 53 patients (5.9%) had occult pneumomediastinum. Patients with occult pneumomediastinum had significantly higher ISS and AIS chest (p < 0.0001) than patients with no pneumomediastinum. A chest thoracostomy tube was more common (p < 0.0001) in patients with occult pneumomediastinum (47.2%) than patients with no pneumomediastinum (10.4%), as well as occult pneumothorax. None of the patients with occult pneumomediastinum had aerodigestive tract injuries (95%CI 0-0.06). Follow up CT scan of patients with occult pneumomediastinum showed complete resolution in all cases, in average 3 h after the initial exam.

Conclusion

Occult pneumomediastinum occurred in approximately 6% of all trauma patients with blunt chest injuries in our institution. Patients who had occult pneumomediastinum were more severely injured than those who without. However, none of the patients with occult pneumomediastinum had aerodigestive tract injuries and follow up chest CT scans demonstrated their complete and spontaneous resolution.     

Occult pneumothorax in Chinese patients with significant blunt chest trauma: Incidence and management

Background

Occult pneumothorax (OP) is a pneumothorax not visualised on a supine chest X-ray (CXR) but detected on computed tomography (CT) scanning. With increasing CT use for trauma, more OP may be detected. Management of OP remains controversial, especially for patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to identify the incidence of OP using thoracic CT as the gold standard and describe its management amongst Hong Kong Chinese trauma patients.

Methods

Analysis of prospectively collected trauma registry data. Consecutive significantly injured trauma patients admitted through the emergency department (ED) suffering from blunt chest trauma who underwent thoracic computed tomography (TCT) between in calendar years 2007 and 2008 were included. An OP was defined as the identification (by a specialist radiologist) of a pneumothorax on TCT that had not been previously detected on supine CXR.

Results

119 significantly injured patients were included. 56 patients had a pneumothorax on CXR and a further 36 patients had at least one OP [OP incidence 30% (36/119)]. Bilateral OP was present in 8/36 patients, so total OP numbers were 44. Tube thoracostomy was performed for 8/44 OP, all were mechanically ventilated in the ED. The remaining 36 OP were managed expectantly. No patients in the expectant group had pneumothorax progression, even though 8 patients required subsequent ventilation in the operating room for extrathoracic surgery.

Conclusion

The incidence of OP (seen on TCT) in Chinese patients in Hong Kong after blunt chest trauma is higher than that typically reported in Caucasians. Most OP were managed expectantly without significant complications; no pneumothorax progressed even though some patients were mechanically ventilated.     

Extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (EFAST) in the diagnosis of pneumothorax: Experience at a community based level I trauma center

Introduction

Early identification of pneumothorax is crucial to reduce the mortality in critically injured patients. The objective of our study is to investigate the utility of surgeon performed extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (EFAST) in the diagnosis of pneumothorax.

Methods

We prospectively analysed 204 trauma patients in our level I trauma center over a period of 12 (06/2007-05/2008) months in whom EFAST was performed. The patients’ demographics, type of injury, clinical examination findings (decreased air entry), CXR, EFAST and CT scan findings were entered into the data base. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated.

Results

Of 204 patients (mean age - 43.01 ± 19.5 years, sex - male 152, female 52) 21 (10.3%) patients had pneumothorax. Of 21 patients who had pneumothorax 12 were due to blunt trauma and 9 were due to penetrating trauma. The diagnosis of pneumothorax in 204 patients demonstrated the following: clinical examination was positive in 17 patients (true positive in 13/21, 62%; 4 were false positive and 8 were false negative), CXR was positive in 16 (true positive in 15/19, 79%; 1 false positive, 4 missed and 2 CXR not performed before chest tube) patients and EFAST was positive in 21 patients (20 were true positive [95.2%], 1 false positive and 1 false negative). In diagnosing pneumothorax EFAST has significantly higher sensitivity compared to the CXR (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Surgeon performed trauma room extended FAST is simple and has higher sensitivity compared to the chest X-ray and clinical examination in detecting pneumothorax.     

Novel titanium constructs for chest wall reconstruction in children

Purpose

We have previously reported the use of the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) for treatment of thoracic dystrophy. This report describes our experience with this device and other novel titanium constructs for chest wall reconstruction.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of all children and adolescents undergoing chest wall reconstruction with titanium constructs between December 2005 and May 2010.

