J Trauma
-
: Because of its irreversible nature, Plavix (clopidogrel) has become a double edged sword in the care of some of our sickest patients, particularly when surgical intervention is required. Platelets exposed to a single dose of clopidogrel are affected for the remainder of their lifespan and recover normal platelet function at a rate consistent with platelet turnover, which is within 5 days to 7 days (1-3) with the generation of new platelets not influenced by the drug; however, delay of surgical fixation for orthopedic patients, particularly patients with hip fractures may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. ⋯ : The majority of orthopedic surgery residency programs who responded to the survey wait less than 3 days for urgent surgery and do not delay surgery for emergency cases for patients on clopidogrel. At this point we feel that an early intervention that occurs within approximately 2 days, with the acceptance of the possibility of increased blood loss is in the patient's best interest. Based on the reviewed physiology, a perioperative platelet transfusion may be of some benefit as the transfused platelets would be effective in forming a viable plug.
-
Although gunshot injuries to the penis occur relatively infrequently in patients with penetrating trauma, they often present dilemmas of subsequent evaluation and management. We review our extensive experience with gunshot wounds to the penis at a high volume urban trauma center. ⋯ Evaluation and management of gunshot wounds to the penis may potentially be complex. Retrograde urethrogram should be performed in all cases except the most insignificant and superficial wounds. We describe our technique of penile exploration and artificial erection, noting excellent results in patients for whom follow-up is available. Additional studies are needed to prospectively evaluate techniques for management of gunshot urethral injuries.
-
The geography of Norway has led to an initiative to train teams from rural hospitals in damage control surgery using a team-oriented approach based on Crew Resource Management. Our aim was to evaluate this approach and its impact on trauma care in rural hospitals across Norway. ⋯ Teaching damage control surgery using a team-oriented approach is an innovative educational method for rural hospitals.
-
Rapid induction of profound hypothermia for emergency preservation and resuscitation can improve survival from uncontrolled lethal hemorrhage in large animal models. We have previously demonstrated that profound hypothermia (10 degrees C) must be induced rapidly (2 degrees C/min) and reversed gradually (0.5 degrees C/min) for best results. However, the maximum duration of hypothermic arrest in a clinically relevant trauma model remains unknown. ⋯ In a model of lethal injuries, rapid induction of profound hypothermia can prevent death. Profound hypothermia decreases but does not abolish metabolism. With current methods, the upper limit of hypothermic arrest in the setting of uncontrolled hemorrhage is 60 minutes.
-
The evolving discipline of acute care surgery as an expansion of trauma surgery is undergoing intense critique. As we envision this new paradigm of surgical practice, an evaluation of our current status across the nation's trauma centers is an essential step. The purpose of this study is to determine the practice patterns of trauma surgeons at major trauma centers throughout the United States. ⋯ The model of the acute care surgeon is attractive and timely, but only a limited number of trauma surgeons currently practice this proposed range of operative procedures; even fewer surgeons have an elective surgical practice to maintain key operative skills. Fellowship training programs need to incorporate vascular and thoracic procedures to enable the specialty of acute care surgery.