Blunt intestinal injury. Keys to diagnosis and management

Traumatic Acute Colonic Intramural Hematoma: A Rare Entity and Successful Expectant Approach

Acute intramural hematoma in colon is a rare presentation following trauma. There are reports in literature of acute colonic hematoma following trauma, warfarin intake and in patient with coagulation disorders. In traumatic acute colonic intramural hematoma, most of the reported cases were managed surgically. Very few cases were successfully managed conservatively. We present a case of 28-year-old male who presented to the surgical emergency after two days of road traffic accident. After relevant investigations, he was found to have intramural hematoma of ascending colon, which was managed conservatively.

Duodeno-pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary tree trauma: WSES-AAST guidelines

Duodeno-pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary tree injuries are rare in both adult and pediatric trauma patients, and due to their anatomical location, associated injuries are very common. Mortality is primarily related to associated injuries, but morbidity remains high even in isolated injuries. Optimal management of duodeno-bilio-pancreatic injuries is dictated primarily by hemodynamic stability, clinical presentation, and grade of injury. Endoscopic and percutaneous interventions have increased the ability to non-operatively manage these injuries. Late diagnosis and treatment are both associated to increased morbidity and mortality. Sequelae of late presentations of pancreatic injury and complications of severe pancreatic trauma are also increasingly addressed endoscopically and with interventional radiology procedures. However, for moderate and severe extrahepatic biliary and severe duodeno-pancreatic injuries, immediate operative intervention is preferred as associated injuries are frequent and commonly present with hemodynamic instability or peritonitis. The aim of this paper is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) duodenal, pancreatic, and extrahepatic biliary tree trauma management guidelines.

Examining the impact of small bowel resection procedure timing in patients with blunt traumatic injury: a propensity-matched analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the timing of small bowel resection in small bowel injury on patients' outcomes.

METHODS

This study was performed using data from patients included in the National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2010) who sustained blunt injuries and underwent a small bowel resection (SBR) within 24 h of arrival to the hospital. The patients' characteristics and outcomes were compared between two groups: SBR within 4 h (Group 1) and SBR between 4 and 24 h (Group 2) using Chi-square, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. However, in an attempt to better balance the groups, propensity score matching was performed using baseline characteristics and a follow-up paired analysis was performed using McNemar, Stuart-Maxwell, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

A total of 1774 patients qualified for the study. Of those, 1,292 (72.8%) patients underwent SBR within 4 h and 482 (27.2%) underwent SBR between 4 and 24 h after arrival. There were significant baseline differences between the two groups regarding Injury Severity Score (ISS) [Median (IQR)19 (10, 29) vs 14 (9, 25), P < 0.001], Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) [15 (13, 15) vs 15 (15, 15), P < 0.001] and the proportion of patients with an initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mmHg (18.3% vs 8.7%, P < 0.001). Given these clear differences, 482 patients from each group were pair-matched using propensity score matching on age, sex, race, ISS, GCS, and SBP. After matching, there were no significant differences observed in the matching variables, patient mortality rate (8.3% vs 7.9%, P = 0.90), or discharge disposition (home with no services: 63.1% vs 64.9%, P = 0.90); however, there was a significantly shorter hospital length of stay for those patients in Group 1 compared to Group 2 [9 (6, 15) vs 10 (7, 19), P = 0.03].

CONCLUSION

More than 70% of the patient cases examined underwent SBR within 4 h of hospital arrival. However, there were no significant differences identified in the mortality rate or the discharge disposition regardless of the timing of the SBR (≤ 4 vs > 4-24 h). However, the patients whose SBR was performed within 4 h of arrival had a lower hospital length of stay when compared with those whose procedure was delayed.

Effectiveness of computed tomography scanning to detect blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries requiring surgical intervention: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography (CT) diagnostic accuracy for blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries (BBMI) is controversial.