Results

Six patients have undergone chest wall reconstruction with VEPTR or other titanium constructs. Four had chest wall resection for primary malignancy, 1 had metastatic chest wall tumor resection, and 1 had congenital chest wall deformity. There were no immediate complications, and all patients have exhibited excellent respiratory function with no scoliosis.

Conclusions

Chest wall reconstruction after tumor resection or for primary chest wall deformities can be effectively accomplished with VEPTR and other customized titanium constructs. Goals should be durable protection of intrathoracic organs and preservation of thoracic volume and function throughout growth. Careful preoperative evaluation and patient-specific planning are important aspects of successful reconstruction.     

Clinical predictors of occult pneumothoraces in severely injured blunt polytrauma patients: A prospective observational study

Introduction

The supine antero-posterior (AP) chest radiograph (CXR) is an insensitive test for detecting post-traumatic pneumothoraces (PTXs). Computed tomography (CT) often identifies occult pneumothoraces (OPTXs) that were not diagnosed on CXR. The purpose of this study was to prospectively determine the incidence, and validate previously identified clinical predictors, of OPTXs after blunt trauma.

Methods

All severe blunt injured patients (injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 12) presenting to a level 1 trauma centre over a 17-month period were prospectively evaluated. Thoracoabdominal CT scans and corresponding CXRs were reviewed at the time of admission. Patients with OPTXs were compared to those with overt PTXs regarding incidence and previously identified predictive risk factors (subcutaneous emphysema, rib fractures, female sex and pulmonary contusion).

Results

CT imaging was performed concurrent to CXR in 405 blunt trauma patients (ISS ≥ 12) during the study period. PTXs were identified in 107 (26%) of the 405 patients. Eighty-one (76%) of these were occult when CXRs were interpreted by the trauma team. Concurrent chest trauma predictive of OPTXs was limited to subcutaneous emphysema (p = 0.003). Rib fractures, pulmonary contusions and female sex were not predictive.

Conclusions

OPTXs were missed in up to 76% of all seriously injured patients when CXRs were interpreted by the trauma team. This is higher than previously reported in retrospective studies and is likely based on the difficult conditions in which the trauma team functions. Subcutaneous emphysema remains a strong clinical predictor for concurrent OPTXs.     

Chest radiograph after central line placement under fluoroscopy: utility or futility?

Background

Postoperative portable chest films are routinely performed after fluoroscopic placement of central venous catheters to evaluate positioning and to rule out significant complications (eg, pneumothorax). Emerging evidence in the literature has called this practice into question suggesting that routine postoperative chest x-ray is unnecessary. Therefore, we investigated our recent experience to examine the utility of these films, to examine the development of symptoms relative to therapeutic intervention, and to report a cost-benefit analysis.

Methods

After obtaining institutional review board approval, all charts of patients undergoing central venous catheter placement from January 2004 to December 2005 at our institution were reviewed. Outcome measures included whether or not there was a complication and whether or not that complication required an intervention. Peripherally inserted central catheters were not included.

Results

In the study population, 237 catheters were placed in the operating room. There were two complications, both pneumothoraces (0.085%). One patient required tube thoracostomy, whereas the other was asymptomatic and the pneumothorax resolved spontaneously. Fourteen patients had no postoperative chest film without adverse consequences. Total cost for portable chest films was $56,196.

Conclusions

For catheters placed under fluoroscopic guidance, postoperative chest films in asymptomatic patients add unnecessary cost. For this reason, we feel discontinuation of postoperative chest films in asymptomatic patients undergoing catheter placement with fluoroscopy is justifiable.     

Prompt correction of endotracheal tube positioning after intubation prevents further inappropriate positions

Study Objective

To determine whether the timely correction of endotracheal tube (ETT) positioning prevents further inappropriate positions.

Design

Prospective crossover study.

Setting

University-affiliated hospital.

Patients

44 adult, ASA physical status 1, 2, and 3 patients undergoing open or laparoscopic abdominal procedures.

