J Trauma
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Torso sonography (focused assessment with sonography for trauma [FAST]) has been added to our protocols for the evaluation of penetrating torso injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our recent experience and determine whether the use of FAST is beneficial. ⋯ The routine use of sonography in penetrating torso injury is beneficial. The detection of pericardial or peritoneal fluid is clinically useful. However, a negative FAST examination does not exclude abdominal injury, such as a diaphragm or hollow viscus wound, and further investigation or close follow-up is required.
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Damage control (DC) has proven valuable in exsanguinated patients. The purpose of this study was to quantify and qualify the impact of current damage control principles applied in a penetrating abdominal injury (PAI) population. ⋯ Continued application of DC principles has led to improved survival with PAI. Better control of temperature, experience with the open abdomen, and intensive care unit care may be causative.
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The purpose of this study was to ascertain a strategy for maximizing parental consent for organ donation in traumatically injured children suffering from brain death. Our hypothesis was that appropriate attending surgeon involvement and delay in evaluating children for brain death leads to an increased percentage of organ donors. ⋯ These data indicate that attending involvement is important when parents of brain dead children are asked about organ retrieval (p < 0.04). Delay in initiating brain death protocols in order for family members to deal with the shock of the initial trauma appears to increase willingness to participate in organ donation.