DATA SOURCES

A literature review to compute aggregate CT performance and individual CT sign sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) for operative BBMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Sensitivity, specificity, and PPV were: overall CT performance 85.3%, 96.1%, 51.4%; abnormal wall enhancement 30.1%, 95.7%, 64.0%; bowel wall discontinuity 22.3%, 99.0%, 87.9%; bowel wall hematoma 22.5%, 100%, 19.5%; bowel wall thickening 35.2%, 96.5%, 32.1%; free air 32.0%, 98.7%, 57.1%; free fluid 65.6%, 85.0%, 25.5%; mesenteric air 27.6%, 99.1%, 85.3%; mesenteric extravasation 22.9%, 99.6%, 73.9%; mesenteric hematoma/fluid 33.9%, 98.7%, 52.8%; mesenteric stranding/streaking 34.3%, 91.8%, 31.6%; mesenteric vessel beading 32.1%, 97.2%, 60.4%; mesenteric vessel termination 31.6%, 97.2%, 63.5%; oral contrast extravasation 10.0%, 100%, 100%; retroperitoneal air 9.4%, 94.9%, 55.6%; and retroperitoneal fluid 44.2%, 49.4%, 38.5%. Sensitivity, specificity, and PPV vary substantially among known signs. Other clinical factors are necessary for comprehensive BBMI identification.

Hollow viscus injury due to blunt trauma: A review

Blunt abdominal trauma results in injury to the bowel and mesenteries in 3-5% of cases. The injuries are polymorphic including hematoma, seromuscular tear, perforation, and ischemia. They preferentially involve the small bowel and may result in bleeding and/or peritonitis. An urgent laparotomy is necessary if there is evidence of active bleeding or peritonitis at the initial examination, but these situations are uncommon. The main diagnostic challenge is to promptly and correctly identify lesions that require surgical repair. Diagnostic delay exceeding eight hours before surgical repair is associated with increased morbidity and probably with mortality. Because of this risk, the traditional therapeutic approach has been to operate on all patients with suspected bowel or mesenteric injury. However, this approach leads to a high rate of non-therapeutic laparotomy. A new approach of non-operative management (NOM) may be applicable to hemodynamically stable patients with no signs of perforation or peritonitis, and is being increasingly employed. This attitude has been described in several recent studies, and can be applied to nearly 40% of patients. However, there is no consensual agreement on which criteria or combination of clinical and radiological signs can insure the safety of NOM. When NOM is decided upon at the outset, very close monitoring is mandatory with repeated clinical examinations and interval computerized tomography (CT). Larger multicenter studies are needed to better define the selection criteria and modalities for NOM.

Spontaneous seromuscular laceration of the sigmoid colon: a case report

Injury to bowel can result in high morbidity and death. Bowel injuries typically occur after external trauma to the abdomen. Bowel injury in the absence of external trauma is rare. Here, we report a 36‐year‐old male presenting with a sigmoid colon laceration likely due to long‐standing constipation.

Frequency, causes and pattern of abdominal trauma: A 4-year descriptive analysis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of abdominal trauma is still underreported from the Arab Middle-East. We aimed to evaluate the incidence, causes, clinical presentation, and outcome of the abdominal trauma patients in a newly established trauma center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted at the only level I trauma center in Qatar for the patients admitted with abdominal trauma (2008-2011). Patients demographics, mechanism of injury, pattern of organ injuries, associated extra-abdominal injuries, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Abbreviated Injury Scale, complications, length of Intensive Care Unit, and hospital stay, and mortality were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 6888 trauma patients were admitted to the hospital, of which 1036 (15%) had abdominal trauma. The mean age was 30.6 ± 13 years and the majority was males (93%). Road traffic accidents (61%) were the most frequent mechanism of injury followed by fall from height (25%) and fall of heavy object (7%). The mean ISS was 17.9 ± 10. Liver (36%), spleen (32%) and kidney (18%) were most common injured organs. The common associated extra-abdominal injuries included chest (35%), musculoskeletal (32%), and head injury (24%). Wound infection (3.8%), pneumonia (3%), and urinary tract infection (1.4%) were the frequently observed complications. The overall mortality was 8.3% and late mortality was observed in 2.3% cases mainly due to severe head injury and sepsis. The predictors of mortality were head injury, ISS, need for blood transfusion, and serum lactate.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal trauma is a frequent diagnosis in multiple trauma and the presence of extra-abdominal injuries and sepsis has a significant impact on the outcome.