Interventions

ETT positioning was verified by both auscultation and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB), after intubation, and before extubation. In laparoscopic procedures, two additional measurements were performed: after maximal abdominal gas insufflation and with head-down position. An ETT in the bronchus or at the carina was considered an inappropriate placement. An ETT ≤ one cm from the carina was considered a critical placement.

Measurements

The frequency of inappropriate and critical ETT positioning with both auscultation and FOB and the number of ETTs that remained in an incorrect position despite repositioning.

Main Results

FOB detected 5 inappropriately positioned ETTs, 4 of which were also detected by chest auscultation (P = 0.99). Critical positioning was detected by FOB in 6 patients, three of which were also detected by auscultation (P = 0.24). There were 15 other "out-of-desired range” positions (out of the 3-5 cm range) - one placed too high and 14 placed too low, while 18 were placed within the range of positions. All patients with inappropriate ETT positioning were women (P = 0.005). Age, body mass index, Mallampati grade > 3, thyromental distance < 6 cm, or laryngoscopy grade ≥ 2 were not associated with either inappropriate or critical placement. No episodes of inappropriate or critical positioning were detected by FOB or auscultation at the end of surgery.

Conclusions

Early detection and prompt correction of inappropriate ETT positioning after intubation prevented further ETT migration into undesired positions.     

Chest x-ray as a primary modality for preoperative imaging of pectus excavatum

Background

Adolescents with a pectus excavatum mostly present with cosmetic complaints and rarely have significant physical limitations. The preoperative evaluation includes pulmonary functions tests, echocardiography, and chest computed tomography (CT) scan to measure the Haller index. In most patients, the chest CT is performed only to measure the Haller index. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether indices measured on chest radiograph (CXR) and CT scan are comparable.

Methods

Cases of pectus excavatum treated with the minimally invasive approach in the last year were prospectively collected. In patients for whom a preoperative CXR and CT scan were available, an index was measured using both imaging modalities and compared.

Results

Both preoperative imaging studies were available in 12 patients. The mean Haller indices on CT scan and CXR were 3.97 and 4.08, respectively. The Pearson correlation score between the 2 groups was 0.984.

Conclusions

We propose that the Haller index measured on CT scan be replaced by CXR measurement in asymptomatic patients in whom a chest CT scan is otherwise not necessary. This will limit radiation exposure to children. When in doubt, a CT scan of the chest can be used for the preoperative evaluation.     

Congenital spigelian hernias and cryptorchidism

Purpose

Spigelian hernias in childhood are rare. Only 24 infants in the English literature have been identified to have spigelian hernias, and 12 of these have been associated with cryptorchidism. Spigelian hernias are more commonly seen in the adult population and are considered to be acquired because they are typically associated with trauma or other etiologies of increased intraabdominal pressure. In the infant however, the etiology remains unclear, but a congenital defect in abdominal wall development is suspected.

Methods

We discuss the presentation and treatment of 4 additional patients with spigelian hernias (2 siblings included) associated with cryptorchidism.

Results

The hernias occurred within the well-described spigelian hernia belt in the semilunar line at the level of the semicircular fold of Douglas. Of the 6 repaired spigelian hernias, 5 were closed primarily with absorbable suture similar to previously reported cases; the sixth hernia required a patch closure because of its large size. All cryptorchid testes (7) were repaired in single-stage orchiopexies.

Conclusions

Spigelian hernias are rare entities in infants. We present 4 new cases of spigelian hernias associated with cryptorchidism and, with previously reported cases, discuss the probability of a congenital origin of these hernias in infants.     

Non-operative management of right side thoracoabdominal penetrating injuries—The value of testing chest tube effluent for bile

Introduction

While mandatory surgery for all thoracoabdominal penetrating injuries is advocated by some, the high rate of unnecessary operations challenges this approach. However, the consequences of intrathoracic bile remains poorly investigated. We sought to evaluate the outcome of patients who underwent non-operative management of right side thoracoabdominal (RST) penetrating trauma, and the levels of bilirubin obtained from those patients’ chest tube effluent.

Patients and methods

We managed non-operatively all stable patients with a single RST penetrating injury. Chest tube effluent samples were obtained six times within (4-8 h; 12-16 h; 20-24 h; 28-32 h; 36-40 h; 48 h and 72 h) of admission for bilirubin measurement and blood for complete blood count, bilirubin, alanine (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferases (AST) assays. For comparison we studied patients with single left thoracic penetrating injury.

