The American surgeon
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The American surgeon · Oct 2017
Delta Shock Index in the Emergency Department Predicts Mortality and Need for Blood Transfusion in Trauma Patients.
Shock Index (SI = heart rate/systolic blood pressure) predicts outcomes among trauma patients. Studies have also shown that the change in SI between the field and Emergency Department (ED) arrival (Delta SI) predicts mortality in trauma. Given the lack of reliable prehospital data, Delta SI may more accurately prognosticate if used within the ED. ⋯ After matching, patients with ED Delta SI >0.1 had greater mortality (6.6 vs 2.6%, P = 0.010), need for blood transfusion (1764 vs 565 cc, P < 0.001), and ICU length of stay (5.6 vs 3.8 days, P = 0.014) compared with patients with ED Delta SI ≤0.1. In conclusion, ED Delta SI >0.1 is associated with increased mortality, need for blood transfusion, and ICU length of stay. Delta SI may be superior to traditional SI for trauma outcome prognostication.
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Emergent colonic disease has traditionally been managed with open procedures. Evaluation of recent trends suggests a shift toward minimally invasive techniques in this disease setting. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) targeted colectomy database from 2012 to 2014 was used to examine clinical data from patients who emergently underwent open colectomy (OC) and laparoscopic colectomy (LC). ⋯ Subset analysis of emergent patients without preoperative septic shock revealed consistent benefits with laparoscopy in overall morbidity, 30-day mortality, ileus, and surgical site infection. In select patients with hemodynamic stability, emergent LC appears to be a safe and beneficial operation. This study reflects the growing preference and utilization of minimally invasive techniques in emergent colonic operations.
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The American surgeon · Oct 2017
Application of a Geriatric Injury Protocol Demonstrates High Survival Rates for Geriatric Trauma Patients with High Injury Acuity.
Geriatric trauma has historically been associated with poor outcomes, particularly in the setting of severe polytrauma. Although geriatric trauma protocols are common, there are limited data on their impact in patients with high injury severity. In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of a geriatric injury protocol on outcomes in patients with severe trauma acuity. ⋯ The application of our geriatric trauma protocol led to favorable results despite high injury acuity. These data suggest that even at the extremes of age, a large percentage of patients can be expected to survive. A prospective validation of these findings is warranted.
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The American surgeon · Oct 2017
Laparoscopy Can Safely Be Performed in Frail Patients Undergoing Colon Resection for Cancer.
The present study aims to evaluate the role of laparoscopy in frail patients undergoing colorectal surgery for colorectal cancer. A review of the 2011 to 2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed to identify frail patients (using a frailty index), who underwent resection for colorectal cancer. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate 30-day mortality and Clavien-Dindo grade IV (CD-IV) complications. ⋯ On multivariate analysis, laparoscopy and elective surgery were associated with better perioperative survival; whereas, older age, male sex, and tobacco use were associated with 30-day mortality. Laparoscopy and lower body mass index were associated with fewer Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications. Although laparoscopy is performed less commonly in the frail, this study indicated better perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing elective surgery who were <85 years old.
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The American surgeon · Sep 2017
Guideline-Driven Care Improves Outcomes in Patients with Traumatic Rib Fractures.
There is no established national standard for rib fracture management. A clinical practice guideline (CPG) for rib fractures, including monitoring of pulmonary function, early initiation of aggressive loco-regional analgesia, and early identification of deteriorating respiratory function, was implemented in 2013. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the CPG on hospital length of stay. ⋯ Multivariable regression identified a significant decrease in LOS for those patients admitted in the CPG period (B = -2.29; P = 0.019). Despite being significantly older with more rib fractures in the ICU cohort, patients admitted after implementation of the CPG had a significantly reduced LOS on multivariable analysis, reducing LOS by over two days. This structured intervention can limit narcotic usage, improve pulmonary function, and decrease LOS in the most injured patients with chest trauma.