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Introduction Upper extremity arterial injury is associated with significant morbidity and mortality for trauma patients, but there is a paucity of data to guide the clinician in the management of these injuries. The goals of this review were to characterize the demographics, presentation, clinical management, and outcomes, and to evaluate how time to intervention associates with outcomes in trauma patients with upper extremity vascular injuries. Methods The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) Research Data Set for the years 2007–2016 was queried in order to identify adult patients (age ≥ 18) with an upper extremity arterial injury. Patients with brachiocephalic, subclavian, axillary, or brachial artery injury using the 1998 and 2005 versions of the Abbreviated Injury Scale were included. Patients with non-survivable injuries to the brain, traumatic amputation, or other major arterial injuries to the torso or lower extremities were excluded. Results The data from 7908 patients with upper extremity arterial injuries was reviewed. Of those, 5407 (68.4%) underwent repair of the injured artery. The median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 10 (IQR = 7–18), and 7.7% of patients had a severe ISS (≥ 25). Median time to repair was 120 min (IQR = 60–240 min). Management was open repair in 52.3%, endovascular repair in 7.3%, and combined open and endovascular repairs in 8.8%; amputation occurred in 1.8% and non-operative management was used in 31.6% of patients. Blunt mechanism of injury, crush injury, concomitant fractures/dislocations, and nerve injuries were associated with amputation, whereas simultaneous venous injury was not. There was a significant decrease in the rate of amputation when patients undergoing surgical revascularization did so within 90 min of injury (P = 0.007). Conclusion Injuries to arteries of the upper extremity are managed with open repair, endovascular repair, and, rarely, amputation. Expeditious transport to the operating room for revascularization is the key for limb salvage.

The ideal conduit for traumatic arterial repair is controversial. Autologous vein was compared with synthetic interposition grafts in the acute setting. The primary outcome was in-hospital reoperation or endovascular intervention.The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Treatment registry from November 2013 to January 2019 was queried for arterial injuries requiring interposition vein or graft repair. Patients with no recorded Injury Severity Score were excluded, and multiple imputation was used for other missing data. Patients treated with synthetic grafts (SGs) were propensity matched to patients with vein grafts (VGs) to account for preoperative differences.Four hundred sixty from 19 institutions were identified, with 402 undergoing VG and 58 SG. In the SG group, 45 were PTFE grafts, 5 were Dacron, and 8 had other conduits. The SG group was more severely injured at admission with more gunshot wounds and higher mean Injury Severity Score, lactate, and first-24-hour transfusion requirement. In addition, the SG cohort had significantly lower admission systolic blood pressure, pH, and hemoglobin. After propensity matching, 51 patients with SG were matched with 87 patients with VG. There were no differences in demographics, clinical parameters, or diagnostic evaluation techniques postmatch. The need for reoperation or endovascular intervention between the matched groups was equivalent (18%; p = 0.8). There was no difference in any secondary outcome including thrombosis, stenosis, pseudoaneurysm, infection, or embolic event, and hospital and intensive care unit length of stay were the same.American Association for the Surgery of Trauma PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Treatment registry data demonstrate that SGs are used in more critically ill patients. After controlling for relevant clinical factors and propensity matching, there is no in-hospital difference in rate of reoperation or endovascular intervention, or any secondary outcome between VG and SG.Prognostic and Epidemiolgic, Level III.

Background Splenorrhaphy was once used to achieve splenic preservation in up to 40% of splenic injuries. With increasing use of nonoperative management and angioembolization, operative therapy is less common and splenic injuries treated operatively are usually high grade. Patients are often unstable, making splenic salvage unwise. Modern surgeons may no longer possess the knowledge to perform splenorrhaphy. Methods The records of adult trauma patients with splenic injuries from September 2014 to November 2018 at an urban level I trauma center were reviewed retrospectively. Data including American Association for the Surgery of Trauma splenic organ injury scale, type of intervention, splenorrhaphy technique, and need for delayed splenectomy were collected. This contemporary cohort (CC) was compared to a historical cohort (HC) of splenic injuries at a single center from 1980 to 1989 (Ann Surg 1990; 211: 369). Results From 2014 to 2018, 717 adult patients had splenic injuries. Initial management included 157 (21.9%) emergent splenectomy, 158 (22.0%) angiogram ± embolization, 371 (51.7%) observation, and only 10 (1.4%) splenorrhaphy. The HC included a total of 553 splenic injuries, of which 313 (56.6%) underwent splenectomy, while splenorrhaphy was performed in 240 (43.4%). Those who underwent splenorrhaphy in each cohort (CC vs HC) were compared. Conclusion The success rate of splenorrhaphy has not changed. However, splenorrhaphy now involves only electrocautery with topical hemostatic agents and is used primarily in low-grade injuries. Suture repair and partial splenectomy seem to be “lost arts” in modern trauma care.

While the Kelly clamp remains one of the most utilized instruments in a host of surgical procedures, the namesake of this instrument has become unfamiliar to many modern practitioners and trainees. Howard Atwood Kelly was one of the “Big Four” founding professors at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Donald Church Balfour, MD (1882-1963), a legendary general surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, first described the Balfour self-retaining abdominal retractor in 1912. The retractor remains in use in 2022, 110 years after its development.