Results

Forty-two patients with RST injuries were included. All had liver and lung injuries confirmed by CT scans. Only one patient failed non-operative management. Chest tube bilirubin peaked at 48 h post-trauma (mean 3.3 ± 4.1 mg/dL) and was always higher than both serum bilirubin (p < 0.05) and chest tube effluent from control group (27 patients with left side thoracic trauma). Serum ALT and AST were higher in RST injury patients (p < 0.05). One RST injury patient died of line sepsis.

Conclusion

Non-operative management of RST penetrating trauma appears to be safe. Bile originating from the liver injury reaches the right thoracic cavity but does not reflect the severity of that injury. The highest concentration was found in the patient failing non-operative management. The presence of intrathoracic bile in selected patients who sustain RST penetrating trauma, with liver injury, does not preclude non-operative management. Our study suggests that monitoring chest tube effluent bilirubin may provide helpful information when managing a patient non-operatively.     

Use of transanastomotic feeding tubes during esophageal atresia repair

Purpose

Esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) type C accounts for 85% of all EA. In our center, patients were previously started on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) postoperatively and oral feedings initiated only after a contrast esophagogram. Our aim is to assess the benefit of intraoperatively placed transanastomotic feeding tubes (TAFTs).

Methods

A 7-year retrospective review analyzed the outcomes of children with EATEF type C as they relate to the use of TAFT. Demographics, associated anomalies, operative findings, complications, duration of TPN, resumption of oral feeding, length of stay, and follow-up were examined.

Results

Twenty-one patients had EATEF type C. Eleven (55%) and 9 (45%) patients were identified as nonfeeding tube (NFT) and TAFT groups, respectively. There were no differences in gestational age, birth weight, associated anomalies, and interval to operative intervention or operative time. Excluding one patient with a severe cardiac malformation in the NFT group, there were no significant differences in anastomotic leak (8% vs 22%), stenosis (36% vs 22%), TPN duration (20 days vs 12 days), and cholestasis (36% vs 11%).

Conclusion

Transanastomotic feeding tube may lead to shorter TPN duration and decreased cholestasis, but a larger prospective study would be required to prove these benefits and ensure that it does not increase anastomotic leaks. This could be done through an expanded Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network study.     

Use of focused abdominal sonography for trauma at pediatric and adult trauma centers: a survey

Purpose

Focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) has been popularized for the initial evaluation of trauma patients. We sought to understand the scope of practice on a national level with specific attention to its use in the pediatric age group.

Methods

An electronic survey was sent to all American College of Surgeons level I trauma centers and the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions that were freestanding children's hospitals.

Results

The survey was emailed to 124 centers, and 98 (79%) completed the survey. Of the surveyed centers, 23% cared for adults only, 28% were freestanding children's hospitals, and 49% managed both. At adults-only institutions, 96% use FAST and at children's hospitals, only 15%; it is used at 85% of centers that care for both. For the centers that use FAST on children, 88% have no age limit. Of all the institutions that typically use FAST, the individual performing the examination could be a surgeon (73%), an emergency department doctor (48%), or a radiologist (3%). Of the centers that perform FAST, 51% bill for the FAST examination.

Conclusions

Adult hospitals are much more likely to perform FAST examinations in the trauma patient, and many adult centers routinely use FAST to examine pediatric patients.     

Resource utilization and its management in splenic trauma

Background

This study compared resource utilization and its management for splenic injury at 2 level-I trauma centers and a pediatric referral center with other facilities in a state currently developing a trauma system.

Methods

Management strategy, length of stay, and total charges for children were compared among the pediatric referral center, trauma centers, and other facilities. Adult management, length of stay, and total charges were compared between trauma centers and other facilities.

Results

Nonoperative management was more frequent in children at the pediatric referral center than trauma centers or other facilities and was more common in adults at trauma centers than at other facilities. Mean length of stay and total charges for children were significantly greater at the pediatric referral center and trauma centers than at other facilities and for adults at trauma centers than at other facilities. Facility type was associated with length of stay and total charges when injury type and severity were controlled.

