Background A vascular interventional radiology (VIR) protocol was initiated at a mature level 2 trauma center on 3/1/2023 to reduce time to vessel puncture to < 60 minutes as per American College of Surgeons (ACS) guidelines. The average time to vessel puncture in the two years prior to protocol initiation was 102 minutes. Following initiation, time to vessel puncture was reduced to 48.2 minutes (p < 0.001). A statistically significant increase in the number of splenic embolizations was noted in the post-protocol group. The primary outcome of the current study was to evaluate if the initiation of a VIR protocol correlated with a statistically significant decrease in splenectomies for high-grade splenic injuries (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade 3 or higher) in favor of splenic embolization. The secondary outcomes of the study were to assess whether the initiation of the VIR alert protocol improved our rate of splenic salvage, defined as preserved splenic immune function, and if there was a decreased rate of splenectomies across all injury grades. Methods The trauma registry database was queried for all splenic injuries from 1/1/2021 to 9/1/2024. Admission CT scans were used to grade injuries using the AAST Organ Injury Scale. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including severity of illness (ISS), admission INR, age, blood product required pre- and post-intervention, mortality, sex, length of stay, anticoagulant (AC)/antiplatelet (AP) use, mechanism of injury, and need for REBOA (resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta) placement, were collected for all patients. Patients were further broken down into those requiring splenectomy, embolization, or no intervention. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U with Jamovi Version 2.3.26.0 (The Jamovi Project, 2023). Results No statistically significant difference was found for clinical or demographic characteristics between groups. Fewer splenectomies and more splenic embolizations were performed in the post-protocol group for high-grade splenic injuries (grade 3), which was statistically significant (p<0.001). This was also true when all grade splenic injuries were compared (p<0.001). Conclusion Following the establishment of an institutional VIR alert protocol for active hemorrhage control in trauma patients, more frequent utilization of angioembolization for high-grade splenic injuries was found with a subsequent decrease in splenectomy rate. Implementation of the VIR alert protocol directly correlated with a shift in practice pattern reflecting attempts at splenic salvage for all injury grades.

INTRODUCTION:Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) continues to show benefit for severe chest wall injury (CWI) with improvement in morbidity and mortality following stabilization. Complex bilateral injuries pose a clinical and technical challenge. Currently, there is no formal recommendation for an approach to repair such injuries, whether that be bilateral SSRF within the index case or staged repair. We sought to describe our institutional experience with this subset of patients, identify factors that may influence the decision to pursue single- versus two-stage procedures, and assess the potential benefit of combined bilateral SSRF during the index operation. METHODS:A retrospective, single-institution review was conducted at a Level II trauma center including patients undergoing surgical stabilization of bilateral CWI between 2018-2022. Patients were excluded if they received unilateral fixation despite having bilateral CWI or had CWI related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Patient/injury characteristics, operative details, and clinical outcomes, including ventilator days, length of stay data, pneumonia, and tracheostomy rates, were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS:Eighteen patients met the inclusion criteria (13 one-stage and 5 two-stage). All patients had flail chest. Patient demographics, overall hospital length of stay (LOS), and post-operative LOS were similar between groups; however, the two-stage group had a higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) (26 one-stage vs 29 two-stage). Total operative time was longer for staged repairs (294 minutes vs 157 minutes for single-stage procedures). The two-stage group required more plates for stabilization (14 vs 8). Patients undergoing staged repair experienced a longer median duration of ventilator dependence (5.5 vs 3 days). Pneumonia was more frequent in the staged group, 40% (n= 2), compared with 8% (n = 1) in the single-stage procedures. Tracheostomy was performed in 40% (n=2) vs 15% (n=2) of patients in the two-stage vs single-stage groups. No inpatient mortality was reported in either cohort. CONCLUSION:In this retrospective observational study evaluating outcomes of single and staged SSRF for complex bilateral CWI, expected differences were observed in operative time and number of plates required, both of which were higher in staged repairs. These findings likely reflect increased case complexity and resource utilization associated with staged procedures. Our observational experience highlights the need for careful patient selection and resource planning when considering staged SSRF, with the decision for surgical approach being individualized.