Biomechanical analysis of traumatic mesenteric avulsion

Mesenteric avulsion, corresponding to a tearing of intestine's root, generally results from high deceleration in road accidents. The biomechanical analysis of bowel and mesenteric injuries is a major challenge for injury prevention, particularly because seat belt restraint may paradoxically increase their risk of occurrence. The aim of this study was to identify the biomechanical behavior of mesentery and small bowel (MSB) tissue samples under dynamical loading conditions. A dedicated test bench was designed in order to perform tensile tests on fresh MSB porcine specimens, with quasi-static (1 mm/s) and dynamic (100 mm/s) loading conditions. The mechanical behavior of MSB specimens was investigated and compared to isolated mesenteric and isolated small bowel specimens. The results show a high sensitivity of MSB stiffness (1.0 ± 0.2 and 1.3 ± 0.3 N/mm at 1 and 100 mm/s, p = 0.001) and ultimate force (22 ± 5 and 35 ± 8 N at 1 and 100 mm/s, p = 0.001) to the loading rate but not for the displacement at failure. This leads to postulate on a failure criteria based on strain level regardless of the strain rate. These experimental results could be further used to develop refined finite element models and to further investigate on injury mechanisms associated to seat belt restraints, as well as to evaluate and improve protective devices.

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of isolated small bowel perforations after blunt abdominal injury in low income settings: analysis of twenty three new cases

BACKGROUND

Isolated small bowel injury (ISBI) related to abdominal blunt trauma is rare. Timely diagnosis could be difficult, especially in the absence of modern imaging and laparoscopic facilities. The determinants of mortality under such circumstances are unclear.

METHODS

This study presents twenty three cases of ISBI related to blunt abdominal injury identified between January 2005 and December 2009 in a level III Hospital in Limbe, Cameroon. Data were retrieved from an ongoing prospective study on injuries and augmented by analysis of individual patient's files. We analysed information regarding modalities of diagnosis, delay between injury and diagnosis, operative findings, treatment and outcome.

RESULTS

The ages of our patients ranged from 7 to 38 years with a mean of 19 years. Thirteen patients were children below the age of 16. The most frequent mechanism of injury was a fall (n=11). Associated lesions were identified in 7 patients. Delay between injury and diagnosis was above 12h in 16 patients. Fifteen cases were admitted with obvious signs of peritonitis. Erect chest X-ray identified a pneumoperitoneum in 11 of the 17 patients for whom it was requested. Most perforations were located in the ileum. A total of 7 complications occurred in 5 patients. These included 4 cases of post-operative peritonitis. Two patients with at least one associated lesion died.

CONCLUSION

ISBI is seldom suspected. This causes delay in diagnosis and most cases present with a diffuse peritonitis. Early diagnosis and management in low income environment is likely to be improved by a greater awareness of clinicians about this injury, serial clinical assessment and repeated erect chest X-ray, rather than sophisticated tools such as CT scan or laparoscopy.

Dilemma of Blunt Bowel Injury: What are the Factors Affecting Early Diagnosis and Outcomes

Blunt bowel and mesenteric injury (BBMI) is frequently a difficult diagnosis at initial presentation. We aimed to study the predictors for early diagnosis and outcomes in patients with BBMI. Data were collected retrospectively from the database registry between January 2008 and December 2011 in the only Level I trauma unit in Qatar. Patients with BBMI were divided into Group A (surgically treated within 8 hours) and Group B (treated after 8 hours). Data were analyzed and χ2, Student's t test, and multivariate regression analysis were performed appropriately. Among 984 patients admitted with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT), 11 per cent had BBMI with mean age of 35 ± 9.5 years. Polytrauma and isolated bowel injury were identified in 53 and 42 per cent, respectively. Mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was higher in Group A in comparison to Group B (18 ± 11 vs 13 ± 8; P = 0.02). Presence of pain and seatbelt sign ( P = 0.02) were evident in Group B. Hypotension ( P = 0.004) and hypothermia ( P = 0.01) were prominent in Group A. The rate of positive Focused Assessment Sonography for Trauma was greater in Group A ( P = 0.001). Among operative findings, bowel perforation was more frequent in Group B ( P = 0.04), whereas mesenteric full-thickness hematoma was significantly higher in Group A. Pelvic fracture was more frequent finding in Group A ( P = 0.005). The overall mortality rate was 15.6 per cent. In patients with BAT, the presence of abdominal pain, hypotension, ISS greater than 16, hypothermia, pelvic fracture, and mesenteric hematoma might help in early diagnosis of BBMI. Moreover, base deficit and mean ISS were independent predictors of mortality. Delayed operative interventions greater than 8 hours increased morbidity rate but had no significant impact on mortality.