"Scoop and run" approaches for severely injured patients have been adopted by emergency medical services over the past 40 years. This has resulted in more patients with severe injuries including penetrating cardiac wounds arriving at trauma centers and other acute care hospitals. General surgery trauma teams and general surgeons taking trauma call are the first responders for diagnosis, resuscitation, and operative management of injured patients. By natural selection, 96% to 98% of patients with signs of life on arrival to the trauma center after sustaining a penetrating cardiac wound have injuries that are amenable to repair by a general surgeon, fellow, or senior surgical resident without the need for a cardiothoracic surgeon or cardiopulmonary bypass.This literature and experience-based review summarizes the diagnostic and operative approaches that should be known by all trauma teams and general surgeons taking trauma call. In addition, it describes when a cardiothoracic surgeon should be consulted and briefly reviews how complex penetrating cardiac injuries are repaired.

Despite significant interest in trauma to the spleen over the past 130 years, splenectomy remained the preferred approach to splenic injures in children till the late 1950s and even later in adults. With recognition of the immunologic importance of the spleen and improvements in diagnostic imaging and angioembolization, there are now four pathways for the child or adult admitted with a possible, likely, or diagnosed injury to the spleen. These include the following: (1) operation with splenectomy; (2) operation with splenorrhaphy or partial splenectomy; (3) nonoperative management (observation); and (4) nonoperative management with splenic arteriography and possible angioembolization. This review will focus on the latter two options.

The history and physician behind the eponym for the commonly utilized Foley catheter.

Introduction The use of antiplatelet (AP) and anticoagulation (AC) therapy after autogenous vein repair of traumatic arterial injury is controversial. The hypothesis in this study was that there is no difference in early postoperative outcomes regardless of whether AC, AP, both, or neither are used. Methods The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Treatment (PROOVIT) registry was queried from November, 2013, to January, 2019, for arterial injuries repaired with a vein graft. Demographics and injury characteristics were compared. Need for in-hospital reoperation was the primary outcome in this four-arm study, assessed with two ordinal logistic regression models (1. no therapy vs. AC only vs. AC and AP; 2. no therapy vs. AP only vs. AC and AP). Results 373 patients (52 no therapy, 88 AP only, 77 AC only, 156 both) from 19 centers with recorded Injury Severity Scores (ISS) were identified. Patients who received no therapy were younger than those who received AP (27.0 vs. 34.2, p = 0.02), had higher transfusion requirement ( p < 0.01 between all groups) and a different distribution of anatomic injury ( p < 0.01). After controlling for age, sex, ISS, platelet count, hemoglobin, pH, lactate, INR, transfusion requirement and anatomic location, there was no association with postoperative medical therapy and in-hospital operative reintervention, or any secondary outcome, including thrombosis ( p = 0.67, p = 0.22). Conclusions Neither AC nor AP alone, nor in combination, impact complication rate after arterial repair with autologous vein. These patients can be safely treated with or without antithrombotics, recognizing that this study did not demonstrate a beneficial effect.

Introduction: The article “Changes in the Management of Injuries to the Liver and Spleen” was originally presented as the Scudder Oration on Trauma at the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) 90th Annual Clinical Congress in New Orleans, Louisiana, in October 2004. Charles L. Scudder, MD, a founding member of the College, was the originator and first Chairman of the Committee on the Treatment of Fractures from 1922 to 1933. The first “Fracture Oration” of the ACS by Dr Scudder was entitled “Oration on Fractures,” was presented at the Clinical Congress in October 1929, and was published in Surg Gynecol Obstet 1930; 50:193-195. Fracture Orations were presented from 1929 to 1941 and 1946 to 1951, while an Oration on Trauma was presented from 1952 to 1962. From 1963 to present, the Scudder Oration on Trauma has been presented at the annual Clinical Congress by an individual with significant contributions to the field.

Background Reoperative abdominal surgery is one of the most challenging endeavors that general surgeons face. The aim of this narrative review is to offer a detailed and nuanced discussion of preoperative patient and surgeon preparation and intraoperative surgical technique. Study Design The topics discussed in this review are based on both the current literature and the experiences of the authors with complex reoperations in general, trauma, acute care, and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Results Ten essential steps for reoperative abdominal surgery include the following: 1. Review all previous operative notes and discharge summaries; 2. Review all prior outside and current in-house imaging; 3. Assess the patient's overall health status, reverse nutritional deficits, and explain risks of reoperation to the patient and family; 4. Refer the patient to a plastic surgeon when future skin coverage of a prosthesis in the abdominal wall may be needed; 5. Do a bowel preparation preoperatively; 6. Use selected Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols; 7. Operative technique matters; 8. Restoring gastrointestinal continuity simultaneously with abdominal wall reconstruction is not recommended; 9. Technical tips for complex reoperations; and 10. Plan well for the day of the operation. Conclusions Successful reoperative abdominal surgery in the most complex patients after previous trauma or acute care laparotomies demands adequate preoperative patient preparation, a clear-cut plan for operation, superb intraoperative technique, and solid decision-making; ie an unwavering commitment to making the patient whole again.

