Blunt tracheobronchial injuries: treatment and outcomes

Background. Tracheobronchial injury is a recognized, yet uncommon, result of blunt trauma to the thorax. Often the diagnosis and treatment are delayed, resulting in attempted surgical repair months or even years after the injury. This report is an extensive review of the literature on tracheobronchial ruptures that examines outcomes and their association with the time from injury to diagnosis.

Methods. We reviewed all patients with blunt tracheobronchial injuries published in the literature to determine the anatomic location of the injury, mechanism of the injury, time until diagnosis and treatment, and outcome. Only patients with blunt intrathoracic tracheobronchial traumas were included.

Results. We identified 265 patients reported between 1873 and 1996. Motor vehicle accidents were the most frequent mechanism of injury (59%). The overall mortality among reported patients has declined from 36% before 1950 to 9% since 1970. The injury occurred within 2 cm of the carina in 76% of patients, and 43% occurred within the first 2 cm of the right main bronchus. The proximity of the injury to the carina had no detectable effect on mortality. Injuries on the right side were treated sooner but were associated with a higher mortality than left-sided injuries. No association was detected between delay in treatment and successful repair of the injury; ninety percent of patients undergoing treatment more than 1 year after injury were repaired successfully.

Conclusions. This review of patients with blunt tracheobronchial injuries represents the largest cohort studied to date. These data suggest an ability to repair tracheobronchial injuries successfully many months after they occur. We are also able to assess the mortality associated with the location and side of injury, examine the time from injury until diagnosis and treatment, and evaluate treatment outcome.     

Reconstructive surgery in tracheobronchial injuries

The cause of traumatic tracheobronchial lesions are ruptures as result of blunt trauma, penetrating injuries, iatrogenic manipulations and aspirated fixed foreign bodies. Such lesions are relatively rare. Tracheobronchial lesions with clinical relevance were detected in an acceptable time after the trauma. Emergency tracheobronchoscopy is of great importance for the diagnosis. In the most of patients with bronchial ruptures we have been able to avoid a lung resection by the early operation with direct suture.     

Intrathoracic tracheobronchial injuries in childhood

Trauma to the intrathoracic tracheobronchial tree is a rare but usually fatal injury. Patients with pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, and a history of blunt or penetrating injury to the lower neck or chest must undergo early bronchoscopy to evaluate the lower airway. Thoracotomy should be performed as soon as the patient's condition allows an attempt at primary repair. The diagnosis is frequently missed because it is so uncommon and its symptoms may resolve after chest tube drainage of the pneumothorax. Airway stenosis or occlusion usually follows. Still, local resection of the stricture and reanastomosis frequently result in recovery of lung function. Neglected cases complicated by infection usually require lung resection.     

Surgical treatment for traumatic tracheobronchial injuries

Tracheobronchial injury is a relatively rare but often fatal condition due to the injury from the neck to the chest. Different clinical features depend on the site of injury. We experienced 5 cases of tracheobronchial injury; cervical trachea in 2, thoracic trachea in 1, tracheal carina in 1, left main bronchus in 1. Three cases were caused by blunt trauma by traffic accident and 2 cases were due to penetrating injury (stab wound and gunshot wound). Thoracotomy with primary repair for 3 (simple repair, bronchoplasty, pneumonectomy) and cervicotomy for 2 (end-to-end anastomosis) were performed. One patient with severe associated injury died of multiple organ failure after surgery. Accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment in the early stage is essential in the treatment of tracheobronchial injury.     

Surgical treatment of post-traumatic tracheobronchial injuries: 14-year experience

Objective: Tracheobronchial injuries have different clinical pictures and high mortality unless aggressive treatment is used. We reviewed our surgical experience. Methods: The records of 32 patients from 1988 to 2002 were reviewed. Mean age was 22.3 years (range: 4–53). Three patients were female. Prominent symptoms were dyspnea, subcutaneous air and pneumothorax in chest X-rays. Associated injuries were seen in 22 patients (68.7%): most frequently in the lung parenchyma (11 patients) and esophagus (seven patients). Bronchoscopic detection of a rupture of the trachea or bronchus was the main indication for surgery. Results: Nineteen injuries (59%) were penetrating and 13 blunt (41%). The most common presenting sign of airway disruption was subcutaneous emphysema (25%) and stridor (22%). Of the 32 patients, 22 underwent bronchoscopic examination. Bronchography was used in three patients admitted during the late period. Surgical morbidity was 19.3%. Seven patients died (21.8%), of whom six had been operated on. In operations performed during the first 2 h of trauma, no mortality occurred. There were associated injuries in 100% of patients that died and in 60% of those that survived. The proportion (100 vs. 24%) and duration (2.8 vs. 11.6 days) of ventilatory support were lower in patients that survived than in those that died. Mean injury severity score of patients that died was 34.7±8.8 while it was 24.3±8.6 in those that survived. Tracheal stenosis developed in three patients (9.3%). Conclusion: In civilian life, tracheobronchial injuries occur relatively rarely. Early diagnosis and operative intervention save lives. Associated injury is an important mortality factor.     

