Angiographic embolization in the treatment of arterial pelvic hemorrhage: evaluation of prognostic mortality-related factors

Purpose

The control of arterial bleeding associated with pelvic ring and acetabular fractures (PRAF) remains a challenge for emergency trauma care. The aim of the present study was to uncover early prognostic mortality-related factors in PRAF-related arterial bleedings treated with transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE).

Methods

Forty-nine PRAF patients (46 pelvic ring and three acetabular fractures) with arterial pelvic bleeding controlled with TAE (within 24 h) were evaluated.

Results

All large arterial disruptions (n = 7) were seen in type C pelvic ring injuries. The 30-day mortality in large vessel (iliac artery) bleeding was higher (57 %) than in medium- or small-size artery bleeding (24 %). Overall 30-day mortality was 29 %. No statistically significant difference in the first laboratory values between the survivors and nonsurvivors was found. However, after excluding patients dying of head injuries (n = 5), a reasonable cut-off value was identified for the base excess (BE; lower than ?10 mmol/l) obtained on admission.

Conclusions

PRAF patients with exsanguinating bleeding from the large pelvic artery have the worst prognosis. Very low BE values (<?10.0 mmol/l) on admission for exsanguinating patients have a negative predictive value for survival, thus anticipating a poor outcome in bleeding controlled with TAE only and an increased risk of death. In critical cases, an aggressive bleeding control protocol prompts extraperitoneal pelvic packing prior to TAE. PRAF-related rupture of the external iliac artery is rare and indicates surgical techniques in controlling and restoring blood supply to the lower leg.     

Detecting active pelvic arterial haemorrhage on admission following serious pelvic fracture in multiple trauma patients

Background

The early diagnosis of pelvic arterial haemorrhage is challenging for initiating treatment by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in multiple trauma patients. We use an institutional algorithm focusing on haemodynamic status on admission and on a whole-body CT scan in stabilized patients to screen patients requiring TAE. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of this approach.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 106 multiple trauma patients admitted to the emergency room with serious pelvic fracture [pelvic abbreviated injury scale (AIS) score of 3 or more].

Results

Of the 106 patients, 27 (25%) underwent pelvic angiography leading to TAE for active arterial haemorrhage in 24. The TAE procedure was successful within 3 h of arrival in 18 patients. In accordance with the algorithm, 10 patients were directly admitted to the angiography unit (n = 8) and/or operating room (n = 2) for uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock on admission. Of the remaining 96 stabilized patients, 20 had contrast media extravasation on pelvic CT scan that prompted pelvic angiography in 16 patients leading to TAE in 14. One patient underwent a pelvic angiography despite showing no contrast media extravasation on pelvic CT scan. All 17 stabilized patients who underwent pelvic angiography presented a more severely compromised haemodynamic status on admission, and they required more blood products during their initial management than the 79 patients who did not undergo pelvic angiography. The incidence of unstable pelvic fractures was however comparable between the two groups. Overall, haemodynamic instability and contrast media extravasation on the CT-scan identified 26 out of the 27 patients who required subsequent pelvic angiography leading to TAE in 24.

Conclusions

An algorithm focusing on haemodynamic status on arrival and on the whole-body CT scan in stabilized patients may be effective at triaging multiple trauma patients with serious pelvic fractures.     

Pelvic injuries in childhood and adolescence: Retrospective analysis of 5-year data from a national trauma centre

Background

Pelvic fractures are uncommon injuries in paediatric trauma patients because of specific anatomical features. Due to the low incidence there is no standardized therapeutic algorithm.

Material and methods

This retrospective review evaluates paediatric pelvic fractures of a Level I Trauma Centre over 5 years. In addition, we compared the data with adult pelvic fractures and reviewed the literature. A total of 37 pelvic fractures (??16 years) were documented, with an incidence of 9.9% in the child with multiple injuries. The most common injury mechanisms were traffic accidents, followed by falls from heights.

Results

Type A injuries occurred in 50% (type B: 16%, type C: 27%, acetabular injuries: 11%). Osteosynthesis was performed in nine cases. Therapeutic intervention was necessary in three cases of haemodynamically relevant bleeding; 97% of all children had associated injuries (mean ISS: 38).

