Annals of surgery
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Of 51 patients with major blunt hepatic trauma treated at a Level I trauma center, 29 patients (56.8%) survived. Nine of the 51 patients required insertion of the atrial caval shunt, as indicated by uncontrollable hemorrhage due to disruption of the perihepatic veins. ⋯ Of the eight patients with hepatic vascular injury, four (50.0%) were long-term survivors. In hepatic trauma patients with suspected hepatic vascular injury, aggressive use of the shunt can control hemorrhage before the onset of coagulopathy or hypothermia.
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Retroperitoneal space abscesses are unusual clinical problems encountered by general surgeons, internists, and surgical subspecialists. An insidious, occult illness marked by diagnostic delay, inadequate drainage, and considerable morbidity and mortality is common. Anatomic reviews detailing the complex extraperitoneal spaces have been published, but less attention has been focused on diagnostic and drainage techniques useful to the practicing surgeon. ⋯ A strikingly high mortality was associated with positive blood cultures and persistent fever within 48 hours of drainage (75% and 71%, respectively). Computed tomography has greatly enhanced the diagnosis of extraperitoneal abscesses, and radiologic drainage in selected cases appears to be a useful initial approach. A simplified anatomic classification and treatment plan is proposed to facilitate comparison between clinical series.