Over the past decade, a nonoperative approach toward the management of blunt hepatic trauma has become prevalent at most major urban trauma centers. To determine the applicability of the nonoperative approach in a rural setting, a 10-year retrospective review was conducted at a level I rural university-based trauma center. The Census Bureau defines ruralized areas to provide a better separation of urban and rural territory and population. A ruralized area is composed of one or more places and the adjacent surrounding territory that together have a maximum of 50,000 persons. West Virginia University is classified as a rural academic medical center and is situated in Morgantown, whose permanent population does not exceed 35,000. All patients with documented blunt hepatic trauma between July 1990 and June 2000 were identified and reviewed. To evaluate evolving trends, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (July 1, 1990—June 30, 1995) and group B (July 1, 1995-June 30, 2000). There were 236 patients with documented blunt hepatic trauma identified between July 1,1990, and June 30,2000). Overall, 70 per cent of patients were managed conservatively. When comparing the two groups, statistical significance was obtained in mean hospital length of stay (LOS) [19.8 days A vs. 9.1 days B (P < 0.0001)]; mean intensive care unit (ICU) days [15.2 days A vs. 5.3 days B (P < 0.0001)], blood transfusion [10 units A vs. 4.2 units B (P < 0.0016)], number of patients requiring surgery [52 (46%) A vs. 37 (30%) B (P < 0.022)]. There was only one death associated with nonoperative management. We have shown a definite trend toward nonoperative management of blunt hepatic trauma in a rural setting over the past decade. More than 70 per cent of our liver injury patients over the past 5 years have been managed nonoperatively, with statistically significant reductions in hospital LOS, ICU LOS, and transfusion requirements. We have found a definite trend over the past decade toward nonoperative management of blunt hepatic trauma in a rural setting. The rural setting with a delay in transport time to level I trauma center also did not significantly affect the outcome of the patients with nonoperative management of liver injuries. Approximately 78 per cent of our liver injury patients over the past 5 years have been managed nonoperatively and are associated with statistically significant reductions in hospital and ICU LOS and transfusion requirements.

COCKERILL, F. R. III; MULLER, S. R.; ANHALT, J. P.; MARSH, H. M.; FARNELL, M. B.; MUCHA, P.; GILLESPIE, D. J.; ILSTRUP, D. M.; LARSON-KELLER, J. J.; THOMPSON, R. L. Author Information

OBJECTIVE:To determine whether selective decontamination of the digestive tract using oral and nonabsorbable antimicrobial agents and parenteral cefotaxime prevents infection in critically ill patients.DESIGN:Randomized, controlled trial without blinding.SETTING:Surgical trauma and medical intensive care units in a tertiary referral hospital.PATIENTS:One hundred fifty patients admitted to surgical trauma and medical intensive care units during a 3-year interval, whose condition suggested a prolonged stay (greater than 3 days).INTERVENTION:Patients were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 75) that received cefotaxime, 1 g intravenously every 8 hours for the first 3 days only, and oral, nonabsorbable antibiotics (gentamicin, polymyxin, and nystatin by oral paste and oral liquid) for the entire stay in the intensive care unit. Control patients (n = 75) received usual care.MEASUREMENTS:The number of infections, total hospital days, and deaths, as well as the number of days in intensive care unit, were recorded.RESULTS:Control patients experienced more infections (36 compared with 12, P = 0.04), including bacteremias (14 compared with 4, P = 0.05) and pulmonary infections (14 compared with 4, P = 0.03). Although total hospital days, days in intensive care, and the overall death rate all were lower in the treatment group, these differences were not statistically significant. Clinically important complications of selective decontamination of the digestive tract were not encountered.CONCLUSIONS:Selective decontamination of the digestive tract decreases subsequent infection rates, especially by gram-negative bacilli, in selected patients during long-term stays in the intensive care unit.