Conclusion

Our data showed some differences to the literature. Pelvic fractures are predictors for high injury severity. Despite similar fracture pattern, in contrast to adults most injuries could be treated non-operatively. In unstable or dislocated fractures open reduction and stabilization must be performed.     

Control of severe hemorrhage using C-clamp and arterial embolization in hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic ring disruption

Introduction

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in patients with a pelvic fracture. The majority of blood loss derives from injured retroperitoneal veins and broad cancellous bone surfaces. The emergency management of multiply injured patients with pelvic ring disruption and severe hemorrhage remains controversial. Although it is well accepted that the displaced pelvic ring injury must be rapidly reduced and stabilized, the methods by which control of hemorrhagic shock is achieved remain under discussion. It has been proposed to exclusively use external pelvic ring stabilization for control of hemorrhage by producing a ‘tamponade effect’ of the pelvis. However, the frequency of clinically important arterial bleeding after external fixation of the pelvic ring remains unclear. We therefore undertook this retrospective review to attempt to answer this one important question: How frequently is arterial embolization necessary to control hemorrhage and restore hemodynamic stability after external pelvic ring fixation?

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective review of 55 consecutive patients who presented with unstable types B and C pelvic ring fractures. Those patients designated as being in hemorrhagic shock (defined as a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg after receiving 2 L of intravenous crystalloid) were treated by application of the pelvic C-clamp. Patients who remained in hemorrhagic shock, or were determined to be in severe shock (defined as mandatory catecholamines or more than 12 blood transfusions over 2 h), underwent therapeutic angiography within 24 h in order to control bleeding.

Results

Fourteen patients were identified as being hemodynamically unstable (ISS 30.1±11.3 points) and were treated with a C-clamp. In those patients with persistent hemodynamic instability, arterial embolization was performed. After C-clamp application, 5 of 14 patients required therapeutic angiography to control bleeding. Two patients died, one from multiple sources of bleeding and the other from an open pelvic fracture (total mortality 2/14, 14%).

Conclusions

Although the C-clamp is effective in controlling hemorrhage, one must be aware of the need for arterial embolization to restore hemodynamic stability in a select subgroup of patients.

     

Polytrauma mit Beckenfraktur und schwerem Thoraxtrauma

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the surgical timing in patients with pelvic fractures and severe chest trauma on the clinical course, especially on postoperative lung function.

Methods

A total of 47 patients were included in a prospective dual observational study. The study investigated the clinical course depending on the time of operation based on the functional lung parameters, SAPS II, SOFA and total hospital stay.

Results

The average ISS was 32±6, PTS was 34±11 and TTSS was 9±3 points. The pelvic fractures were stabilized definitively after an average of 7±2 days. The early stabilization correlated significantly with a lower TTSS and SAPS II on admission (p<0.05), shorter time of ventilation (p<0.05) and stay in the intensive care unit (p<0.01) as well as the decreased need for packed red blood cells (p<0.01).

Conclusions

In this study patients with pelvic fractures and thoracic trauma benefited positively from an earlier definitive pelvic fracture stabilization with respect to a shorter time of ventilation and stay in the intensive care unit due to a lower need for red cell concentrates.     

Risk factors for liver abscess formation in patients with blunt hepatic injury after non-operative management

Purpose

To identify risk factors for liver abscess formation in patients with blunt hepatic injury who underwent non-operative management (NOM).

Methods

From January 2004 to October 2008, retrospective data were collected from a single level I trauma center. Clinical data, hospital course, and outcome were all extracted from patient medical records for further analysis.