Multi detector computed tomography in the diagnosis of bowel injury

Bowel Injuries are uncommonly associated with traumatic abdominal injuries. However, they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and require operative intervention unlike solid organ injuries. Hence, early diagnosis is of paramount importance. Computed tomographic (CT) scan is a well-established and highly accurate imaging modality for the detection of solid organ injury after blunt abdominal trauma. However, its role in diagnosing hollow viscus injury remains controversial. The aim of our study was to analyze the accuracy of multidetector CT (MDCT) in the diagnosis of bowel injury. Imaging features of surgically proven cases of bowel injury were identified over 8-year period (i.e., from January 2003 to December 2010) and were retrospectively analyzed. There were 32 patients with age range of 3-90 years. There was only one female. Sensitivity of various CT signs specific to bowel injury (i.e., extravasation of contrast and discontinuity of bowel wall) was 15.62, and 28.12%, respectively. While that of signs suggestive of bowel injury were pneumoperitoneum, 62.5%; gas in the vicinity, 40.62%; bowel wall hematoma, 21.87%; bowel wall thickening, 75%; ascites, 78.12%; mesenteric hematoma, 46.87%; and mesenteric stranding, 40.62%. Based on the major and minor signs, a diagnosis of bowel injury could be made in all patients except one. The minor signs showed a higher sensitivity than the major signs. Hence, we recommend that multidetector CT should be used as the modality of choice in case of patients with suspected bowel injury. We also suggest that the minor signs should be given as much importance as the major signs.

Evaluation of gastrointestinal injury in blunt abdominal trauma "FAST is not reliable": the role of repeated ultrasonography

Background

To determine the diagnostic Accuracy of Focused Assessment Sonography for Trauma (FAST) and repeated FAST in the patients with blunt abdominal trauma.

Methods

In this retrospective study we collected the data of all patients from September 2007 to July 2011 with gastrointestinal injury. The intraoperative outcome was compared with FAST technique and the repeated or delayed sonography.

Results

A total number of 1550 patients with blunt abdominal trauma underwent FAST in a period of 4 years in our hospital. Eighty-eight (5.67%) patients were found to have gastrointestinal injury after exploratory laparotomy. Fifty-five (62.5%) patients had isolated gastrointestinal injury and 33 (37.5%) patients had concomitant injury to the other solid organs. In those with isolated gastrointestinal injury, the sensitivity of FAST was 38.5%. Repeated ultrsonography was performed in 34 patients with false negative initial FAST after 12-24 hours. The sensitivity of repeated ultrasonography in negative initial FAST patients in detection of gastrointestinal injury was 85.2% (95% CI, 68.1%, and 94.4%).

Conclusion

Repeated sonography after 12 to 24 hours in patients with negative initial FAST but sustain abdominal symptom can facilitated a diagnosis of GI tract injury and can be as effective method instead of Computed tomography in developing country.