Introduction Failure to perform adequate fasciotomy for a presumed or diagnosed compartment syndrome after revascularization of an acutely ischemic limb is a potential cause of preventable limb loss. When required, outcomes are best when fasciotomy is conducted with the initial vascular repair. Despite over 100 years of experience with fasciotomy, the actual indications for its performance among acute care and trauma surgeons performing vascular repairs are unclear. The hypothesis of this study was that there are many principles of fasciotomy that are uniformly accepted by surgeons and that consensus guidelines could be developed. Methods A 20-question survey on fasciotomy practice patterns was distributed to trauma and acute care surgeons of a major surgical society which had approved distribution. Results The response to the survey was 160/1066 (15 %). 92.5% of respondents were fellowship trained in trauma and acute care surgery, and 74.9% had been in practice for fewer than 10 years. Most respondents (71.9%) stated that they would be influenced to perform a preliminary fasciotomy (fasciotomy conducted prior to planned exploration and arterial repair) based upon specific signs and symptoms consistent with compartment syndrome—including massive swelling (55.6%), elevated compartment pressures (52.5%), delay in transfer >6 hours (47.5%), or obvious distal ischemia (33.1%). 20.6% responded that they would conduct exploration and repair first, regardless of these considerations. Prophylactic fasciotomies (fasciotomy without overt signs of compartment syndrome) would be performed by respondents in the setting of the tense compartment (87.5%), ischemic time >6 hours (88.1%), measurement of elevated compartment pressures (66.9%), and in the setting of large volume resuscitation requirements (31.3%). 69.4% of respondents selectively measure compartment pressures, with nearly three-fourths utilizing a Stryker needle device (72.5%). The most common sequence of repairs following superficial femoral artery injury with a >6-hour limb ischemia was cited as the initial insertion of a shunt, followed by fasciotomy, then vein harvest, and finally interposition repair. Conclusions While there is some general consensus on indications for fasciotomy, there is marked heterogeneity in surgeons’ opinions on the precise indications in selected scenarios. This is particularly surprising in light of the long history with fasciotomy in association with major arterial repairs and strongly suggests the need for a consensus conference and/or meta-analysis to guide further care.

Background Knowledge on pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) management has mostly involved large database analysis, which limits understanding of a complex and heterogeneous disease. We aimed to review the clinical course and outcomes of PP and acute peripancreatic fluid collections (APFC) that require intervention at 1 high-volume center. Methods Retrospective review of patients with APFC and PP undergoing drainage (2011-2018) was performed. Patients were divided into groups based on initial intervention: surgical (SR), percutaneous (PC), or endoscopic (EN) drainage. Primary outcome was mortality by initial intervention type. Secondary outcomes included subsequent interventions required, length of stay (LOS), readmission rates, and discharge disposition. Results Of 88 patients, 40 (46.1%) underwent SR, 40 (44.9%) PC, and 8 (9.0%) EN. No patients in EN group had APACHE II scores>20. Pancreatic necrosis was higher in SR (80.5%) and PC (62.5%) groups ( P = .006). There were no differences in mortality, LOS, or readmission rates. Ten patients in the PC group underwent subsequent surgical intervention, of which 9 were due to bowel ischemia. The PC group was 3.4 times more likely to be discharged to rehabilitation over home when compared to the other 2 groups ( P = .04). Conclusion Patients undergoing surgical or percutaneous drainage of APFC and PP have a greater burden of illness and more local complications requiring intervention compared to endoscopic drainage. The heterogeneity in presentation of peripancreatic fluid collections in acute pancreatitis must be considered when evaluating the benefits of each intervention.

We aimed to determine whether early (

Robert James Graves, a native of Dublin, Ireland, was a physician rather than a surgeon; however, his name is well-known to all general and endocrine surgeons. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, and received his BA and MB degrees from Trinity College (formerly, Dublin University). After further studies throughout Europe, he received his “licentiate” from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in 1820 and was appointed Physician to the Meath Hospital in Dublin in 1821. Graves received many honors during his career including the following: King’s Professor in the Institute of Medicine (1824); President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (1843-44); and a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS, 1849). In addition, he was a prominent member of the Irish School of Medicine which also included William Stokes (1804-1878) (Cheyne-Stokes breathing, Stokes-Adams attacks) and Dominic Corrigan (1802-1880) (Corrigan’s pulse). Graves’ description of exophthalmic goiter was in 1835, some 49 years after that of Caleb Hillier Parry (1755-1822) of Bath, England; however, Bath’s report was not published till 1825 or 3 years after his death. Graves' disease is still the eponym applied to this form of hyperthyroidism in the United States.

Introduction Although reports on angioembolization (AE) show favorable results for severe hepatic trauma, information is lacking on its benefit in the management and mechanisms of injury (MOI). This study examined patient outcomes with severe hepatic injuries to determine the association of in-hospital mortality with AE. The hypothesis is that AE is associated with increased survival in severe hepatic injuries. Methods Demographics, age, sex, MOI, shock index (SI), ≥6 units packed red blood cells (PRBCs) per hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, injury severity score (ISS), and AE were collected. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Patients were stratified into groups according to MOI, AE, and operative vs non-operative management. Multivariable logistic regression determined the independent association of mortality with AE vs no AE and operative vs nonoperative management and modeled the odds of mortality controlling for MOI, AE vs no AE, age and ISS groups, SI >.9, and ≥6 units PRBCs/LOS. Results From 2013 to 2018, 2462 patients (1744 blunt; 718 penetrating) were treated for severe hepatic injuries. AE was used in only 21% of patients. Mortality rates increased with higher ISS and age. AE was associated with mortality when compared to patients who did not undergo AE. The strongest associations with mortality were ISS ≥25, transfusion ≥ 6 units PRBCs/LOS, and age ≥65 years. Conclusions AE is underutilized in severe hepatic trauma. AE may be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of severe hepatic injuries especially in older patients and those needing exploratory laparotomy.

