European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2015
Efficacy of computed tomography for abdominal stab wounds: a single institutional analysis.
There are several diagnostic tools to support the decision for abdominal stab wounds. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of computed tomography (CT) to facilitate decisions on the initial management in patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds. ⋯ CT can be used efficiently along with physical examination as an initial diagnostic tool in patients with abdominal stab wounds. However, there can be missed injuries, then surgeon should consider other diagnostic methods.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2015
Non-operative management of blunt hepatic trauma: Does angioembolization have a major impact?
A paradigm shift toward non-operative management (NOM) of blunt hepatic trauma has occurred. With advances in percutaneous interventions, even severe liver injuries are being managed non-operatively. However, although overall mortality is decreased with NOM, liver-related morbidity remains high. This study was undertaken to explore the morbidity and mortality of blunt hepatic trauma in the era of angioembolization (AE). ⋯ The majority of patients with blunt hepatic trauma can be successfully managed non-operatively. Morbidity associated with NOM was low. Patients requiring AE had morbidity similar to OM.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2015
Case ReportsReconstruction of post-traumatic long segment bone defects of the lower end of the femur by free vascularized fibula combined with allograft (modified Capanna's technique).
Salvage of long segment bone loss in the limbs particularly near the joints continues to be a challenge to the trauma surgeon. None of the techniques available are universally successful and all share the disadvantages of multi-staged procedures. A reliable single-stage technique would be ideal to reduce the treatment time and the cost of care. We are presenting here our experience of successfully using the modified Capanna technique of combining allograft and free vascularized fibular graft in treating large bone defects in the distal third of the femur. ⋯ Free vascularized fibular graft combined with allograft increases initial stability, allows early weight bearing, has higher chances of union and is a good single-stage technique of reconstruction of distal third femur defects.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2015
The selective conservative management of small traumatic pneumothoraces following stab injuries is safe: experience from a high-volume trauma service in South Africa.
The selective conservative management of small pneumothoraces (PTXs) following stab injuries is controversial. We reviewed a cohort of patients managed conservatively in a high volume trauma service in South Africa. ⋯ The selective conservative management of asymptomatic small PTXs from stab injuries is safe if undertaken in the appropriate setting.