Results

A total of 358 patients were enrolled for analysis. There were 13 patients with liver abscess after blunt hepatic injury. Patients with abscess had a significant increase in glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT, p = 0.006) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT, p < 0.0001), and a decrease in arterial blood pH (p = 0.023) compared to patients without abscess in the univariate analyses. In addition, high-grade hepatic injury and transarterial embolization (TAE, p < 0.001) were also risk factors for liver abscess formation. Five factors (GOT, GPT, pH level in the arterial blood sample, TAE, and high-grade hepatic injury) were included in the multivariate analysis. TAE, high-grade hepatic injury, and GPT level were statistically significant. The odds ratios of TAE and high-grade hepatic injury were 15.41 and 16.08, respectively. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used for GPT, and it suggested cutoff values of 372.5 U/L. A prediction model based on the ROC analysis had 100 % sensitivity and 86.7 % specificity to predict liver abscess formation in patients with two of the three independent risk factors.

Conclusions

TAE, high-grade hepatic injury, and a high GPT level are independent risk factors for liver abscess formation.     

Letalit?t und Outcome beim Mehrfachverletzten nach schwerem Abdominal- und Beckentrauma

Background

Uncontrollable hemorrhaging after blunt trauma and the resulting hemorrhagic shock is still one of the main causes of death in trauma patients. Starting volume replacement before admission to hospital is one of the main pillars of immediate treatment. The statements concerning the quantity of the preclinically administered fluid are still controversial and have a low level of evidence in the literature. Massive abdominal trauma and unstable pelvic fractures belong to the most relevant causes of hemorrhagic shock. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the quantity of the preclinically administered fluid on the posttraumatic course of patients with massive abdominal and pelvic injuries.

Patients and methods

All patients of the trauma registry of the DGU (German Society for Trauma Surgery) who met the following criteria were included: injury severity score ??16 points, primary admission to hospital, age ??16 years, initial blood pressure <100?mmHg and transfusion of erythrocyte concentrate (EC). Out of this collective patients with an AIS abdomen ??4 or an AIS pelvis ??4 were analyzed. Both groups were divided into 4 subgroups subject to the preclinically infused volume (<1000?ml, 1000?C2000?ml, 2001?C3000?ml and >3000?ml).

Results

Of the 375?patients with abdominal trauma and 229?patients with pelvic trauma were consistent with the inclusion criteria. In both groups an increasing volume replacement was associated with an increased need for transfusion and a reduction of the coagulation ability (Quick 61% in the case of <1000?ml versus 49.1% in the case of >3000?ml). The rescue time had a relevant influence on the quantity of preclinically infused volume (62?min for <1000?ml versus 88?min for >3000?ml). On admission to hospital the blood pressure values were on average the same in all patients (~ 95?mmHg). With an increasing volume a slight elevation of lethality was found as well as a significant increase of the transfused erythrocyte concentrates, a significant deterioration of coagulation and an increase of patients with mass transfusions.

Conclusion

In the case of a preclinical relevant bleeding after blunt pelvic or abdominal trauma moderate volume replacement (<1000?ml) results in an enhancement of the initial coagulation situation and in a reduction in the need for transfusion. The results of this study support the concept of a restrained volume therapy after massive trauma with and bleeding requiring transfusion.     

Complications after transcatheter arterial embolization for pelvic trauma: relationship to level and laterality of embolization

Purpose

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is commonly used to control hemorrhage after pelvic trauma. Despite the procedures reported safety, there can be severe complications, mostly related to ischemia of embolized tissues. Our purpose was to examine the complications of trauma patients resulting from the embolization techniques utilized at our level 1 trauma center.

Materials and methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted. One hundred and seven patients who underwent pelvic embolization between January 2003 and December 2013 were included. Patient demographics, ISS, angiography techniques, and major complications including gluteal and skin necrosis, wound breakdown, and deep infection were compared.

Results

Nine patients (8.4 %) developed major complications after undergoing TAE. This rate dropped to 5.1 % after exclusion of patients with Morel-Lavallee lesions. Nonselective embolization trended toward a higher complication rate compared to superselective embolization. Patients who developed complications were more likely to have undergone pelvic surgery.

Conclusion

The majority of patients who developed complications had nonselective TAE. Morel-Lavallee lesions are a confounding factor, but TAE may impose an additional risk. Pelvic surgery after TAE may further predispose patients to complications. We recommend superselective embolization as first-line treatment and caution the use of prophylactic embolization, especially in patients with substantial pelvic soft tissue injuries.