Background: Endovascular repair has emerged as a viable repair option for axillosubclavian arterial injuries in select patients; however, further study of contemporary outcomes is warranted. Methods: The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Treatment (PROOVIT) registry was used to identify patients with axillo-subclavian arterial injuries from 2013 – 2019. Demographics and outcomes were compared between patients undergoing endovascular repair versus open repair. Results: 167 patients were identified, with intervention required in 107 (64.1%). Among these, 24 patients underwent open damage control surgery (primary amputation = 3, ligation = 17, temporary vascular shunt = 4). The remaining 83 patients (91.6% male; mean age 26.0 ± 16) underwent either endovascular repair (36, 43.4%) or open repair (47, 56.6%). Patients managed with definitive endovascular or open repair had similar demographics and presentation, with the only exception that endovascular repair was more commonly employed for traumatic pseudoaneurysms (p=0.004). Endovascular repair was associated with lower 24-hour transfusion requirements (p=0.012), but otherwise the two groups were similar with regards to in-hospital outcomes. Conclusion: Endovascular repair is now employed in > 40% of axillo-subclavian arterial injuries undergoing repair at initial operation and is associated with lower 24 hour transfusion requirements, but otherwise outcomes are comparable to open repair.

Introduction Injuries to the inferior vena cava (IVC), while uncommon, have a high mortality despite modern advances. The goal of this study is to describe the diagnosis and management in the largest available prospective data set of vascular injuries across anatomic levels of IVC injury. Methods The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Treatment (PROOVIT) registry was queried from November 2013 to January 2019. Demographics, diagnostic modalities, injury patterns, and management strategies were recorded and analyzed. Comparisons between anatomic levels were made using non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum statistics. Results 140 patients from 19 institutions were identified; median age was 30 years old (IQR 23-41), 75% were male, and 62% had penetrating mechanism. The suprarenal IVC group was associated with blunt mechanism (53% vs 32%, P = .02), had lower admission systolic blood pressure, pH, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and higher ISS and thorax and abdomen AIS than the infrarenal injury group. Injuries were managed with open repair (70%) and ligation (30% overall; infrarenal 37% vs suprarenal 13%, P = .01). Endovascular therapy was used in 2% of cases. Overall mortality was 42% (infrarenal 33% vs suprarenal 66%, PConclusions Current PROOVIT registry data demonstrate continued use of ligation extending to the suprarenal IVC, limited adoption of endovascular management, and no dramatic increase in overall survival compared to previously published studies. Survival is likely related to IVC injury location and total injury burden.

Background It is unknown how frequently damage control (DC) laparotomy is used across trauma centers in different countries. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of trauma centers in the United States, Canada, and Australasia to study variations in use of the procedure and predictors of more frequent use of DC laparotomy. Methods A self-administered, electronic, cross-sectional survey of trauma centers in the United States, Canada, and Australasia was conducted. The survey collected information about trauma center and program characteristics. It also asked how often the trauma program director estimated DC laparotomy was performed on injured patients at that center on average over the last year. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of a higher reported frequency of use of DC laparotomy. Results Of the 366 potentially eligible trauma centers sent the survey, 199 (51.8%) trauma program directors or leaders responded [United States = 156 (78.4%), Canada = 26 (13.1%), and Australasia = 17 (8.5%)]. The reported frequency of use of DC laparotomy was highly variable across trauma centers. DC laparotomy was used more frequently in level-1 than level-2 or -3 trauma centers. Further, high-volume level-1 centers used DC laparotomy significantly more often than lower volume level-1 centers (p = 0.02). Nearly half (48.4%) of high-volume volume level-1 trauma centers reported using the procedure at least once weekly. Significant adjusted predictors of more frequent use of DC laparotomy included country of origin [odds ratio (OR) for the United States vs. Canada = 7.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–40.27], level-1 verification status (OR = 6.02; 95% CI 2.01–18.06), and the assessment of a higher number of severely injured (Injury Severity Scale score > 15) patients (OR per-100 patients = 1.62; 95% CI 1.20–2.18) and patients with penetrating injuries (OR per-5% increase = 1.27; 95% CI 1.01–1.58) in the last year. Conclusions The reported frequency of use of DC laparotomy was highly variable across trauma centers. Those centers that most need to evaluate the benefit-to-risk ratio of using DC laparotomy in different scenarios may include high-volume, level-1 trauma centers, particularly those that often manage penetrating injuries.

Although vascular surgery guidelines recommend immediate anticoagulation for acute occlusion of a peripheral artery, it is unclear whether trauma surgeons follow this practice. A survey regarding the use of perioperative anticoagulation was sent to surgeons who perform their own peripheral arterial repairs after traumatic injury to define contemporary practice patterns. This survey demonstrated minimal consensus opinion regarding the management of extremity vascular injuries, strongly suggesting the need for a consensus conference, meta-analysis, and prospective studies to guide further care.