Conclusions

Nonoperative management of splenic injury is more common at trauma centers, and splenic trauma management may be more costly at trauma centers.     

Use of a biodegradable patch for reconstruction of large thoracic cage defects in growing children

Background/Purpose

At our institution, procedures were developed to enlarge and stabilize the thoracic cavity of children born with severe-enough abnormalities of the thoracic cage as to result in lack of normal lung growth and function. In addition to the device known as the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR), some type of patch material was needed to cover large congenital defects of the chest cage owing to rib absence or to cover defects created because of the expansion process. Initially, synthetic material, polytetrafluorethylene (Gore-Tex, WL Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) was used, but this proved itself to be restrictive over time and required removal. Thus, a nonsynthetic biodegradable patch material was adopted for coverage of the defects (Surgisis, Cook, Bloomington, Ind).

Methods

From October 2001 through October 2004, 26 growing children undergoing thoracic cage reconstruction received the biodegradable extracellular matrix patch derived from porcine SIS (Cook). A patch was deemed necessary if any one of the following conditions was obtained: (a) herniation of the lung was likely; (b) chest wall musculature was significantly diminished; (c) injury to the lung was likely at reoperation; (d) the defect was greater than 2 × 2 cm.

Results

During the follow-up period, 41 months thus far, each of the 26 children has undergone routine, scheduled expansions or change-out procedures every 6 months. The SIS has not required removal for any reason and has not restricted growth of the thoracic cage.

Conclusions

Compared with synthetic soft tissue patch material, the nonsynthetic, biodegradable soft tissue patch (SIS) has proven to be a superior alternative, thus far, to others for use in our population of patients for reconstruction of the thoracic cage in the growing child.     

The use of the Cortrak Enteral Access System™ for post-pyloric (PP) feeding tube placement in a Burns Intensive Care Unit

Introduction

50% of critically ill patients fail to reach caloric targets with NG feeding. PP feeding may enhance caloric intake. PP feeding can be continued throughout theatre in patients with a secure airway. Blind PP tube placement is difficult. CEAS has been developed to assist tube placement and eliminate check X-rays of tube position.

Method

All BITU patients with CEAS PP feeding tube placement were identified. Notes and X-rays were reviewed. Tube position, calorie deficit and time off feed were recorded.

Results

44 tubes were placed in 21 patients using CEAS. 84% were PP, 16% NG. Position correlated to X-ray findings in 86%. In 16% position was NG on CEAS but was PP on X-ray. 10 patients required both CXR and AXR to confirm position, the remainder required CXR only. Time off feed varied from 0-24 h (mean 7.4 h). Calorie deficit ranged from 0-2465 kCal (mean 858 kCal). Average wait for X-ray was 3.4 h. If X-ray wait was eliminated calorie deficit would be reduced by 45% to 393 kCal.

Conclusion

The Cortrak system is safe and effective on BITU. It reduces calorie deficit, reduces X-ray exposure and is cost effective. We recommend its use on BITU.     

Tension gastrothorax

Background

Tension gastrothorax develops when the stomach herniated through a congenital diaphragmatic defect into the thorax is massively distended by trapped air. The authors present 5 cases and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Case Reports

Four children, aged 3, 4, 6, and 13 months, presented with progressive respiratory distress. In only 1 child was the diagnosis of tension gastrothorax established initially, and immediate insertion of a nasogastric tube led to complete resolution of respiratory distress symptoms. In the remaining 3 children, the initial chest radiograph was misread as tension pneumothorax. One of them developed cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated. In 2 patients, thoracostomy resulted in immediate respiratory improvement. Only on follow-up radiographic evaluation was diaphragmatic hernia with herniation of the stomach into the left hemithorax diagnosed. One child underwent diagnostic thoracoscopy revealing the correct diagnosis. All 4 children underwent uneventful repair of a classic Bochdalek hernia. The fifth child, aged 5 months, had sudden infant death. At autopsy tension gastrothorax was found.

Conclusion

Tension gastrothorax is a life-threatening condition leading to acute and severe respiratory distress. The condition exhibits distinct radiographic features. Emergency decompression of the distended stomach should first be attempted via nasogastric tube. If this maneuver fails, decompression must be achieved either by needle puncture or by chest tube insertion into the stomach.