European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Apr 2015
Initial venous lactate levels in patients with isolated penetrating extremity trauma: a retrospective cohort study.
Elevated initial lactate levels have been shown to be associated with severe injury in trauma patients, but some patients who do not appear to be in shock also presented with elevated lactate levels. We hypothesized that in hemodynamically stable patients with isolated penetrating extremity trauma, initial lactate level does not predict clinically significant bleeding. ⋯ In hemodynamically stable patients with isolated penetrating trauma to the extremity, elevated initial venous lactate levels (>2.2 mEq/L) are not associated with bleeding or need for interventions. Clinical judgment remains the gold standard for evaluation and management of these patients.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Apr 2015
One-stage posterior procedure in treating active thoracic spinal tuberculosis: a retrospective study.
To investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis with neurological deficit by one-stage posterior instrumentation, proper transpedicular debridement, without anterior instrumentation and without anterior or posterior bone graft. ⋯ One-stage posterior instrumentation, transpedicular debridement without bone graft can be an effective and feasible treatment method for selected thoracic spinal tuberculosis.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Apr 2015
Surgical management of Syria's war casualties: experience from a French surgical team deployed in the Zaatari refugee camp (Jordan).
In August 2012, the Zaatari refugee camp was opened in Jordan under the auspices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. France deployed there a surgical facility to treat victims of war trauma. ⋯ The presence at the Zaatari camp of a surgical facility, which is experienced and specialized in war surgery, is essential, as long as battles are ongoing. Many victims will later require long-term surgical care for the management of the sequelae associated with these traumas.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Apr 2015
A technique for visual confirmation of intrathoracic placement of tube thoracostomy using a fiberoptic laryngoscope in a cadaver.
Safe intrathoracic placement of chest tubes is a continual challenge. Current techniques for determining the intrathoracic location of the thoracostomy site include blunt dissection and digital exploration, with subsequent tube placement. Using current techniques, complication rates for this procedure approach 30%. We present a novel technique using available endotracheal intubation technology for determining intrathoracic placement of tube thoracostomy. ⋯ Use of a fiberoptic laryngoscope offers a novel technique for direct visualization the thoracic space during tube thoracostomy. Further studies are needed to determine the safety of this technique in patients.