Hospitalizations for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) have decreased since the advent of specific medical therapy in the 1980s. The authors’ clinical experience at a tertiary center, however, has been that procedures to treat PUD complications have not declined. This study tested the hypothesis that despite decreases in PUD hospitalizations, the volume of procedures for PUD complications has remained consistent. The study population included all inpatient encounters in the state of Maryland from 2009 to 2014 with a primary ICD-9 diagnosis code for PUD. Data on annual patient volume, demographics, anatomic location, procedures, complications, and outcomes were collected, and PUD prevalence rates were calculated. The study population consisted of the state's entire population, not a sample; statistical analysis was not applied. Hospitalizations for PUD declined from 2,502 in 2009 to 2,101 in 2014, whereas the percentage of hospitalizations with procedures increased from 27.1 to 31.5 per cent. Endoscopy was performed in 19.8 per cent of hospitalizations, operation in 9.4 per cent, and angiography in 1.3 per cent. Of 13,974 inpatient encounters, 30 per cent had at least one inhospital complication. Overall inpatient mortality was 2.2 per cent. PUD hospitalizations are declining in Maryland, mirroring national trends. A subset of patients continue to need urgent procedures for PUD complications, including nearly 10 per cent needing operation. Inpatient mortality among patients admitted for PUD was 2.2 per cent, congruent with other studies. Despite the efficacy of modern medical therapy, these data underscore the importance of teaching surgical residents the cognitive and operative skills necessary to manage PUD complications.

Background Acute and chronic sleep deprivation are significantly associated with depressive symptoms and are thought to be contributors to the development of burnout. In-house call inherently includes frequent periods of disrupted sleep and is common among acute care surgeons. The relationship between in-house call and sleep deprivation among acute care surgeons has not been previously studied. The goal of this study was to determine prevalence and patterns of sleep deprivation in acute care surgeons. Study Design A prospective study of acute care surgeons with in-house call responsibilities from 2 level I trauma centers was performed. Participants wore a sleep-tracking device continuously over a 3-month period. Data collected included age, sex, schedule of in-house call, hours and pattern of each sleep stage (light, slow wave, and rapid eye movement [REM]), and total hours of sleep. Sleep patterns were analyzed for each night, excluding in-house call, and categorized as normal, acute sleep deprivation, or chronic sleep deprivation. Results There were 1,421 nights recorded among 17 acute care surgeons (35.3% female; ages 37 to 65 years, mean 45.5 years). Excluding in-house call, the average amount of sleep was 6.54 hours, with 64.8% of sleep patterns categorized as acute sleep deprivation or chronic sleep deprivation. Average amount of sleep was significantly higher on post-call day 1 (6.96 hours, p = 0.0016), but decreased significantly on post-call day 2 (6.33 hours, p = 0.0006). Sleep patterns with acute and chronic sleep deprivation peaked on post-call day 2, and returned to baseline on post-call day 3 (p = 0.046). Conclusions Sleep patterns consistent with acute and chronic sleep deprivation are common among acute care surgeons and worsen on post-call day 2. Baseline sleep patterns were not recovered until post-call day 3. Future study is needed to identify factors that affect physiologic recovery after in-house call and further elucidate the relationship between sleep deprivation and burnout.

Incidence and treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) has evolved, likely from improved imaging and emergence of endovascular techniques; however, multicenter data demonstrating this are lacking. We examined trends in incidence, management, and outcomes in BTAI.The American College of Surgeons National Trauma Databank (2003 to 2013) was used to identify adults with BTAI. Management was categorized as nonoperative repair, open aortic repair (OAR), or thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR). Outcomes included demographics, management, and outcomes.There were 3,774 patients. Median age was 46.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 29.3, 62.0 years), with 70.8% males, and median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 34.0 (IQR 26.0, 45.0). The number of BTAIs diagnosed over the decade increased 196.8% (p0.001), median ISS decreased from 38 to 33 (p0.001), and significantly more patients were treated at a level I trauma center (p0.001). After FDA approval of TEVAR devices, there was a significant increase in endovascular repair overall (1.0% to 30.6%, p0.001) and in those treated operatively (0.0% to 94.9%, p0.001), with a marked decrease in OAR. Use of TEVAR was associated with significantly reduced median ICU LOS (9.0 vs 12.0 days, p = 0.048) and mortality (9.3% vs 16.6%; p = 0.015) compared with OAR. In modern BTAI care, TEVAR has nearly completely replaced OAR.The diagnosis of BTAI has increased, likely due to more sensitive imaging. Nearly 70% of patients get nonoperative care. Treatment with TEVAR improves outcomes relative to OAR. Part of the proportional increase in TEVAR use may represent overtreatment of lower grade BTAI amenable to medical management, and warrants further investigation.

This is a literature review on the history of venous trauma since the 1800s, especially that to the common femoral, femoral and popliteal veins, with focus on the early 1900s, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and then civilian and military reviews (1960-2020). In the latter two groups, tables were used to summarize the following: incidence of venous repair versus ligation, management of popliteal venous injuries, patency of venous repairs when assessed30 days from operation, patency of venous repairs when assessed30 days from operation, clinical assessment (edema or not) after ligation versus repair, incidence of deep venous thrombosis after ligation versus repair, and incidence of pulmonary embolism after ligation versus repair.There is a lack of the following in the literature on the management of venous injuries over the past 80 years: standard definition of magnitude of venous injury in operative reports, accepted indications for venous repair, standard postoperative management, and timing and mode of early and later postoperative assessment.Multiple factors have entered into the decision on venous ligation versus repair after trauma for the past 60 years, but a surgeon's training and local management protocols have the most influence in both civilian and military centers. Ligation of venous injuries, particularly those in the lower extremities, is well tolerated in civilian trauma, although there is the usual lack of short- and long-term follow-up as noted in many of the articles reviewed.Review article, levels IV and V.