Earthquakes and trauma: review of triage and injury-specific, immediate care

Earthquakes present a major threat to mankind. Increasing knowledge about geophysical interactions, progressing architectural technology, and improved disaster management algorithms have rendered modern populations less susceptible to earthquakes. Nevertheless, the mass casualties resulting from earthquakes in Great Kanto (Japan), Ancash (Peru), Tangshan (China), Guatemala, Armenia, and Izmit (Turkey) or the recent earthquakes in Bhuj (India), Bam (Iran), Sumatra (Indonesia) and Kashmir (Pakistan) indicate the devastating effect earthquakes can have on both individual and population health. Appropriate preparation and implementation of crisis management algorithms are of utmost importance to ensure a large-scale medical-aid response is readily available following a devastating event. In particular, efficient triage is vital to optimize the use of limited medical resources and to effectively mobilize these resources so as to maximize patient salvage. However, the main priorities of disaster rescue teams are the rescue and provision of emergency care for physical trauma. Furthermore, the establishment of transport evacuation corridors, a feature often neglected, is essential in order to provide the casualties with a chance for survival. The optimal management of victims under such settings is discussed, addressing injuries of the body and psyche by means of simple diagnostic and therapeutic procedures globally applicable and available.

Small bowel perforation and fatal peritonitis following a fall in a 21-month-old child

The authors report a case of fatal peritonitis due to small bowel perforation in a 21-month-old female child. Necropsy excluded natural disease and a thorough Coronial investigation concluded that an accidental fall onto a "doorstop" caused the bowel injury. The investigative findings are presented; the discussion address issues of diagnosis and causation/mechanism of injury.

Success of microvascular surgery; repair mesenteric injury and prevent short bowel syndrome: a case report

Background

Superior mesenteric injury is a rare entity but when it occurs, short bowel syndrome is one of the uninvited results of the emergency surgical procedures.

Case presentation

We present a 19-year-old boy with blunt abdominal trauma which caused serious mesenteric injury. Because ultrasound revealed free intraabdominal fluid, he underwent emergency laparotomy. Adequate vascularization of approximately 20 cm of proximal jejunal segment and approximately 20 cm of terminal ileum was observed. Nevertheless, the mesentery of the rest of the small intestine segments was ruptured completely. We performed an end-to-end anastomosis between a distal branch of the superior mesenteric artery in the mesentery of the ileal segment and a branch of the superior mesenteric artery using separate sutures of 7.0 monofilament polypropylene. The patient's gastrointestinal passage returned to normal on the postoperative day 2. He recovered without any complication and was discharged from hospital on the postoperative day seven.

Discussion

In this case report, we emphasize the importance of preservation of injured mesenteric artery due to abdominal trauma which could have resulted in short bowel syndrome.

[An unrecognized oesophageal rupture]

Perforation of the abdominal oesophagus from blunt trauma is an extremely rare injury. We report a case of an initially unrecognized oesophageal injury. The patient underwent an immediate laparotomy for haemorrhagic shock. The diagnosis was made by tomodensitometry and was delayed by modified radiological interpretation secondary to laparotomy. Finally, the outcome was favourable.

Forensic considerations of missed diagnoses in trauma deaths

Injuries missed at initial diagnoses or operations have the potential to cause disastrous complications in trauma patients. Understanding the etiology of unrecognized injuries is essential in minimizing its occurrence. For this purpose, we scrutinized the treatment and the autopsy records of the trauma deaths from 2000 to 2004 to determine the frequency, body regions, severity and causes of injuries that escaped recognition during the initial assessment, primary, secondary and tertiary surveys by the clinical team in patients who died of trauma. We also examined the accuracy of the cause of death as recorded on death certificates. The frequency of unrecognized injuries was found to be 11% in all trauma deaths. Abdomen (40%) and head (29%) were the more common regions of the body where injuries were frequently missed. System related errors (68%) and patient related factors (32%) were responsible for the injury remaining unrecognized. It was concluded that the injuries may be missed at any stage of the management of patients with major trauma and repeated assessments both clinical and radiological are mandatory not only to diminish the problem but to avoid litigation as well.

Diagnosis and management of colonic injuries following blunt trauma

AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the preoperative diagnostic approaches and management of colonic injuries following blunt abdominal trauma.

METHODS: A total of 82 patients with colonic injuries caused by blunt trauma between January 1992 and December 2005 were enrolled. Data were collected on clinical presentation, investigations, diagnostic methods, associated injuries, and operative management. Colonic injury-related mortality and abdominal complications were analyzed.