     

Bildgebung im Schockraum

Background

Successful emergency room management requires an interdisciplinary approach of a team of anesthesiologists, surgeons, and radiologists. Modern multidetector computed tomography (CT) scan systems have become the centerpiece in the radiological diagnosis and allow the body of multiply injured patients to be examined in the shortest possible time

Method

Research and analysis of the current literature.

Results and conclusions

Sonographic examination of the abdomen according to the FAST protocol (“focussed assessment with sonography for trauma”) has the main objective to detect free intra-abdominal fluid and remains of high relevance in the emergency room algorithm despite the outstanding sensitivity and specificity of CT diagnosis. Likewise, the conventional imaging of the chest and pelvis remains of high importance in the management concept of severely injured patients, mainly due to its rapid availability. Interventional radiology has become an integral part in the management of trauma patients and is mainly used in injury patterns such as pelvic fractures, vertebral body fractures or lacerations of large arterial vessels. In these instances, the main tool is a diagnostic angiography and, if required, subsequent embolization or stent implantation. The temporary balloon occlusion of the infrarenal abdominal aorta or the internal iliac artery is considered as the last therapeutic option in uncontrollable bleeding in pelvic ring fractures and lower extremity injuries.     

Alternative treatment of forearm double fractures: new design intramedullary nail

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the results of intramedullary nail treatment in surgical treatment of adult displaced radius and ulna diaphyseal fractures.

Patients and methods

Eighteen patients (36 forearm fractures) who underwent intramedullary nail treatment due to radius and ulna fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Adult patients with displaced forearm double fractures were included in this study. Patients with open physeal lines, pathological fractures, Monteggia and Galeazzi fractures, distal radioulnar joint instability, bilateral fractures and bone loss were excluded.

Results

Thirteen patients were male (72.2 %) and five were female (27.8 %). Average age of the patients was 35.16 (18–63). Twelve patients (66.7 %) suffered right and six patients (33.3 %) left forearm fractures. Average follow-up period was 77.7 (55–162) weeks, average bleeding amount was 51.11 (15–100) ml, average time to bone union was 11.3 (8–20) weeks, average surgery time was 61.94 (45–80) min and average fluoroscopy time was approximately 2 (1–5) min. According to Grace-Eversman criteria, results were excellent in 14 (77.8 %) patients, good in 3 (16.8 %) and acceptable in 1 (5.6 %). Average DASH questionnaire score was 15.15 (4–38.8). There was no iatrogenic vascular, neural and bone injury during surgery. There was late rupture of extensor pollicis longus tendon in one patient, 4 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Intramedullary fixation method has advantages, such as closed application, short surgery period, good cosmetic results and early return to movement. We think intramedullary fixation method may be used as an alternative treatment method to plate osteosynthesis in surgical treatment of radius and ulna diaphyseal fractures.     

Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Arterial Bleeding After Radical Gastrectomy: a Retrospective Analysis of 1875 Consecutive Resections for Gastric Cancer

Background

Massive abdominal arterial bleeding is an uncommon yet life-threatening complication of radical gastrectomy. The exact incidence and standardized management of this lethal morbidity are not known.

Methods

Between January 2003 and December 2013, data from 1875 patients undergoing radical gastrectomy with D2 or D2 plus lymphadenectomy were recorded in a prospectively designed database from a single institute. The clinical data and management of both early (within 24 h) and late (beyond 24 h) postoperative abdominal arterial hemorrhages were explored. For late bleeding patients, transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and re-laparotomy were compared to determine the better initial treatment option.