A 35-year-old man presented to the trauma center with two gunshot wounds to the left thigh that were reportedly from a handgun. Prehospital transport time was about 15 minutes and he received 1 L of intravenous crystalloid fluid for hypotension. It was reported that the patient fell after he was shot and that he hit his head and lost consciousness. The patient was pale and diaphoretic on arrival at the trauma center. His blood pressure was 83/53, heart rate was 82 beats per minute, respiratory rate was 18 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation was 98% on room air. There was a missile wound in the proximal lateral left thigh and another in the distal posterior thigh. He had hard signs of an arterial injury in the left thigh, including arterial bleeding from the distal gunshot wound, an expanding hematoma, and a pulseless left foot, as well as decreased motor function and sensation in the left foot. A massive transfusion protocol was initiated as X-rays of the left lower extremity were completed (no fracture). After pressure dressing was applied to the site of hemorrhage in the left thigh (distal gunshot wound), the patient was taken to the CT scanner to evaluate for a traumatic brain injury and then to the operating room emergently for exploration of the left thigh. Skin preparation was applied from the umbilicus to the toes bilaterally and was circumferential on the lower extremities. An incision was made along the left medial thigh to expose the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Nearly circumferential injuries to the distal SFA and popliteal vein at the adductor hiatus (Hunter’s canal) were identified. Proximal and distal control with the application of vascular clamps to both vessels was obtained, and systemic heparin (7000 units, or approximately 100 U/kg) was administered …

An 18-year-old man presented to the trauma center with four gunshot wounds to the following areas: left lower flank, left lower quadrant of the abdomen, left supraclavicular region and left scapula. The patient was awake but alternated between periods of agitation and lethargy. He had a heart rate of 140 beats/min, a blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg, a respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min, and appeared pale with cool and clammy skin. Breath sounds were clear bilaterally. His left supraclavicular wound did not exhibit any signs of overt bleeding, nor was there an expanding hematoma, and he had a palpable left radial pulse. His abdominal examination was significant for the gunshot wounds as described earlier and tenderness over the left flank. Large bore intravenous access was obtained, and transfusion with whole blood was initiated. A Focused Assessment for the Sonographic Evaluation of the Trauma Patient (FAST) documented a fluid stripe in the right hepatorenal fossa. A foreign body X-ray series was then performed (figure 1). The patient was taken to the operating room where an emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed. A moderate amount of hemoperitoneum and bile staining was noted in the lesser sac. Figure 1 Foreign body series demonstrating retained bullets in the right upper quadrant. The following injuries were noted: (1) anterior and posterior perforations of the stomach, (2) a through-and-through central injury to the left lobe of the liver, (3) a perforation of the right hemidiaphragm and (4) an injury to the edge of the inferior pole of the spleen. The right upper quadrant of the abdomen was packed with laparotomy pads, and this appeared to control the bleeding. The tip of the spleen was inspected again and found to be hemostatic. The gastric injuries were then oversewn with a 3–0 polydioxanone (PDS) suture. Because of a concern about the …

A 25-year-old man presented to the trauma center with gunshot wounds to the left shoulder and left lower quadrant. The patient was combative and diaphoretic with a systolic blood pressure of 100 mm Hg and a heart rate of 132 beats per minute. He had a single gunshot wound to the soft tissue of the superior aspect of the left shoulder, with normal pulses at the left wrist and a normal neurological examination in the left upper extremity. His abdominal examination was significant for a gunshot entrance wound in the left lower quadrant and diffuse peritonitis. The right femoral pulse was not palpable. After blood was drawn for type and cross-match, a surgeon-performed ultrasound was ‘negative’ for a hemopericardium and a left hemopneumothorax. A massive transfusion protocol was initiated, and a cephalosporin antibiotic was administered. On the first set of arterial blood gases, the pH was 7.11 with a base deficit of −17.5. After transport to the operating room, the patient was intubated, a midline exploratory laparotomy was performed and 2 L of hemoperitoneum were evacuated. There were multiple enterotomies in the small bowel, transection of the right external and internal iliac arteries and near transection of the right spermatic cord. Intestinal clamps were rapidly placed at the sites of enterotomies. Progressive hypotension mandated manual compression of the supraceliac abdominal aorta. A vascular clamp was then applied to the right common iliac artery, and the distal end of the right internal iliac artery was clamped and ligated. As the distal end of the right external iliac artery had retracted under the inguinal ligament, the midline abdominal incision was extended obliquely across the inguinal ligament into the right groin. A vascular clamp was then applied to the distal end of the right external iliac artery. The right spermatic cord was ligated. …