BACKGROUND:Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is recognized as a key intervention in reducing morbidity among patients with multiple displaced rib fractures or flail chest. Early SSRF, typically within 72 hours of admission, has been associated with improved outcomes. The factors contributing to delayed stabilization, defined as 72 hours or greater following admission, remain unclear. METHODS:A retrospective cohort study was performed, evaluating 492 trauma patients who underwent SSRF at a level II trauma center. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and associated injuries were analyzed to identify factors associated with delayed SSRF. Groups were defined as early (≤72 hours) and delayed (>72 hours). Regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of delay. Correlations between time to operation and hospital outcomes were evaluated. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS:Of 492 patients, the median age was 66 years, and 301 (61%) were male; 122 (24.8%) patients underwent SSRF beyond 72 hours from admission. On univariate analysis, there was no difference in age, number of rib fractures, presence of flail chest, or anticoagulation status between groups. Delayed intervention was associated with higher ISS (19 vs 15, p<0.001), lower admission GCS (p<0.001), and need for craniotomy (p=0.002). On multivariate analysis, only injury severity score (ISS) independently predicted surgical delay (p=0.002, CI 1.01-1.07). Delayed SSRF correlated with longer hospital stay (p<0.001) but not ICU stay (p=0.876). Inpatient mortality did not differ significantly between early and delayed groups (1.6% vs. 4.1%, p=0.110). CONCLUSIONS:Following a retrospective review of nearly 500 patients undergoing SSRF for severe flail and non-flail chest wall injury at a single institution, the ISS was found to be associated with delayed intervention beyond 72 hours of admission. Despite the known potential for increased risk of delayed chest wall stabilization, ICU stay, and inpatient mortality were found to be similar between early and delayed SSRF.

Introduction Trauma continues to be a major cause of death in the United States, with uncontrolled bleeding contributing to a significant portion of trauma-related fatalities. In recent years, the management of hemorrhagic trauma patients has expanded to include interventional radiology (IR). The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma recommends that Level 1 and 2 trauma centers ensure IR availability within 60 minutes of the decision to proceed with angiography. Delays in IR intervention are associated with poorer outcomes and increased mortality. To address this, our Level 2 trauma center developed and implemented an institutional protocol involving trauma surgeons, interventional radiologists, residents, trauma advanced practice providers, ED staff, and IR nursing teams to reduce time to intervention for trauma patients with uncontrolled hemorrhage. Methods On March 1, 2023, a new institutional protocol was launched to expedite IR intervention in trauma patients with hemorrhage. When such a patient is identified, the trauma team leader (TTL) directly contacts an IR physician to review imaging and determine the need for urgent endovascular therapy. If IR intervention is agreed upon, the TTL places a STAT IR consult, which marks the start time for time tracking. This time period ends when an IR physician achieves vascular access. To accelerate intervention, the TTL informs the primary nurse of the protocol activation, and a trauma vascular IR (VIR) alert is sent via Vocera®. The primary nurse and VIR charge nurse coordinate room availability, prepare the patient for transport, and ready the IR suite. Results Data were collected prospectively after protocol implementation (beginning March 2023) and retrospectively for the period starting January 2022. The pre-protocol cohort included 11 patients, and the post-protocol cohort included 12 patients. Comparison of the two groups showed a significant reduction in mean consult-to-needle time: 102 minutes ± 39.5 pre-protocol vs. 48.2 minutes ± 12.7 post-protocol (p < 0.001). Conclusions Timely VIR intervention is essential for effective hemorrhage control in trauma patients. Transitioning a patient from the trauma bay to the IR suite requires seamless coordination across multiple teams, and delays can negatively impact outcomes. Establishing a standardized institutional protocol can reduce time to intervention by streamlining workflows and minimizing communication-related delays. While our study is limited by a small sample size, ongoing data collection is expected to further support these initial findings.

Rib fractures are one of the most common injuries following blunt trauma. When associated with penetrating trauma, the projectile velocity and immense energy transfer cause significant rib fracture displacement and fragmentation. As a result, these patients are potentially exposed to an even higher risk of complications compared to those seen in more simple rib fractures. Unfortunately, there is limited research regarding technical considerations for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) in severely displaced rib fractures with bone loss following penetrating injury. We present the case of a 21-year-old male gunshot wound victim with severely displaced and comminuted rib fractures in which we utilized an autologous bone graft bridge during SSRF to enhance fracture unionization, chest wall stability, and cosmesis. Unfortunately, the bone graft failed to incorporate into surrounding tissue.