Results

The overall prevalence of postoperative abdominal arterial bleeding was 1.92 % (n?=?36), and related mortality was 33.3 % (n?=?12). Early and late postoperative bleedings were found in 6 and 30 patients, respectively. The onset of massive arterial bleeding occurred on average postoperative day 19. The common hepatic artery and its branches were the most common bleeding source (13/36; 36.1 %). All the early bleeding patients were treated with immediate re-laparotomy. For late bleeding, patients from the TAE group had a significantly lower mortality rate than that of the patients from the surgery group (7.69 vs. 56.25 %, respectively, P?=?0.008) as well as a shorter procedure time for bleeding control (2.3?±?1.1 vs. 4.8?±?1.7 h, respectively, P?<?0.001). Four rescue reoperations were performed for TAE failures; the salvage rate was 50 % (2/4). Ten patients developed massive re-bleeding after initial successful hemostasis by either TAE (5/13) or open surgery (5/16). Three out of the 10 re-bleeding patients died of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), while the other 7 recovered eventually by repeated TAE and/or surgery.

Conclusion

Abdominal arterial bleeding following radical gastrectomy tends to occur during the later phase after surgery, with further complications such as abdominal infection and fistula(s). For late bleeding, TAE can be considered as the first-line treatment when possible.

     

The incidence and the risk factors of venous thromboembolism in Korean patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures

Background

Pelvic ring and acetabular fractures are the results of high energy trauma, but there is a paucity of information available regarding the incidence and risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after these injuries in Asians. This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of VTE after a pelvic or an acetabular fracture and to identify predictive factors.

Methods

A prospective evaluation was performed by indirect computed tomography (CT) venography in patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures. Ninety-five patients were examined by indirect CT venography. Fifty-five patients suffered from a pelvic ring injury (anteroposterior compression 5, lateral compression 25, vertical shear 25), and the remaining 40 from acetabular fractures (simple 18, complex 22). Indirect CT venography was performed within 1–2 weeks of initial trauma. Relationships between VTE and sex, age, fracture pattern, body mass index, injury severity score, period of immobilization, and need for surgical treatment were analyzed. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a more proximal to popliteal vein and the existence of PE were considered clinically significant.

Results

Thirty-two patients (33.7 %) were found to have VTE at an average of 11 days after initial injury. Clinically significant DVT was found 20 cases (21.1 %). No statistical difference was found between pelvic ring injuries and acetabular fractures with respect to the development of VTE. For those with pelvic ring injury, the incidence of VTE in those with a vertical shear injury (52 %) was significantly greater than in others with a pelvic ring injury (p = 0.014). Patients with an age >50 were found to be at greater risk of VTE (p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that Korean patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures have a higher risk of VTE than is generally believed, and caution should be taken to prevent and treat VTE, especially in high energy pelvic ring injury and elderly patients.     

Results of Non-operative Therapy for Delayed Hemorrhage after Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Introduction

Hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy is a life-threatening complication, which occurs in 4% to 16% of cases, even in experienced centers. Many diagnostic and therapeutic options exist but no one has yet established management guidelines. This study aimed to determine the role of conservative management in delayed hemorrhage.

Patients and methods

From January 2005 to August 2008, 87 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at our center. We reviewed, retrospectively, the medical charts of all patients who had experienced postoperative hemorrhage.

Results and discussion

Early hemorrhage occurred in one patient, who underwent successful reoperation. Nine patients presented with delayed hemorrhage (10.3%), including three with sentinel bleeding. Mean onset was 20 days post-surgery. We used the same initial management for each patient: all had an urgent contrast computed tomography scan. In every case, the bleeding site was arterial. Conservative treatment (embolization or covered stent) was successful in every case. We reoperated on two patients for gastrointestinal perforation, at 9 days and 2 months after embolization, respectively. We transferred seven patients to an intensive care unit, with an average stay of 8 days. Mean hospital stay was 43 days (33–60). All patients survived.

Conclusion

Conservative management, combining endovascular procedures and aggressive resuscitation, is appropriate for most cases of delayed hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy.     