RESULTS: Colonic injuries were caused mainly by motor vehicle accidents. Of the 82 patients, 58 (70.3%) had other associated injuries. Laparotomy was performed within 6 h after injury in 69 cases (84.1%), laparoscopy in 3 because of haemodynamic instability. The most commonly injured site was located in the transverse colon. The mean colon injury scale score was 2.8. The degree of faecal contamination was classified as mild in 18 (22.0%), moderate in 42 (51.2%), severe in 14 (17.1%), and unknown in 8 (9.8%) cases. Sixty-seven patients (81.7%) were treated with primary repair or resection and anastomosis. Faecal stream diversion was performed in 15 cases (18.3%). The overall mortality rate was 6.1%. The incidence of colonic injury-related abdominal complications was 20.7%. The only independent predictor of complications was the degree of peritoneal faecal contamination (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: Colonic injuries following blunt trauma are especially important because of the severity and complexity of associated injuries. A thorough physical examination and a combination of tests can be used to evaluate the indications for laparotomy. One stage management at the time of initial exploration is most often used for colonic injuries.

Colon and rectal injuries

PURPOSE

This study was designed to develop treatment algorithms for colon, rectal, and anal injuries based on the review of relevant literature.

METHODS

Information was obtained through a MEDLINE ( www.nobi.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi ) search, and additional references were obtained through cross-referencing key articles cited in these papers.

RESULTS

A total of 203 articles were considered relevant.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of penetrating and blunt colon, rectal, and anal injuries has evolved during the past 150 years. Since the World War II mandate to divert penetrating colon injuries, primary repair or resection and anastomosis have found an increasing role in patients with nondestructive injuries. A critical review of recent literature better defines the role of primary repair and fecal diversion for these injuries and allows for better algorithms for the management of these injuries.

Evaluation of Bowel and Mesenteric Blunt Trauma with Multidetector CT

Bowel and mesenteric injuries are detected in 5% of blunt abdominal trauma patients at laparotomy. Computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be accurate for the diagnosis of bowel and mesenteric injuries and is the diagnostic test of choice in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma in hemodynamically stable patients. Specific CT findings of bowel and mesenteric injuries include bowel wall defect, intraperitoneal and mesenteric air, intraperitoneal extraluminal contrast material, extravasation of contrast material from mesenteric vessels, and evidence of bowel infarct. Specific signs of mesenteric injury are vascular beading and abrupt termination of mesenteric vessels. Less specific signs of bowel and mesenteric injuries include focal bowel wall thickening, mesenteric fat stranding with focal fluid and hematoma, and intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal fluid. When only nonspecific signs of bowel and mesenteric injuries are seen on CT images, correlation of CT features with clinical findings is necessary. A repeat CT examination after 6-8 hours if the patient's condition is stable may help determine the significance of these nonspecific findings.

Isolated jejunal perforation after blunt thoracoabdominal trauma

A case report of isolated jejunal perforation secondary to a relatively unique mechanism of blunt thoracoabdominal trauma is presented. A thorough and concise review of the multimodal approach that may be necessary to diagnose such a rare clinical problem is discussed.

Diagnosis of bowel and mesenteric injuries in blunt abdominal trauma: a prospective study

PURPOSE

Currently, nonoperative management is the procedure of choice for solid organ injury in patients with a blunt abdominal trauma. Missed blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries (BBMIs) are possible because diagnosis is difficult. The aim of our study was to test a new algorithm for BBMI diagnosis using abdominal ultrasonography (AUS), computed tomography (CT), and diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL).

METHODS

We reviewed cases of blunt abdominal injuries over a 10-year period, then we designed an algorithm that was prospectively tested in hemodynamically stable patients over a 2-year period. An abnormal AUS led to helical CT. When the CT showed more than 2 findings suggestive of BBMI, laparotomy was performed. In case of 1 or 2 abnormal CT findings, we performed a DPL and calculated the ratio of white blood cells (WBCs) to red blood cells (RBCs) (WBC/RBC ratio) in the lavage fluid and divided this by the WBC/RBC ratio in peripheral blood. A ratio of 1 or higher was considered positive for BBMI, and a laparotomy was immediately performed. Patients with a ratio of less than 1 were managed nonoperatively.