During the past decade there has been a shift in the management of injuries of the colon to primary repair without a protective diverting colostomy. Unfortunately, reports concerning this practice contain relatively few patients with blunt trauma and it is unclear whether the principles established for penetrating injury should be applied in the setting of blunt colon injury. A retrospective review of 54,361 major blunt trauma patients admitted to nine regional trauma centers from January 1, 1986, through December 31, 1990, was conducted. Statistical analysis of the data collected regarding 286 (0.5%) of these patients who suffered colonic injury revealed: (1) injury to the colon is found in more than 10% of patients undergoing laparotomy following blunt trauma; (2) available diagnostic modalities are unreliable in detecting isolated colonic pathology; (3) primary repair of full-thickness injuries or resection and anastomosis may be safely performed without diversion; (4) gross fecal contamination is the strongest contraindication to primary repair. Further, delay of surgery, shock, and the timing of antibiotic administration were not associated with significantly increased morbidity.

A multi-center experience with 210 severe liver injuries was reviewed to define postoperative changes in hepatic enzyme levels and body temperature profile. The 129 patients who survived initial operation comprised the data base. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) peaked within 24 hours (750 +/- 92 IU/L, 870 +/- 120 IU/L) and decreased rapidly during the first 4 days. Serum bilirubin was maximal at 7 days, while alkaline phosphatase rose slowly throughout 14 days. Hepatic enzyme elevations were more dramatic after blunt trauma, reflecting greater hepatocellular disruption. Maximum daily temperatures exceeding 38.0 degrees C and 39.0 degrees C were recorded for the first 3 postoperative days in 82 (64%) patients and 14 (11%) patients, respectively. No infectious source was evident in 13 (93%) of 14 patients with severe hyperpyrexia, implicating release of inflammatory mediators associated with major hepatic trauma. Convalescence from severe hepatic injury is marked by release of SGOT and LDH, as well as fever, which may be anticipated during the first 4 days postinjury.

The evaluation and management of patients with minor head injury (MHI: history of loss of consciousness or posttraumatic amnesia and a GCS score >12) remain controversial. Recommendations vary from routine admission without computed tomographic (CT) scanning to mandatory CT scanning and admission to CT scanning without admission for selected patients. Previous reports examining this issue have included patients with associated non-CNS injuries who confound the interpretation of the data and affect outcome. We hypothesized that patients with MHI and no other reason for admission with normal neurologic examinations and normal CT scans would have a negligible risk of neurologic deterioration requiring surgical intervention. To validate this hypothesis we studied 2766 patients with an isolated MHI admitted to seven trauma centers between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 1991. There were 1898 male patients and 868 female patients; injury was blunt in 99%. A neurologic examination and a CT scan were performed on 2166 patients; 933 patients had normal neurologic examinations and normal CT scans and none required craniotomy; 1170 patients had normal CT scans and none required craniotomy; 2112 patients had normal neurologic examinations and 59 required craniotomy. The sensitivity of the CT scan was 100%, with positive predictive value of 10%, negative predictive value of 100%, and specificity of 51%. The use of CT alone as a diagnostic modality would have saved 3924 hospital days, including 814 ICU days, and $1,509,012 in hospital charges. Based on these data, we believe that CT scanning is essential in the management of patients with MHI and that if the neurologic examination is normal and the scan is negative patients can be safely discharged from the emergency room.

UNLABELLEDAcute renal failure (ARF) following trauma is rare. Historically, ARF has been associated with a high mortality rate. To investigate this entity we conducted a retrospective review of 72,757 admissions treated at nine regional trauma centers over a 5-year period. Seventy-eight patients (0.098%) developed acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Detailed demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected. Patients with pre-existing medical conditions (group I) had a 70% increase in mortality over those without pre-existing conditions (p less than 0.004). Twenty-four patients (31%) developed ARF less than 6 days after injury (group II). The remainder (group III) developed late renal failure (mean time to first dialysis, 23 days). The predominant cause of death was multiple organ failure (82%). There were no differences in mortality because of multiple organ failure among the three groups of patients. Of the 33 survivors, six (18%) were discharged with renal insufficiency, three (9%) were discharged on dialysis, 23 (70%) were discharged home or to rehabilitation, and 27 (82%) had no significant evidence of renal insufficiency.CONCLUSIONPosttraumatic renal failure requiring hemodialysis is rare (incidence, 107 per 100,000 trauma center admissions), but the mortality rate remains high (57%). Two thirds of the cases of posttraumatic renal failure develop late and are secondary to multiple organ failure; one third of the cases of posttraumatic renal failure develop early and may result from inadequate resuscitation.