We report the case of a 71-year-old male who initially presented with urosepsis and was found to have a rib fracture of his right 6th rib with a flail segment and an associated abscess. Given the concern for infection, surgical rib fixation with titanium plating was not pursued during the washout of his abscess and instead, he successfully underwent rib fracture stabilization with bilateral suture transfixation. He was continued on a prolonged course of antibiotics for Klebsiella pneumonia osteomyelitis and was discharged uneventfully with optimal pain control and adequate respiratory effort.

BACKGROUND:Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) has demonstrated benefit in patients with flail chest and multiple displaced fractures. There is mounting evidence for SSRF following chest wall injury (CWI) for the geriatric trauma population. A recent multi-center retrospective study highlighted a mortality benefit even for those patients aged 80 years and older. The objective of this investigation was to review our institutional experience with both in- and out-of-hospital outcomes within this patient population following SSRF.METHODS:A retrospective review of patients 80 years and older was performed at a high-volume level 2 trauma center from 2017 to 2021. SSRF volume is routinely >60 cases per year. Perioperative, inpatient, and outpatient data were collected as available. Primary outcomes were inpatient and 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included discharge on narcotics and freedom from narcotics at 30 days.RESULTS:50 patients were included for review. Mean age was 86 years and mechanism of injury was most often fall. 28 of 50 (56%) patients had flail chest (radiographic). Mean number of ribs fixated was 4.7 and time to surgery 2.5 days. Inpatient mortality was 3/50 (6%), 90-day mortality was 9/50 (18%) of which three were attributable primarily to CWI (6/50, 12%). Of patients with follow-up of 1 year and beyond, 27/28 were alive (96%). With respect to narcotic consumption, 45% (21/47) were discharged on narcotics with 90% (28/31; N limited by missing data) being narcotic-free at 30 days.CONCLUSION:In this high-risk patient population, inpatient mortality was comparably low to prior reports, though 90-day mortality was doubled when incorporating CWI-related deaths. Narcotic use was seen in the minority of patients upon discharge, and most progressed to being narcotic-free at 30 days post-hospitalization. Inpatient outcomes alone may not adequately define both the benefit and risk of SSRF performed in patients 80 years and older.

BACKGROUND:Over the last two decades, the acute management of rib fractures has changed significantly. In 2021, the Chest Wall injury Society (CWIS) began recognizing centers that epitomize their mission as CWIS Collaborative Centers. The primary aim of this study was to determine the resources, surgical expertise, access to care, and institutional support that are present among centers. METHODS:A survey was performed including all CWIS Collaborative Centers evaluating the resources available at their hospital for the treatment of patients with chest wall injury. Data about each chest wall injury center care process, availability of resources, institutional support, research support, and educational offerings were recorded. RESULTS:Data were collected from 20 trauma centers resulting in an 80% response rate. These trauma centers were made up of 5 international and 15 US-based trauma centers. Eighty percent (16 of 20) have dedicated care team members for the evaluation and management of rib fractures. Twenty-five percent (5 of 20) have a dedicated rib fracture service with a separate call schedule. Staffing for chest wall injury clinics consists of a multidisciplinary team: with attending surgeons in all clinics, 80% (8 of 10) with advanced practice providers and 70% (7 of 10) with care coordinators. Forty percent (8 of 20) of centers have dedicated rib fracture research support, and 35% (7 of 20) have surgical stabilization of rib fracture (SSRF)-related grants. Forty percent (8 of 20) of centers have marketing support, and 30% (8 of 20) have a web page support to bring awareness to their center. At these trauma centers, a median of 4 (1-9) surgeons perform SSRFs. In the majority of trauma centers, the trauma surgeons perform SSRF. CONCLUSION:Considerable similarities and differences exist within these CWIS collaborative centers. These differences in resources are hypothesis generating in determining the optimal chest wall injury center. These findings may generate several patient care and team process questions to optimize patient care, patient experience, provider satisfaction, research productivity, education, and outreach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Therapeutic/Care Management; Level V.

