Colomb Medica
-
Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) seeks to combat metabolic decompensation of the severely injured trauma patient by battling on three major fronts: Permissive Hypotension, Hemostatic Resuscitation, and Damage Control Surgery (DCS). The aim of this article is to perform a review of the history of DCR/DCS and to propose a new paradigm that has emerged from the recent advancements in endovascular technology: The Resuscitative Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA). ⋯ We have been able to show that REBOA is not only a tool that aids in the control of hemorrhage, it is also a vital tool in the hemodynamic resuscitation of a severely injured blunt and/or penetrating trauma patient. That is why we propose a new paradigm "The Fourth Pillar": Permissive Hypotension, Hemostatic Resuscitation, Damage Control Surgery and REBOA.
-
Damage control resuscitation should be initiated as soon as possible after a trauma event to avoid metabolic decompensation and high mortality rates. The aim of this article is to assess the position of the Trauma and Emergency Surgery Group (CTE) from Cali, Colombia regarding prehospital care, and to present our experience in the implementation of the "Stop the Bleed" initiative within Latin America. Prehospital care is phase 0 of damage control resuscitation. ⋯ However, these prehospital measures should not delay the transfer time of a patient from the scene to the hospital. To conclude, prehospital damage control measures are the first steps in the control of bleeding and the initiation of hemostatic resuscitation in the traumatically injured patient. Early interventions without increasing the transfer time to a hospital are the keys to increase survival rate of severe trauma patients.
-
Pelvic fractures occur in up to 25% of all severely injured trauma patients and its mortality is markedly high despite advances in resuscitation and modernization of surgical techniques due to its inherent blood loss and associated extra-pelvic injuries. Pelvic ring volume increases significantly from fractures and/or ligament disruptions which precludes its inherent ability to self-tamponade resulting in accumulation of hemorrhage in the retroperitoneal space which inevitably leads to hemodynamic instability and the lethal diamond. ⋯ This reality can be altered via a sequential management approach that is tailored to the specific reality of the treating facility which involves a collaborative effort between orthopedic, trauma and intensive care surgeons. We propose two different management algorithms that specifically address the availability of qualified staff and existing infrastructure: one for the fully equipped trauma center and another for the very common limited resource center.
-
The liver is the most commonly affected solid organ in cases of abdominal trauma. Management of penetrating liver trauma is a challenge for surgeons but with the introduction of the concept of damage control surgery accompanied by significant technological advancements in radiologic imaging and endovascular techniques, the focus on treatment has changed significantly. The use of immediately accessible computed tomography as an integral tool for trauma evaluations for the precise staging of liver trauma has significantly increased the incidence of conservative non-operative management in hemodynamically stable trauma victims with liver injuries. ⋯ It is important to establish a multidisciplinary approach towards the management of patients with penetrating liver trauma and hemodynamic instability. The appropriate triage of these patients, the early activation of an institutional massive transfusion protocol, and the early control of hemorrhage are essential landmarks in lowering the overall mortality of these severely injured patients. To fear is to fear the unknown, and with the management algorithm proposed in this manuscript, we aim to shed light on the unknown regarding the management of the patient with a severely injured liver.
-
Hemorrhagic shock and its complications are a major cause of death among trauma patients. The management of hemorrhagic shock using a damage control resuscitation strategy has been shown to decrease mortality and improve patient outcomes. One of the components of damage control resuscitation is hemostatic resuscitation, which involves the replacement of lost blood volume with components such as packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, and platelets in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. ⋯ Over 6 years of experience in Ecuador has shown that resuscitation with cold fresh whole blood has similar outcomes and a similar safety profile compared to resuscitation with hemocomponents. Whole blood confers many advantages over component therapy including, but not limited to the transfusion of blood with a physiologic ratio of components, ease of transport and transfusion, less volume of anticoagulants and additives transfused to the patient, and exposure to fewer donors. Whole blood is a tool with reemerging potential that can be implemented in civilian trauma centers with optimal results and less technical demand.