Background Despite advances in management of extremity vascular injuries, "hard signs" remain the primary criterion to determine need for imaging and urgency of exploration. We propose that hard signs are outdated and that hemorrhagic and ischemic signs of vascular injury may be of greater clinical utility. Methods Extremity arterial injuries from the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Treatment registry were analyzed to examine the relationships between hard signs, ischemic signs, and hemorrhagic signs of extremity vascular injury with workup, diagnosis, and management. Results Of 1,910 cases, 1,108 (58%) had hard signs of vascular injury. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was more commonly used as the diagnostic modality in patients without hard signs, while operative exploration was primarily used for diagnosis in hard signs. Patients undergoing CTA were more likely to undergo endovascular or hybrid repair (EHR) (10.7%) compared with patients who underwent exploration for diagnosis (1.5%). Of 915 patients presenting with hemorrhagic signs, CTA was performed 14.5% of the time and was associated with a higher rate of EHR and observation. Of the 490 patients presenting with ischemic signs, CTA was performed 31.6% of the time and was associated with higher rates of EHR and observation. Hemorrhagic signs were associated with arterial transection, while ischemic signs were associated with arterial occlusion. Patients with ischemic signs undergoing exploration for diagnosis received more units of packed red blood cells during the first 24 hours. There was no difference in amputation rate, reintervention rate, hospital length of stay, or mortality in comparing groups who underwent CTA versus exploration. Conclusion Hard signs have limitations in identification and characterization of extremity arterial injuries. A strategy of using hemorrhagic and ischemic signs of vascular injury is of greater clinical utility. Further prospective study is needed to validate this proposed redefinition of categorization of presentations of extremity arterial injury. Level of evidence Diagnostic, level III.

Isolated injuries to the pancreas and duodenum from either blunt or penetrating trauma are infrequent, and early mortality is usually due to associated vascular injuries in the upper abdomen. Delays in diagnosis after blunt trauma are less common in the modern era due to the availability of multidetector CT. Pancreatic injuries without involvement of the main duct are managed nonoperatively, while ductal injuries are treated with resection of the body and tail or head and a rare Roux-en-Y reconstruction in most circumstances. The most common complication after resection continues to be a pancreatic fistula. Duodenal perforations are treated with transverse or oblique closure, Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy, or resection. Pyloric exclusion with gastrojejunostomy is still used for selected combined pancreatoduodenal or complex duodenal injuries.

Background Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) is controversial as a hemorrhage control adjunct due to lack of data with a suitable control group. We aimed to determine outcomes of trauma patients in shock undergoing REBOA versus no-REBOA. Methods This single-center, retrospective, matched cohort study analyzed patients ≥16 years in hemorrhagic shock without cardiac arrest (2000–2019). REBOA (R; 2015–2019) patients were propensity matched 2:1 to historic (H; 2000–2012) and contemporary (C; 2013–2019) groups. In-hospital mortality and 30-day survival were analyzed using chi-squared and log rank testing, respectively. Results A total of 102,481 patients were included (R = 57, C = 88,545, H = 13,879). Propensity scores were assigned using age, race, mechanism, lowest systolic blood pressure, lowest Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), and body region Abbreviated Injury Scale scores to generate matched groups (R = 57, C = 114, H = 114). In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the REBOA group (19.3%) compared to the contemporary (35.1%; p = 0.024) and historic (44.7%; p = 0.001) groups. 30-day survival was significantly higher in the REBOA versus no-REBOA groups. Conclusion In a high-volume center where its use is part of a coordinated hemorrhage control strategy, REBOA is associated with improved survival in patients with noncompressible torso hemorrhage.

Introduction Morbidity from the treatment of extremity compartment syndrome is underappreciated. Closure technique effectiveness has yet to be definitively established. Methods A randomized non-blinded prospective study was performed involving patients who underwent an extremity fasciotomy following trauma. Shoelace wounds were strapped with vessel loops under tension and VAC wounds were treated with a standard KCI VAC dressing. After randomization, patients returned to the OR every 96 h until primarily closed or skin grafted. Results 21 patients were consented for randomization with 11 (52%) successfully closed at the first re-operation. After interim analysis the study was closed early with 5/5 (100%) of wounds treated with the shoelace technique closed primarily and only 1/9 (11%) of VAC wounds closed primarily (p = 0.003). Overall primary closure was achieved in 74% of patients. Conclusions Aggressive attempts at wound closure lead to an increased early closure rate. For wounds that remain open after the first re-operation, a simple shoelace technique is more successful than a wound VAC for achieving same hospital stay skin closure.

Objectives Fasciotomy to treat or prevent compartment syndromes in patients with truncal or peripheral arterial injuries is a valuable adjunct. The objective of this study was to document the current incidence, indications, and outcomes of below knee fasciotomy in patients with femoropopliteal arterial injuries. Methods The PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Treatment registry of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma was utilized to identify patients undergoing two-incision four-compartment fasciotomy of the leg after repair of a femoropopliteal arterial injury. Outcomes after therapeutic versus prophylactic (surgeon label) fasciotomy were compared as was the technique of closure, that is, primary skin closure or application of a split-thickness skin graft (STSG). Results From 2013 to 2018, fasciotomy was performed in 158 patients overall, including 95.6% (151/158) at the initial operation. In the group of 139 patients who survived to discharge, fasciotomies were labeled as therapeutic in 58.3% (81/139) and prophylactic in 41.7% (58/139). There were no significant differences between the therapeutic and prophylactic groups in amputation rates (14.8% vs. 8.6%, P = .919). Primary skin closure was achieved at a median of 5.0 days vs. 11.0 days for STSG ( P = .001). Conclusions Over 55% of patients undergoing repair of an injury to a femoral or popliteal artery have a fasciotomy performed at the same operation. A “therapeutic” indication for fasciotomy continues to be more common than “prophylactic,” while outcomes are identical in both groups.