During a 5-year period, 74 patients with pancreatic injuries were managed by distal pancreatic resection at nine referral trauma centers. Patient ages ranged from 4 to 72 years. Injury mechanism was blunt trauma in 34 (46%) patients, gunshot wound in 27 (36%), stab wound in 11 (15%), and shotgun blast in two (3%). There were 19 class II, 50 class III, and 5 class IV pancreatic injuries. The resection comprised up to 33% of the pancreas in 21 (28%) patients, from 34% to 66% in 45 (61%), and greater than 67% in eight (11%). The pancreatic resection margin was closed with staples in 44 (59%), silk sutures in 20 (27%), and polypropylene sutures in eight (11%). Of 32 patients in whom the spleen was uninjured, the spleen was left intact in 17 (53%). There were nine (12%) deaths. The cause of death was irreversible shock in three patients, multiple organ failure in five, and severe head injury in one. Pancreas-related complications occurred in 32 (45%) of 71 patients who survived the initial operation. Intra-abdominal abscess developed in 24 patients; 11 were managed by percutaneous drainage alone. Pancreatic fistula developed in 10 patients; eight closed spontaneously from 6 to 54 days. Other pancreas-related morbidity included pancreatitis (6), pseudocyst (2), and hemorrhage (2). Exocrine insufficiency was not evident in any patient and diet-controlled hyperglycemia occurred in one individual following 80% pancreatic resection. We conclude: (1) distal pancreatectomy can be safely performed without concomitant splectomy; (2) pancreas-related morbidity is frequent after pancreatic resection for trauma, regardless of method of pancreatic closure; and (3) endocrine and exocrine insufficiency are rare after distal pancreatectomy for trauma.

We reviewed our recent experience with management of 23 consecutive patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. All patients had documented necrotizing pancreatitis with parenchymal or peripancreatic necrosis. Our method of treatment has evolved from our previous approach of controlled open lesser sac drainage (marsupialization) to staged necrosectomy/debridement with delayed primary closure over drains. With this latter approach, hospital mortality was 4 of 23 patients (17 per cent), but significant morbidity still occurred in 12 of 23 patients (52 per cent). However, recurrent intra-abdominal abscess before discharge occurred in only one patient. We believe that this operative approach toward the severely ill patient with acute necrotizing pancreatitis who requires operative intervention will minimize the occurrence of intra-abdominal sepsis.

The experience of eight trauma centers with duodenal injuries was analyzed to identify trends in operative management, sources of duodenal-related morbidity, and causes of mortality. During the 5-year period ending December 1988, 164 duodenal injuries were identified. Patient ages ranged from 5 to 78 years. There were 38 Class I, 70 Class II, 48 Class III, four Class IV, and four Class V injuries. Injury mechanism was penetrating in 102 (62%) patients and blunt in 62. Primary repair of the duodenal injury was performed in 117 (71%) patients, including 27 patients also managed with pyloric exclusion and 12 with tube duodenostomy. Duodenal resection with primary anastomosis was used in six (4%) patients and pancreatoduodenectomy was necessary in five (3%). There were 30 (18%) deaths. The cause of death was uncontrolled hemorrhage from severe hepatic or vascular injuries in 22 (73%) patients. In only two (1%) patients could death be attributed to the duodenal injury; each as the result of duodenal repair dehiscence and subsequent sepsis. Duodenal-related morbidity was documented in 29 (18%) patients, including 22 patients with intra-abdominal abscess, six with duodenal fistula, and five with frank duodenal dehiscence. In summary, this analysis demonstrated: 1) the great majority of duodenal injuries can be managed by simple repair; 2) tube duodenostomy is not a mandatory component of operative treatment; 3) pyloric exclusion is a useful adjunct for more complex injuries; 4) pancreatoduodenectomy is rarely necessary for civilian duodenal trauma; 5) morbidity following duodenal trauma is more dependent on associated intra-abdominal injuries than the extent of duodenal trauma; and 6) mortality following duodenal injuries is primarily related to associated vascular and hepatic trauma.