BACKGROUND Often missed in blunt chest wall injury, costal cartilage injuries can cause chest wall instability, refractory pain, and deformity. Notably, there is only a small amount of evidence regarding hardware performance when applied to costal cartilage. In a prior multicenter study, hardware failure rate was found to be approximately 3% following surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRFs) for all fracture locations. The aim of the current study was to evaluate hardware performance for costal cartilage injuries. METHODS All patients undergoing SSRF performed at our institution from 2016 to 2022 were queried, including both acute and chronic injuries. Both radiographic and clinical follow-up were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate for hardware failure defined as plate fracture, malposition, or screw migration following cartilage fixation. RESULTS After screening 359 patients, 43 were included for analysis. Mean age was 64 years, and 67% of patients were male. Median number of fractures per patient was 7 with 60% of patients sustaining a flail chest injury pattern. Median total plates per operation was 6 and median costal cartilage plates was 3. In total, 144 plates were applied to the costal cartilage for the group. Mean follow-up was as follows: clinical 88 days, two-view plain radiography 164 days, and chest computed tomography 184 days. Hardware failure was observed in 3 of 144 plates (2.1%), in three separate patients. Two cases were asymptomatic and did not require intervention. One patient required revisional operation in the acute setting. CONCLUSION In our institution, hardware failure for costal cartilage fractures was observed to be 2.1%. This aligns with prior reports of hardware failure during SSRF for all injury locations. Surgical stabilization of anterior and cartilaginous chest wall injury with appropriate plate contouring and fixation technique appears to provide adequate stabilization with a relatively low rate of hardware malfunction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/Care Management; Level V.

Background Studies have demonstrated the use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion catheters of the aorta (REBOA) in the setting of postpartum hemorrhage and traumatic hemorrhagic shock. However, REBOA is infrequently utilized leading to a lack of clinician comfort. This study???s aim was to demonstrate the utility of REBOA in a hemorrhaging pregnant trauma patient and improve clinician comfort with the placement of REBOA while emphasizing collaboration between medical specialties. Methods A multidisciplinary in-situ simulation was developed for the management of a pregnant patient with an abdominal gunshot wound evaluated by obstetrics and surgery teams. A trauma survey, emergency c -section, massive transfusion protocol (MTP), and evaluation for and placement of REBOA were indicated during the simulation. A standardized Return on Learning questionnaire was utilized to determine participants' reactions and confidence gained during the simulation. Results A total of 32 of 41 participants completed the survey (78%). A statistically significant increase in confidence was reported in the ability to prioritize the care of a pregnant patient with hemorrhagic shock (p = 0.016), apply MTP to the appropriate clinical setting (p = 0.03), and analyze critical decisions made for abdominal trauma in pregnant patients (p = 0.006). Specifically for physicians, a significant increase in confidence in the ability to identify indications/contraindications for REBOA placement in hemorrhaging patients was observed (p = 0.021). Conclusions A multidisciplinary simulation for the management of a pregnant patient in hemorrhagic shock secondary to penetrating abdominal trauma improved learner confidence in MTP, care of pregnant patients in hemorrhagic shock, and abdominal trauma in pregnancy. Physician learners gained confidence in indications for REBOA placement in abdominal trauma. This simulation was highly relevant to all participants.

Objectives: Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) improves outcomes in patients with flail chest and displaced fractures with impaired pulmonary function. Elderly and frail patients with such injuries are at risk for significant morbidity and may benefit from SSRF. The 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) is a validated predictor of postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between frailty and outcomes following SSRF at a tertiary care trauma center. Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing SSRF from 2015 to 2019. Patients over 18 years old with two or more displaced fractures were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were isolated fracture, traumatic brain injury, and pulmonary contusion. Frail patients were defined by an mFI-5 score 2 or greater. Chi-square analysis, Fischer's exact test, and Student's t-test were used for comparative analysis as appropriate. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred and fifty-four patients met inclusion criteria. Forty-eight patients were designated frail and 106 nonfrail. The mean number of fractures was similar between frail and nonfrail groups (7.0 vs. 7.3, P = 0.685). Injury Severity Score was lower in the frail group (14.5 vs. 17.8, P = 0.02). Inpatient mortality (P = 0.312), rates of pneumonia, end-organ dysfunction, and surgical site infections were similar (P > 0.05). Intensive care unit admission (47.9% vs. 29.2%, P = 0.025) and tracheostomy rates (P = 0.009) were increased in the frail group. Frailty also increased the risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation >48 h on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Frail patients, stratified using mFI 5 score, experienced similar rates of multiple postoperative outcomes, including mortality, but had increased rates of prolonged ventilation and tracheostomy. Despite observed but expected increased morbidity in these patients, the similar complication and mortality rates suggest a role for surgical stabilization of severe rib fractures in frail patients.