The usefulness of transcatheter arterial embolization for patients with blunt polytrauma showing transient response to fluid resuscitation

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine whether nonsurgical management using transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is safe for patients with blunt multiple trauma who transiently respond to the initial fluid resuscitation. METHODS: Contrast computed tomography was performed for patients with blunt abdominal injuries, excluding those who did not respond to initial fluid resuscitation. Angiography was performed for patients with injuries showing contrast extravasation or solid organ injury classified, according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, as grade 3 or higher on computed tomography. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed when angiography showed arterial extravasation. The protocol was abandoned for any patients who became profoundly hypotensive (with systolic blood pressure 60 mm Hg or lower) during computed tomography or angiography. RESULTS: Between January 2000 and December 2002, 269 patients with blunt abdominal injuries underwent TAE immediately after admission. Of these patients, 41 had injuries in at least two regions and underwent TAE for these regions. Among them, 22 patients were hemodynamically stable or showed rapid response to fluid resuscitation. The nonsurgical treatment was successful in all these cases. The remaining 19 patients (Injury Severity Score, 37.3 +/- 8.2), who showed a transient response, were the subjects of this study. Of these patients, 15 underwent TAE for injuries in two regions (13 pelvic fractures, 7 splenic injuries, 6 hepatic injuries, 3 facial bleeding, and 1 renal injury), and 4 patients underwent TAE for injuries in three regions (4 had splenic injuries, 3 hepatic injuries, 2 renal injuries, 2 pelvic fractures, and 1 facial bleeding). For all these patients, TAE was successfully performed. Before TAE, the systolic blood pressure was 79.9 +/- 8.4 mm Hg, and the shock index was 1.45 +/- 0.25 mm Hg. After TAE, the corresponding values were 120.6 +/- 19.3 mm Hg and 0.87 +/- 0.16 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.001). The rate of fluid administration required after TAE (214.2 +/- 139.3 mL/hour) was significantly less than that required before TAE (1244.2 +/- 347.1 mL/hour; range, 632-1,728 mL/hour) (p < 0.001). The deaths of two patients were classified as nonpreventable on the basis of the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS), and their respective probabilities of survival were determined to be 0.13 and 0.03. CONCLUSION: Nonsurgical management using TAE can be performed safely even for patients with blunt multiple trauma who are in hemorrhagic hypotension if their hemodynamics are improved by resuscitation with 2 L of fluid.     

A protocol for angiographic embolization in exsanguinating pelvic trauma: A report on 31 patients

Background?The indication for acquiring angiographic embolization in the initial treatment of severe pelvic fractures is controversial. We describe the characteristics and outcome of 31 patients with traumatic pelvic bleeding who underwent percutaneous angiography with embolization according to a standardized protocol.

Patients and methods?During an 8.5-year period, 1,260 patients were treated for pelvic trauma. We performed a prospective registration of the 46 patients who underwent angiography, and report the 31 patients who had signs of significant arterial injury on angiography, necessitating embolization.

Results?The rate of significant arterial injury after pelvic trauma was 2.5%. All patients had been subjected to high-energy injuries and all were severely injured as measured by the Injury Severity Score: 41 (17–66). Pelvic arterial injury was observed with all types of pelvic trauma, including isolated acetabular (4/31) and sacral fractures (3/31). The internal iliac artery or its branches was injured in 28 of 31 patients. Survival rate after embolization was 84%, and correlated inversely with increasing patient age. None of the patients died of bleeding.

Interpretation?Our findings show that significant pelvic arterial injuries occur in a minority of patients after pelvic trauma, and predominantly affect patients with multiple high-energy injuries regardless of fracture type. The effect of angiographic embolization was good.     

Insuffizienzfrakturen des Beckenrings

Background

The changing age distribution in our society inevitably also leads to an increase in age-specific injuries. As a result, the percentage of osteoporotic and fatigue fractures and the absolute number of insufficiency fractures of the pelvic ring are increasing.

Causes of pelvic ring fractures

While pelvic ring injuries in younger patients are mainly caused by high velocity accidents, the reason for pelvic fractures in elderly patients is often a trivial fall to the floor or even no impact at all. These kinds of injuries are consequently assessed as insufficiency fractures.

Diagnosis and therapy

Conventional x-rays of the pelvic ring are frequently not able to reveal the injury; therefore, additional diagnostic methods (e.g., CT scan or even MRI) are recommended. The established classifications for pelvic ring fractures do not sufficiently reflect the complexity of these injuries. Therapy must be chosen based on the general condition and living environment of the elderly patient. Reduced bone quality leads to problems with implants such as early loosening of conventional screws and must be considered when planning operative stabilization.     