The treatment of 36 patients with duodenal villous tumors was reviewed to determine the long-term outcome of various surgical treatment options for specific adenoma histopathology. Duodenal villous tumors were typically solitary and periampullary in location. Villous adenomas contained epithelial atypia in 30% of patients, in situ carcinoma in 14%, and invasive carcinoma in 33%. Treatment consisted of transduodenal submucosal excision in 19 patients and radical pancreaticoduodenectomy in 15. There was no perioperative mortality. Perioperative morbidity for transduodenal excision and pancreaticoduodenectomy was 16% and 47%, respectively. Benign adenomas recurred more than 5 years postoperatively in 17% of patients undergoing transduodenal excision. Five-year survival following radical resection for invasive cancers was 45%. Overall median follow-up was 5.8 years. We conclude that duodenal villous tumors without invasive cancer can be managed successfully by local submucosal excision, but invasive carcinoma requires radical resection.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis occurs infrequently, but the incidence seems to be increasing. Its attendant high associated morbidity and mortality dictate prompt diagnosis. Diagnosing this condition is often difficult because of the patient's debilitated medical condition and the limitations of biliary imaging techniques. During a 5-year study period (1981 through 1986), 20 patients underwent assessment and treatment for acute acalculous cholecystitis at our institution. This observation suggests an increase in incidence in comparison with a previously reported review of 28 such patients during a 16-year period at our institution. Initial treatment consisted of cholecystectomy in 18 patients, and percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy was successfully used in the other 2 patients. The postoperative mortality and morbidity for these 20 patients were 30% and 55%, respectively. Percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy should be explored further as a treatment option for acute acalculous cholecystitis.

The records of 116 adult patients who underwent operative treatment for retroperitoneal sarcomas at the Mayo Clinic during the years 1963 to 1982 were reviewed. Clinical, pathologic, and treatment variables were analyzed for their influence on recurrence and death from disease. Leiomyosarcomas, liposarcomas, and malignant fibrous histiocytomas represented 93% of the tumors. The primary tumor was completely excised in 54% of patients. Recurrent tumor developed in 68% of patients (median time to recurrence, 1.3 years). Tumor fixation to adjacent structures (T3 tumor) or a high-grade tumor (G2-4) identified patients at increased risk for recurrent disease. Five-year and 10-year survival rates were 40% and 22%, respectively. Survival was significantly better for patients who had (1) complete surgical excision of their tumors, (2) low-grade tumors (G1), (3) tumors not fixed to adjacent retroperitoneal structures (T1 and T2 sarcomas), and (4) tumors without metastases when initially seen. Complete surgical excision offers patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas the best chance for long-term survival, but recurrent disease remains a vexing problem. The therapeutic challenges in the treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas continue to be the development of therapy that will increase the rate of complete resection, decrease the rate of local recurrence, and enhance patient survival.

The experience of six referral trauma centers with 832 blunt splenic injuries was reviewed to determine the indications, methods, and outcome of nonoperative management. During this 5-year period, 112 splenic injuries were intentionally managed by observation. There were 40 (36%) patients less than 16 years old and 72 adults. The diagnosis was established by computed tomography in 89 (79%) patients, nuclear scan in 23 (21%), ultrasound in four (4%), and arteriography in two (2%). There were 28 Class I, 51 Class II, 31 Class III, two Class IV, and no Class V splenic injuries. Nonoperative management was unsuccessful in one (2%) child and 12 (17%) adults (p less than 0.05). Failure was due to ongoing hemorrhage in 12 patients and delayed recognition of pancreatic injury in one patient. Of the 12 patients ultimately requiring laparotomy for control of hemorrhage, seven (58%) were successfully treated with splenic salvage techniques. Overall mortality was 3%; none of the four deaths was due to splenic or associated abdominal injury. This contemporary multicenter experience suggests that patients with Class I, II, or III splenic injuries after blunt trauma are candidates for nonoperative management if there is: 1) no hemodynamic instability after initial fluid resuscitation; 2) no serious associated abdominal organ injury; and 3) no extra-abdominal condition which precludes assessment of the abdomen. Strict adherence to these principles yielded initial nonoperative success in 98% of children and 83% of adults. Application of standard splenic salvage techniques to treat the patients with persistent hemorrhage resulted in ultimate splenic preservation in 100% of children and 93% of adults.