Diagnosis and management of major tracheobronchial injuries

From 1968 to 1978, 14 patients were treated for major tracheal or bronchial injury. Five injuries resulted from blunt trauma and nine from penetrating injury. Of the 5 patients with injury due to blunt trauma, three had avulsions of the right main bronchus from the trachea. In 2 of them, the injury was associated with stellate tears of the distal trachea and bronchus. The simple avulsion was repaired by a primary anastomosis of the right main bronchus to the distal trachea. For the other 2 patients, treatment consisted of right pneumonectomy. The remaining 2 patients in this group had complete transection of the trachea and underwent primary repair. Of the 9 patients with a penetrating injury, 4 had lacerations of the cervical trachea which were treated with neck exploration and tracheostomy. Three patients with partial transections of the cervical or upper mediastinal trachea were treated by primary closure. The other 2 patients had gunshot wounds to the distal right lateral trachea, which were treated by right thoracotomy and primary closure. There were no deaths, and the subsequent course was generally good in all patients.     

Outcome for malignant tracheobronchial stenoses in esophageal cancer

OBJECTIVE: Optimal tracheobronchial stenosis treatment in esophageal cancer remains a clinical challenge. METHODS: Subjects were 26 patients with tracheobronchial stenosis due to esophageal cancer treated by modalities such as expandable metallic stent emplacement, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. We assessed patient outcome and modality efficacy, and determined prognostic factors for survival using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of the 26, 16 (61%) had improved respiration after treatment. Average posttreatment survival was 140 days (10-1550 days). Multivariate analysis indicated that a Karnofsky performance score of > or = 70% was the most significant prognostic factor, with chemotherapy and laser therapy also significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: Although individual modalities were effective in ameliorating respiratory symptoms, patients with good performance status survived the longest. After a tracheobronchial stenosis diagnosis in esophageal cancer patients, chemotherapy and laser therapy are recommended if the patient is in good general condition.     

Outcomes of surgical management of tracheobronchial injuries a case series from a developing country

Objective: Tracheobronchial injuries are defined as injuries involving the trachea and/or bronchi from the level of the cricoid cartilage extending up to the division of the bronchi. We present a case series with most of the tracheobronchial injuries found to be sustained after penetrating trauma.Methods: A retrospective review was performed at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. From January 2004to December 2009, 168 patients with thoracic trauma were treated, of whom 15 were recognized to have major tracheobronchial and pulmonary injuries.Results: The average age was 31 years with most of the patients being male (14:1). Among them,11 patients had penetrating trauma as the main cause of injury, 3 patients had blunt trauma from road traffic accidents, only 1 patient had combined trauma (blunt and penetrating trauma). Eight patients were diagnosed based on radiological findings. All the patients were treated surgically. Lobectomy was the most common intervention performed in 7 patients. The mortality rate was 7% (1 patient). Most patients survived with no sequelae (10 patients) while 5 survived with disability. We found that penetrating trauma was the leading cause of injury in our series. The severity of injury depends upon the weapon causing the trauma. Patients in our series had multiple injuries and required surgical management.Conclusions: Tracheobronchial injuries are rare but potentially life threatening. They require quick diagnosis and management. Diagnosis tends to be difficult since there are no specialised diagnostic modalities available at present.     

Outcome of penetrating intracranial injuries in a military setting

Background

Penetrating intracranial injuries are common in the deployed military medical environment. Early assessment of prognosis includes initial conscious level. There has been no previous identification of different outcomes depending on mechanism of penetrating injury. The aim of this study was to define outcome from penetrating head injury in our population, and to compare outcome between gunshot wound (GSW) and blast fragment injury, in order to detect a difference in survival.