Massive haemorrhage following minimally displaced pubic ramus fractures

Background

Fractures of the pubic rami are the most frequent osteoporotic pelvic fracture. Although generally innocuous, epidemiologic research demonstrated a decreased survival in patients with pubic rami fractures compared to healthy controls. Sporadic cases of potentially lethal bleedings have been reported. The aim of this study was to report a consecutive series and review of the literature of patients with severe bleeding following minimally displaced pubic ramus fractures.

Materials and methods

We report on four cases who presented at our emergency department in 2012 and 2013. A systematic review was performed to find other cases of pubic ramus fracture with severe bleeding from the literature.

Results

Four elderly patients presented with severe bleeding following os pubis fracture after trivial falls from ground level. Successful arterial embolisation was performed in two cases. These patients were discharged in good clinical condition. Two other patients were refrained from further treatment due to a pre-existing poor prognosis. Twenty-two additional cases were found in the literature. Successful arterial embolisation was performed in 20 cases, of whom 17 survived.

Conclusions

Severe bleeding, mostly secondary to corona mortis avulsions, is a rare but potentially lethal complication of pubic ramus fractures. Physicians should be aware of this complication and actively look for symptoms of bleeding. Super-selective arterial embolisation seems safe and highly effective to control bleeding secondary to pubis rami fractures in elderly patients.     

Vaginalprolaps und Defäkationsobstruktion

Background

Stool outlet obstruction with incomplete or complete rectal prolapse combined with vaginal vault prolapse is a severe form of pelvic floor insufficiency. Combining laparoscopic resection rectopexy with a vaginal vault mesh colpo suspension is a possible way of correcting this defect.

Method

The safety of the combination was evaluated in 18 patients.

Results

The procedure was performed successfully with no complications in 16 of the 18 patients. One patient suffered intraoperative rectal injury and therefore received no polypropylene mesh, and one showed intraoperative bleeding requiring transfusion. No secondary surgery was required. Hospital stay lasted an average of 11.4 days (range 8–20) and the urinary catheters could be removed after an average of 4.3 days (range 2–10). No urinary disturbances were noted at the time of hospital release. Short-term mild fever appeared in 28% of cases (5/18). There were two urinary tract infections. No disturbance in healing and no anastomotic insufficiency were observed. The duration of postoperative antibiotic therapy averaged 3 days (range 0–8).

Conclusion

The combination of laparoscopic resection rectopexy with a vaginal vault mesh colpo suspension might be safe. The close contact between the mesh and anastomosis might induce no increase in insufficiency. Long-term outcome must still be evaluated.     

The clinical outcomes of early internal fixation for undisplaced femoral neck fractures and early full weight-bearing in elderly patients

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of early internal fixation for undisplaced femoral neck fractures and early full weight-bearing in patients aged 65 years and older.

Patients and methods

The records of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for undisplaced femoral neck fractures between 1999 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients underwent the surgery as early as possible, and allowed early full weight-bearing. The interval between initial injury and surgery, time to admission and operation, operation time, decrease in hemoglobin, the postoperative day starting to walk, postoperative walking status, and the incidence of any secondary procedures were evaluated. The average patient age was 77.5 years and the average duration of postoperative follow-up was 46.8 months. The patients were divided to two groups to determine the effect of early operation: the early operation group within 24 h on admission, and the late operation group done 24 h after admission.

Results

Eighty-six percent of surgeries were performed within 48 h of admission. The average operation time was 46 min (range 20–95 min). Transfusions were performed in 6.9 % (4/58) of patients. The mortality rate was 6.9 %, and the rate of complications was 9.3 % (5/54): four cases of avascular necrosis (AVN) and one case of fixation failure. The rate of secondary procedures was 7.4 % (4/54). Seventy-two percent (39/54) of patients recovered their postoperative walking ability to pre-injury levels.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that early internal fixation of undisplaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients produced satisfactory clinical outcomes.