To determine the roles of diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) and abdominal computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma, we compared our results in the eras before and after the advent of abdominal CT. In the pre-CT era 1977 to 1980 (group 1; 365 patients), DPL was the diagnostic procedure of choice. In the CT era 1983 to 1986 (group 2; 282 patients), DPL was used for unstable, polytraumatized patients, and CT was reserved for stable patients. The rate of delayed recognition of documented visceral injury (7%) was similar for groups 1 and 2. Celiotomy was nontherapeutic in 21 (14%) patients in group 1 and in 5 (5%) in group 2 (p less than 0.02). Despite immediate availability of abdominal CT, clinical examination alone or in combination with DPL was the diagnostic procedure of choice in 41% of those with blunt abdominal trauma in group 2. The complementary use of abdominal CT and DPL in those with blunt abdominal trauma decreased the rate of nontherapeutic celiotomy, did not result in a significant increase in missed injuries, and allowed identification of candidates for nonoperative management of solid organ injury.

The placement of central venous catheters was studied prospectively in 138 selected adult patients with hypovolemic shock or in whom rapid volume replacement was needed. The patients were randomized into two groups to receive a central vein catheter: one by basilic vein cutdown and the other by percutaneous subclavian vein placement. The groups were analyzed for success rate, time required for insertion, and complications. The techniques were equally successful (87% in the basilic vein group compared with 91% in the subclavian vein group), and their complication rates were similar (10% compared with 12%). The subclavian vein catheter was inserted more quickly (8.3 minutes compared with 14.4 minutes [P = .0001] for the basilic vein group). Percutaneous subclavian vein catheters can be used successfully in patients with hypovolemic shock and can be place quickly with low complication rates.

The experience of six regional trauma centers with severe hepatic trauma was reviewed to identify trends in management, mortality, and postoperative complications. During the 5-year period ending June 1987, 210 complex liver injuries were identified at laparotomy. There were 92 Class III, 59 Class IV, and 59 Class V injuries. Mechanism of injury was blunt in 101 (48%) patients and penetrating in 109 (52%). Shock was observed in 38%, 46%, and 85% of Class III, IV, and V patients, respectively. Emergency department thoracotomy was performed in 31 patients. There was only one (3%) survivor. Resuscitative operating room thoracotomy was performed in 34 patients with three (9%) survivors. Class III injuries were most frequently treated with hepatotomy and individual vessel ligation (41%) and deep liver suturing (25%). Class IV injuries were most often managed by resectional debridement (36%). Class V injuries required caval shunt placement in 38 (64%) patients. There were only four (10%) survivors after caval shunt placement. There were 20 (59%) survivors of 34 patients treated with packing placed as an adjunct after hepatic injury repair. There was no significant increase in the incidence of abscess formation after perihepatic packing. Routine peritoneal drainage was used in 94% of patients. Overall mortality rates for Class III, IV, and V injuries were 25%, 46%, and 80%, respectively (p less than 0.01). Death rates due to the liver injury in Class III, IV, and V patients were 7%, 30%, and 66%, respectively (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

At the Mayo Clinic, six patients with primary volvulus and 51 with secondary volvulus were treated during a 10-year period. Volvulus of the small intestine must be considered when a patient presents with small-bowel obstruction, and early operative intervention should be undertaken to prevent vascular compromise.

PreviewPosttraumatic meningitis may occur in up to 25% of patients with basilar skull fracture, and administration of antibiotics has been proposed to prevent this complication. Some studies support this practice bat others challenge it The authors present the results of their own retrospective study of patients seen in a large clinic during a nine-year period.