Methods

A retrospective database review was undertaken using the UK Joint Theatre Trauma Registry (JTTR) between the dates 2003 and 2011 to identify all cases of penetrating head injury. Data collected included mechanism of injury, first recorded GCS, injury severity score (ISS), abbreviated injury scale (AIS) head score, concomitant extracranial injury, surgical intervention, hospital length of stay, and survival.

Results

813 patients sustained a penetrating head injury, of whom 625 were injured by blast fragmentation and 188 were injured by GSW; overall 336 patients (41.3%) died. There was a significant difference between survival from GSW (41.5%) and blast fragment (63.8%; p < 0.001). In addition, the GCS in patients injured by GSW was significantly lower than that in patients injured by blast fragment. 157 cases sustained isolated head injury (79 GSW, 78 blast). The difference in injury severity between these groups was marked; median AIS was higher in the GSW group, survival lower (42% vs. 88%; p < 0.001) and distribution of GCS categories less favourable (p < 0.001). 338 of 343 patients (98.5%) with a best recorded GCS > 5, survived to discharge.

Conclusion

Most patients who present following penetrating intracranial injury, who have a GCS > 5, survive to discharge. There is a significant difference in survival to hospital discharge following penetrating injury caused by blast fragment compared to those caused by GSW, partly attributable to a difference in injury severity. This is the first study to specifically highlight and define this difference.     

Outcome after major renovascular injuries: a Western trauma association multicenter report

BACKGROUND: Major renal vascular injuries are uncommon and are frequently associated with a poor outcome. In addition to renal dysfunction, posttraumatic renovascular hypertension may result, although the true incidence of this complication is unknown. The objective of this study was to describe the factors contributing to outcome after major renovascular trauma. We hypothesized that the highest percentage of renal salvage would be achieved by minimizing the time from injury to repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review over a 16-year period conducted at six university trauma centers of patients with American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade IV/V renal injuries surviving longer than 24 hours. Postinjury renal function with poor outcome was defined as renal failure requiring dialysis, serum creatinine greater than or equal to 2 mg/dL, renal scan showing less than 25% function of the injured kidney, postinjury hypertension requiring treatment, or delayed nephrectomy. Data collected for analysis included demographics, mechanism of injury, presence of shock, presence of hematuria, associated injuries, type of renal injury (major artery, renal vein, segmental artery), type of repair (primary vascular repair, revascularization, observation, nephrectomy), time from injury to definitive renal surgery, and type of surgeon performing the operation (urologist, vascular surgeon, trauma surgeon). RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients met inclusion criteria; 49% were injured from blunt mechanisms. Patients with blunt injuries were 2.29 times more likely to have a poor outcome compared with those with penetrating injuries. Similarly, the odds ratio of having a poor outcome with a grade V injury (n = 32) versus grade IV (n = 57) was 2.2 (p = 0.085). Arterial repairs had significantly worse outcomes than vein repairs (p = 0.005). Neither the time to definitive surgery nor the operating surgeon's specialty significantly affected outcome. Ten percent (nine patients) developed hypertension or renal failure postoperatively: three had immediate nephrectomies, four had arterial repairs with one intraoperative failure requiring nephrectomy, and two were observed. Of the 20 good outcomes for grade V injuries, 15 had immediate nephrectomy, 1 had a renal artery repair, 1 had a bypass graft, 1 underwent a partial nephrectomy, and 2 were observed. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with a poor outcome following renovascular injuries include blunt trauma, the presence of a grade V injury, and an attempted arterial repair. Patients with blunt major vascular injuries (grade V) are likely to have associated major parenchymal disruption, which contributes to the poor function of the revascularized kidney. These patients may be best served by immediate nephrectomy, provided that there is a functioning contralateral kidney.     

Outcome of distal tibial physeal injuries

In a retrospective review of 725 children's tibial fractures between 1990 and 2004, we found paediatric tibial fractures to have a bimodal distribution according to age, peaking at the age 14 years with incidence of 17.1 in 1000 in boys and 5.1 in 1000 in girls. Two hundred and twenty-five (31.0%) cases involved the distal tibial physis, associated with Salter-Harris (SH) I (0.4%), SH II (56.9%), SH III (21.7%) and SH IV (20%) injury patterns. Of these fractures, 77% had initial displacement of more than 2 mm and independent of treatment modality, 20% of cases still had residual displacement of more than 2 mm after reduction. There was significantly less residual displacement in patients who had a computed tomography scan before the intervention versus those who did not (0.3 vs. 1.4 mm, P=0.003). Twelve cases (11.2%) of premature physeal closure were identified after SH II (67%), SH III (17%) and SH IV (17%) fractures. No significant link was found between premature physeal closure and displacement (either initial or residual), mechanism of injury, or treatment modality. In those fractures with an intact fibula, we found significantly less initial displacement (4.7 vs. 7.4 mm, P<0.05) and significantly shorter time to union (6.27 vs. 7.55 weeks, P=0.001). Good anatomical reduction with or without open reduction and internal fixation is one of the important factors in reducing complication rates, and we suggest but cannot statistically prove that open reduction and internal fixation is indicated in fractures with a residual displacement of 2 mm or more. The presence of an intact fibula at the time of tibial fracture has a significant positive influence on fracture outcome. Level III: Retrospective Review.     