Although abdominal trauma has been described since antiquity, formal laparotomies for trauma were not performed until the 1800s. Even with the introduction of general anesthesia in the United States during the years 1842 to 1846, laparotomies for abdominal trauma were not performed during the Civil War. The first laparotomy for an abdominal gunshot wound in the United States was finally performed in New York City in 1884. An aggressive operative approach to all forms of abdominal trauma till the establishment of formal trauma centers (where data were analyzed) resulted in extraordinarily high rates of nontherapeutic laparotomies from the 1880s to the 1960s. More selective operative approaches to patients with abdominal stab wounds (1960s), blunt trauma (1970s), and gunshot wounds (1990s) were then developed. Current adjuncts to the diagnosis of abdominal trauma when serial physical examinations are unreliable include the following: 1) diagnostic peritoneal tap/lavage, 2) surgeon-performed ultrasound examination; 3) contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis; and 4) diagnostic laparoscopy. Operative techniques for injuries to the liver, spleen, duodenum, and pancreas have been refined considerably since World War II. These need to be emphasized repeatedly in an era when fewer patients undergo laparotomy for abdominal trauma. Finally, abdominal trauma damage control is a valuable operative approach in patients with physiologic exhaustion and multiple injuries.

Background High-energy missiles can cause cardiac injury regardless of entrance site. This study assesses the adequacy of the anatomic borders of the current "cardiac box" to predict cardiac injury. Methods Retrospective autopsy review was performed to identify patients with penetrating torso gunshot wounds (GSWs) 2011 to 2013. Using a circumferential grid system around the thorax, logistic regression analysis was performed to detect differences in rates of cardiac injury from entrance/exit wounds in the "cardiac box" versus the same for entrance/exit wounds outside the box. Analysis was repeated to identify regions to compare risk of cardiac injury between the current cardiac box and other regions of the thorax. Results Over the study period, 263 patients (89% men; mean age, 34 years; median injuries/person, 2) sustained 735 wounds (80% GSWs), and 239 patients with 620 GSWs were identified for study. Of these, 95 (34%) injured the heart. Of the 257 GSWs entering the cardiac box, 31% caused cardiac injury, whereas 21% GSWs outside the cardiac box (n = 67) penetrated the heart, suggesting that the current "cardiac box" is a poor predictor of cardiac injury relative to the thoracic non-"cardiac box" regions (relative risk [RR], 0.96; p = 0.82). The regions from the anterior to posterior midline of the left thorax provided the highest positive predictive value (41%) with high sensitivity (90%) while minimizing false-positives, making this region the most statistically significant discriminator of cardiac injury (RR, 2.9; p = 0.01). Conclusion For GSWs, the current cardiac box is inadequate to discriminate whether a GSW will cause a cardiac injury. As expected, entrance wounds nearest to the heart are the most likely to result in cardiac injury, but, from a clinical standpoint, it is best to think outside the "box" for GSWs to the thorax. Level of evidence Therapeutic/care management, level IV.

Despite advances in trauma care, a subset of patients surviving damage control cannot achieve fascial closure and require split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) of their open abdomen. Controversy exists as to whether reconstruction of the gastrointestine (GI) should be staged or performed at the time of abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Many surgeons do not believe that operations through the STSG can be completed safely or without loss of graft. This series reviews the outcomes of operations for GI reconstruction performed through the elevated healed STSG. Concurrent series on all patients undergoing abdominal operation through the STSG. The technique involves elevating the STSG, lysing adhesions only as needed, avoid detaching underlying omentum or viscera to avoid devascularization, and then reattaching the elevated STSG to the abdominal wall with simple sutures. From 1995 to 2017, 27 patients underwent 40 distinct procedures during 36 separate abdominal reoperations (89% GI) through the elevated STSG approach at three Level I trauma centers at a mean interval of 11 months from application of the STSG. One STSG was lost (patient closed with skin flaps), one patient had 30 per cent loss of the STSG (regrafted), and one patient had 10 per cent loss of the STSG (allowed to granulate). One patient required a small bowel resection for intraoperative enterotomy during a difficult operative dissection. There were no GI complications, intraabdominal infections, or deaths, and all patients were deemed fit to undergo AWR after three months. Major intraabdominal reoperations can be readily and safely accomplished through the elevated STSG approach with a

A minimally invasive (MI) approach using small incisions and vessel loops for drainage of simple perianal abscesses has been described in the pediatric population with decreased postoperative pain and comparable results to the traditional incision and drainage (I&D). The hypothesis was MI I&D will yield similar outcomes in adults. Patients who underwent I&D of perianal abscesses at an urban hospital from January 2008 to December 2015 were identified by Current Procedural Terminology code. Patients below 18 years of age, with inflammatory bowel diseases, or fistulae were excluded. Recurrences, readmissions, operative time, length of stay, complications, and costs were compared. There were 47 traditional and 96 MI I&D with no significant differences in demographics, average body mass index, and abscess size. No significant differences were noted in recurrences, readmissions, length of stay, operative time, or costs (P > 0.05). Postoperative complications occurred more frequently in the traditional group (P < 0.01) with a lower rate of follow-up (P < 0.05). MI I&D for simple anal abscesses in adults is associated with better compliance and fewer complications than the traditional approach. Although further studies are needed to determine if MI I&D confers superiority, this approach should be considered as first-line treatment for uncomplicated perirectal abscesses in adults.