Purpose Literature on outcomes after SSRF, stratified for rib fracture pattern is scarce in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI; Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 12). We hypothesized that SSRF is associated with improved outcomes as compared to nonoperative management without hampering neurological recovery in these patients. Methods A post hoc subgroup analysis of the multicenter, retrospective CWIS-TBI study was performed in patients with TBI and stratified by having sustained a non-flail fracture pattern or flail chest between January 1, 2012 and July 31, 2019. The primary outcome was mechanical ventilation-free days and secondary outcomes were in-hospital outcomes. In multivariable analysis, outcomes were assessed, stratified for rib fracture pattern. Results In total, 449 patients were analyzed. In patients with a non-flail fracture pattern, 25 of 228 (11.0%) underwent SSRF and in patients with a flail chest, 86 of 221 (38.9%). In multivariable analysis, ventilator-free days were similar in both treatment groups. For patients with a non-flail fracture pattern, the odds of pneumonia were significantly lower after SSRF (odds ratio 0.29; 95% CI 0.11–0.77; p = 0.013). In patients with a flail chest, the ICU LOS was significantly shorter in the SSRF group (beta, − 2.96 days; 95% CI − 5.70 to − 0.23; p = 0.034). Conclusion In patients with TBI and a non-flail fracture pattern, SSRF was associated with a reduced pneumonia risk. In patients with TBI and a flail chest, a shorter ICU LOS was observed in the SSRF group. In both groups, SSRF was safe and did not hamper neurological recovery.

BACKGROUND:The presence of six or more rib fractures or a displaced rib fracture due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been associated with longer hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Evidence on the effect of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) following CPR is limited. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes after SSRF versus nonoperative management in patients with multiple rib fractures after CPR.METHODS:An international, retrospective study was performed in patients who underwent SSRF or nonoperative management for multiple rib fractures following CPR between January 1, 2012, and July 31, 2020. Patients who underwent SSRF were matched to nonoperative controls by cardiac arrest location and cause, rib fracture pattern, and age. The primary outcome was ICU LOS.RESULTS:Thirty-nine operatively treated patient were matched to 66 nonoperatively managed controls with comparable CPR-related characteristics. Patients who underwent SSRF more often had displaced rib fractures (n = 28 [72%] vs. n = 31 [47%]; p = 0.015) and a higher median number of displaced ribs (2 [P 25 -P 75 , 0-3] vs. 0 [P 25 -P 75 , 0-3]; p = 0.014). Surgical stabilization of rib fractures was performed at a median of 5 days (P 25 -P 75 , 3-8 days) after CPR. In the nonoperative group, a rib fixation specialist was consulted in 14 patients (21%). The ICU LOS was longer in the SSRF group (13 days [P 25 -P 75 , 9-23 days] vs. 9 days [P 25 -P 75 , 5-15 days]; p = 0.004). Mechanical ventilator-free days, hospital LOS, thoracic complications, and mortality were similar.CONCLUSION:Despite matching, those who underwent SSRF over nonoperative management for multiple rib fractures following CPR had more severe consequential chest wall injury and a longer ICU LOS. A benefit of SSRF on in-hospital outcomes could not be demonstrated. A low consultation rate for rib fixation in the nonoperative group indicates that the consideration to perform SSRF in this population might be associated with other nonradiographic or injury-related variables.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Severe chest wall injury following trauma is a significant contributing factor to respiratory failure and need for mechanical ventilation in multiply injured patients. Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is increasingly considered to be advantageous in this population. Surgical stabilization has been shown to improve multiple outcomes including ventilator avoidance, liberation from mechanical ventilation, and diminished pulmonary complications in the trauma population, particularly when performed early. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, ventilators have become a scarce resource, and conservative strategies have become a critical component of intensive care. We present a report of the perioperative outcome of SSRF in a geriatric polytrauma patient who initially presented after a mechanical fall and co-existing symptomatic COVID-19.

