Phillip M. Kemp Bohan

Damage control laparotomy utilization rates are highly variable among Level I trauma centers: Pragmatic, Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios findings

BACKGROUND Damage control laparotomy (DCL) is intended to limit deleterious effects from trauma-induced coagulopathy. DCL has been associated with mortality reduction, but may increase complications including sepsis, abscess, respiratory failure, hernia, and gastrointestinal fistula. We hypothesized that (1) DCL incidence would vary between institutions; (2) mortality rates would vary with DCL rates; (3) standard DCL criteria of pH, international normalized ratio, temperature and major intra-abdominal vascular injury would not adequately capture all patients. METHODS Trauma patients at 12 Level 1 North American trauma centers were randomized based on transfusion ratios as described in the Pragmatic, Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios trial. We analyzed outcomes after emergent laparotomy using a mixed-effects logistic model comparing DCL versus definitive surgical management with random effect for study site. Primary outcomes were 24-hour and 30-day mortality. RESULTS Three hundred twenty-nine patients underwent emergent laparotomy: 213 (65%) DCL and 116 (35%) definitive surgical management. DCL rates varied between institutions (33–83%), (p = 0.002). Median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was higher in the DCL group, 29 (interquartile range, 13–34) versus 21 (interquartile range, 22–41) (p < 0.001). Twenty-four-hour mortality was 19% with DCL versus 4% (p < 0.001); 30-day mortality was 28% with DCL versus 19% (p < 0.001). In a mixed-effects model, ISS and major intra-abdominal vascular injury were correlates of DCL (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.07 and OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4–5.2). DCL was not associated with 30-day mortality (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 0.97–5.60). Correlates included ISS (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.09), PRBCs in 24 hours (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03–1.18), and age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06). No significant mortality difference was detected between institutions (p = 0.63). Sepsis and VAP occurred more frequently with DCL (p < 0.05). Eighty percent (135/213) of DCL patients met standard criteria. CONCLUSION Although DCL utilization varied significantly between institutions, there was no significant mortality difference between centers. This finding suggests tempering DCL use may not decrease mortality, but could decrease related complications. Level of Evidence Therapeutic study, level III.

Contemporary management of rectal injuries at Level i trauma centers: The results of an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional study

INTRODUCTION Rectal injuries have been historically treated with a combination of modalities including direct repair, resection, proximal diversion, presacral drainage, and distal rectal washout. We hypothesized that intraperitoneal rectal injuries may be selectively managed without diversion and the addition of distal rectal washout and presacral drainage in the management of extraperitoneal injuries are not beneficial. METHODS This is an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional retrospective study from 2004 to 2015 of all patients who sustained a traumatic rectal injury and were admitted to one of the 22 participating centers. Demographics, mechanism, location and grade of injury, and management of rectal injury were collected. The primary outcome was abdominal complications (abdominal abscess, pelvic abscess, and fascial dehiscence). RESULTS After exclusions, there were 785 patients in the cohort. Rectal injuries were intraperitoneal in 32%, extraperitoneal in 58%, both in 9%, and not documented in 1%. Rectal injury severity included the following grades I, 28%; II, 41%; III, 13%; IV, 12%; and V, 5%. Patients with intraperitoneal injury managed with a proximal diversion developed more abdominal complications (22% vs 10%, p = 0.003). Among patients with extraperitoneal injuries, there were more abdominal complications in patients who received proximal diversion (p = 0.0002), presacral drain (p = 0.004), or distal rectal washout (p = 0.002). After multivariate analysis, distal rectal washout [3.4 (1.4–8.5), p = 0.008] and presacral drain [2.6 (1.1–6.1), p = 0.02] were independent risk factors to develop abdominal complications. CONCLUSION Most patients with intraperitoneal injuries undergo direct repair or resection as well as diversion, although diversion is not associated with improved outcomes. While 20% of patients with extraperitoneal injuries still receive a presacral drain and/or distal rectal washout, these additional maneuvers are independently associated with a three-fold increase in abdominal complications and should not be included in the treatment of extraperitoneal rectal injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level III.

Update on the Massive Transfusion Guidelines on Hemorrhagic Shock: After the Wars

Over the past decade, crystalloid- and red blood cell-dominated massive resuscitation practices have largely been replaced with high-ratio transfusion of plasma, platelets, and red blood cells (RBCs) in massively bleeding trauma patients. Literature from military and civilian experiences with massive transfusion (MT) was reviewed, beginning with military transfusion practices at the onset of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and continuing through to present day. Early and balanced resuscitation (1:1:1 ratio of plasma, platelets, and RBCs) is superior to crystalloid- or red blood cell-driven resuscitation. Military research from Afghanistan and Iraq stimulated civilian investigations into ratio-based MT. 1:1:1 resuscitation carries the most benefit for massively bleeding trauma patients. Thrombelastography-guided MT can be used to supplement empiric 1:1:1 therapy in order to detect and address specific coagulopathies. Future directions in MT research presently include resuscitation with fresh whole blood and pre-hospital plasma-based resuscitation.

A night float week in a surgical clerkship improves student team cohesion

BACKGROUND We hypothesize that night float rotations in the third-year surgical clerkship improve student learning and perceptions of team cohesion. METHODS A 1-week night float (NF) system was implemented during the 2013 to 2014 academic year for students. Each student completed 1 week of NF with the Trauma/Emergency General Surgery service. The Perceived Cohesion Scale survey was prospectively administered and National Board of Medical Examiners academic performance retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS We surveyed 70 medical students, 37 traditional call and 33 NF students, with 91% response rate. Perception of team cohesion increased significantly, without perceived loss of educational benefit. Examination scores increased significantly comparing pre- and postintervention groups, with this trend continuing in the following academic year. CONCLUSIONS A week-long student NF experience significantly improved perception of team cohesion and standardized examination results. A dedicated period of NF during the surgical clerkship may improve its overall educational value.