J Trauma
-
This study aims to determine the cost-benefit analysis of adding a full emergency general surgery (EGS) arm to a trauma/critical care (TCC) service with limited EGS activity in a Level I trauma center. ⋯ Integrating a full EGS into a TCC service encumbers increased nontrauma unscheduled clinical activity in the operating room, clinic, and floors, which resulted in enhanced billings. These beneficial effects were accrued at the expense of individual time and investment in recruiting additional faculty.
-
Comparative Study
Low complication rate associated with raising mature flap for tibial nonunion reconstruction.
Tibia fractures may require soft tissue coverage with transposed tissue and can develop nonunions. Tibial defects can be approached with a posterolateral approach or by elevating the previously transposed tissue. No literature has previously reported the efficacy or safety of the latter approach. The purpose of this study was to report the flap survival rate and complications from delayed elevation of transposed soft tissue as part of a protocol for the treatment of tibia nonunions. ⋯ This is the first report of the survival and complication rates for delayed elevation of soft tissue flaps for tibial nonunion reconstruction. A total of 95.8% of flaps survived elevation. Flap elevation seems to be an alternative to posterolateral tibial approaches for treatment of tibial nonunions.
-
Comparative Study
The development of a urinary tract infection is associated with increased mortality in trauma patients.
In October 2008, Medicare and Medicaid stopped paying for care associated with catheter-related urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although most clinicians agree UTIs are detrimental, there are little data to support this belief. ⋯ Indwelling urinary catheter use is connected to the development of UTIs, and these infections are associated with a greater mortality as the age of a trauma patients increases.
-
Comparative Study
Hextend and 7.5% hypertonic saline with Dextran are equivalent to Lactated Ringer's in a swine model of initial resuscitation of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock.
The optimal fluid strategy for the early treatment of trauma patients remains highly debated. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of an initial bolus of resuscitative fluids used in military and civilian settings on the physiologic response to uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock in a prospective, randomized, blinded animal study. ⋯ Withholding resuscitative fluid results in the least amount of posttreatment blood loss. In clinically used volumes, HEX and HTS are equivalent to LR with regard to physiologic outcomes and superior to NF. NS did not provide a measurable improvement in outcome compared with NF and resulted in increased acidosis.
-
Modern warfare causes severe injuries, and despite rapid transportation to theater regional trauma centers, casualties frequently arrive coagulopathic and in shock. Massive hemorrhage management includes transfusion of red blood cells and plasma in a 1:1 ratio. Fresh frozen plasma requires thawing and badly fits the emergency criteria. Since 1994, the French Military Blood Bank has been producing freeze-dried plasma (FDP) and providing it for overseas operation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of FDP in war settings and to assess its clinical efficiency and safety. ⋯ Our results provide evidence of the effectiveness of FDP for the prevention or correction of coagulopathy and hemorrhage in combat casualties.