BACKGROUND Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) contributes to significant chest wall injury similar to blunt trauma. With benefits realized for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRFs) for flail injuries and severely displaced fractures following trauma, SSRF for chest wall injury following CPR could be advantageous, provided good functional and neurologic outlook. Experience is limited. We present a review of patients treated with SSRF at our institution following CPR. METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing SSRF following CPR was performed between 2019 and 2020. Perioperative inpatient data were collected with outpatient follow-up as able. RESULTS Five patients underwent SSRF over the course of the 2-year interval. All patients required invasive ventilation preoperatively or had impending respiratory. Mean age was 59 +/- 12 years, with all patients being male. Inciting events for cardiac arrest included respiratory, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, pulseless electrical activity, and anaphylaxis. Time to operation was 6.6 +/- 3 days. Four patients demonstrated anterior flail injury pattern with or without sternal fracture, with one patient having multiple severely displaced fractures. Surgical stabilization of rib fracture was performed appropriately to restore chest wall stability. Mean intensive care unit length of stay was 9.8 +/- 6.4 days and overall hospital length of stay 24.6 +/- 13.2 days. Median postoperative ventilation was 2 days (range, 1-15 days) with two patients developing pneumonia and one requiring tracheostomy. There were no mortalities at 30 days. One patient expired in hospice after a prolonged hospitalization. Disposition destination was variable. No hardware complications were noted on outpatient follow-up, and all surviving patients were home. CONCLUSION Chest wall injuries are incurred frequently following CPR. Surgical stabilization of these injuries can be considered to promote ventilator liberation and rehabilitation. Careful patient selection is paramount, with surgery offered to those with reversible causes of arrest and good functional and neurologic outcome. Experience is early, with further investigation needed.

Di Napoli, Marissa BS; Doben, Andrew R. MD; DeVoe, William B. MD; Eriksson, Evert MD, FACS, FCCPAuthor Information

Outcomes after surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) have not been studied in patients with multiple rib fractures and traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that SSRF, as compared to nonoperative management, is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with TBI. METHODS A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with rib fractures and TBI between January 2012 and July 2019. Patients who underwent SSRF were compared to those managed nonoperatively. The primary outcome was mechanical ventilation-free days. Secondary outcomes were Intensive Care Unit (ICU-LOS) and hospital length of stay (HLOS), tracheostomy, occurrence of complications, neurologic outcome, and mortality. Patients were further stratified into moderate (GCS 9-12) and severe (GCS ≤8) TBI. RESULTS The study cohort consisted of 456 patients of which 111 (24.3%) underwent SSRF. SSRF was performed at a median of 3 days and SSRF-related complication rate was 3.6%. In multivariable analyses, there was no difference in mechanical ventilation-free days between the SSRF and nonoperative groups. The odds of developing pneumonia (OR 0.59 (95% CI 0.38-0.98), p=0.043) and 30-day mortality (OR 0.32 (95% CI 0.11-0.91), p=0.032) were significantly lower in the SSRF group. Patients with moderate TBI had similar outcome in both groups. In patients with severe TBI, the odds of 30-day mortality was significantly lower after SSRF (0.19 (95% CI 0.04-0.88), p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS In patients with multiple rib fractures and TBI, the mechanical ventilation-free days did not differ between the two treatment groups. In addition, SSRF was associated with a significantly lower risk of pneumonia and 30-day mortality. In patients with moderate TBI, outcome was similar. In patients with severe TBI a lower 30-day mortality was observed. There was a low SSRF-related complication risk. These data suggest a potential role for SSRF in select patients with TBI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, level IV.

Critical Care Medicine: January 2020 - Volume 48 - Issue 1 - p 94 doi: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000619248.06547.7f

Kopitnik, Max MD; DeVoe, William MD; Ingersol, Clinton MD; Dominguez, Edward P. MD, FACS Author Information

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive neural crest cell-derived neoplasm with a propensity for metastasis to almost any organ. Gastrointestinal metastasis may manifest as gallbladder polyps. We report a case of metastatic malignant melanoma diagnosed in an 81-year-old male after cholecystectomy performed for acute cholecystitis. Cholecystectomy remains the standard of care for treatment of isolated gallbladder metastasis, especially in the setting of symptomatic disease. Mutation-directed chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic modalities serve as efficacious adjunctive therapy in addition to primary surgical resection for this rare condition.