Outcome of major cardiac injuries at a Canadian trauma center

Background  

Canadian trauma units have relatively little experience with major cardiac trauma (disruption of a cardiac chamber) so injury outcome may not be comparable to that reported from other countries. We compared our outcomes to those of other centers.     

Ring injuries of the finger: long-term follow-up

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to report on the injury patterns and outcomes of a series of patients treated at our institution between the years 1983 and 2010 who were injured by rings worn on their finger. The series included typical ring avulsion injuries as well as all other injuries caused by rings.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was conducted on 33 patients with ring injuries treated by the senior author and colleagues. Eight cases were classified as Urbaniak class I, 13 class II, and 12 class III.

Results

Satisfactory finger motion occurred with salvage of fingers in which no damage occurred to the proximal phalanx or flexor digitorum sublimus or profundus tendons. All patients with flexor tendon injury or proximal phalangeal fracture or both had loss of PIPJ motion and total active motion as compared to class II injuries without tendon and bone involvement. Four class III injuries were treated with replantation. One failed requiring revision amputation at the metacarpalphalangeal joint level due to ischemia. The remaining eight were treated by primary amputation.

Conclusions

As a guideline to digit salvage with ring injuries, the authors propose accurately documenting and basing treatment on all injured structures. Particular attention should be given to fractures of the proximal phalanx and laceration of the flexor digitorum sublimus and profundus tendons, as injury to these structures led to significant loss in mobility of the finger in this series. While some current guidelines advise revascularization of class II ring avulsion injuries, our series suggests caution in anticipating good results with sublimus or profundus tendon laceration and proximal phalanx fracture. If the profundus tendon only is lacerated, particularly in zone I injuries, results of finger salvage may still be acceptable, but associated (distal interphalangeal joint) DIPJ injury may require K-wire stabilization and later fusion. Replantation in class III injuries, while possible, is warranted only in select situations (patient-specific and cultural factors).     

Delayed presentation and treatment of tracheobronchial injuries due to blunt trauma

BACKGROUND: Blunt thoracic trauma that results in tracheobronchial injury is difficult to diagnose. Many injuries are catastrophic and result in early mortality. Others are not immediately life threatening and are missed at initial presentation. Some of those injuries will later become symptomatic and will require medical attention. Ideal treatment in that situation is not yet clearly defined. OBJECTIVES: The objective is to review the current literature of delayed diagnoses of traumatic tracheobronchial injuries, their management, and the results of the most common repair methods. An interesting case report from this institution is presented as well. DESIGN: A Medline search of the English literature of delayed presentation of tracheobronchial injuries over the past 10 years was performed. Delayed diagnosis was defined as injuries not identified during the initial hospitalization. RESULTS: The median time from initial presentation to diagnosis was 6 months. Dyspnea (56%) and pneumonia (39%) were the most common complaints. No difference in complications was observed between parenchymal sparing procedures and resections. CONCLUSIONS: Despite delays in presentation and the radiographic appearance of destroyed distal lung, proximal injuries can often be repaired without sacrifice of distal lung parenchyma. Bronchial sleeve resections or end-to-end anastomosis can be performed safely in most situations.     

Outcome of intensive rehabilitation after severe brain injury: a long-term follow-up study

Fifty-five brain-injured adults (of 64 discharged) were followed up from 19 to 101 months after discharge from a rehabilitation unit. Change was assessed in terms of discharge and current placement, as compared with pre-admission placement. The results demonstrate that rehabilitation achieved improvements in functional skills and social behaviour that lastingly affected the type of placement possible, and thus improved quality of life. In most cases where improvements were seen during rehabilitation, further improvements occurred after discharge. The findings also have implications for the timing of rehabilitation and for discharge and resettlement planning.