RESULTS

In the retrospective study, 26 (1%) of 2126 patients admitted to our trauma center for blunt trauma had a BBMI, including 15 (58%) diagnosed after a median delay of 24 hours. In the prospective study, 531 patients were admitted for blunt trauma with multiple injuries, including 131 with abdominal trauma. Computed tomography was performed in 40 patients. There were 2 criteria or more of BBMI in 1 patient, 0 criteria in 27 patients (with an uneventful follow-up), and 1 or 2 criteria in 12 patients who had DPL with a median ratio of 0.82 (ranges, 0.03-9). Five patients had a ratio of 1 or higher. They underwent immediate laparotomy. In all 5 cases, BBMI was found. The 7 patients who had a ratio of less than 1 were observed in ICU and treated for extra-abdominal injuries. No BBMI injury was missed in these patients. The accuracy of the algorithm was 100% (95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.00).

CONCLUSION

The proposed algorithm (based on AUS, CT, and DPL) had a high accuracy to diagnose BBMI while requiring the performance of DPL in only a few (2%) patients.

Missed diagnoses in trauma patients vis-à-vis significance of autopsy

Post-mortem examination is considered to be the gold standard for the critique of medical practice, providing a quality control tool for the retrospective evaluation of diagnoses and treatment. Performing autopsies also facilitates new insight about the pathogenesis of disease and effects of therapy, gives feedback to clinical research protocols, provides epidemiological information and occasionally helps to console and reassure grieving families that death was inevitable. Its significance becomes paramount in cases of missed diagnosis in trauma-related deaths. The true incidence of missed diagnoses in trauma-related deaths is unknown, because autopsy is conducted in only about 50% of injury-related deaths. Few studies have documented the frequency of missed diagnoses leading to deaths specifically in the trauma ICU population. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the incidence and nature of missed injuries and complications in trauma-related deaths given an autopsy rate of close to 100%. This study also sought to identify the primary factors contributing to each missed injury. However, the study is in no way intended to assigning blame to human or system errors. Rather, it is focussed specifically on the issue of whether autopsy can be useful to provide feedback in identifying clinical problems of trauma patients.

Accuracy of computed tomography in the detection of blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries

Background

There are conflicting views on the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with bowel and mesenteric injuries (BMIs) following blunt abdominal trauma. The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of the CT report during a trauma call.

Methods

Ninety-eight patients underwent preoperative abdominal spiral CT and subsequent laparotomy following blunt trauma between January 1996 and March 2001 at a level I trauma centre. The immediate results of the scans were reported by the on-call radiology registrar and written in the medical notes by the trauma team leader. Seventy of the 98 preoperative abdominal CT scans were retrieved from the radiology department and reported by two consultant radiologists with a special interest in trauma radiology.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of the 70 expert CT reports were 80 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 66 to 94) and 78 (95 per cent c.i. 65 to 90) per cent respectively for diagnosing a BMI. The sensitivity and specificity of the immediate CT reports were 93 (95 per cent c.i. 84 to 100) and 71 (95 per cent c.i. 60 to 83) per cent respectively.

Conclusion

Spiral CT is highly sensitive for detecting a BMI following blunt abdominal trauma. This sensitivity is maintained when the scan is reported by a radiology registrar.

Unsuspected internal organ traumatic injuries

Emergency medicine physicians can avoid missed traumatic intra-abdominal injury by adopting a paradigm for patient evaluation that recognizes the patterns of injury associated with pathology, the importance of positive and negative physical findings, and the limitations of diagnostic studies. The burden of avoiding missed traumatic injuries does not rest with emergency medicine physicians alone, however. A missed diagnosis may be the result of a medical error involving multiple systems and individuals.Ultimately, decreasing the incidence of missed traumatic injury is an opportunity for quality improvement for all practitioners involved in the care of patients with trauma.

Short bowel syndrome after trauma

PURPOSE

Traumatic injury to the intestine and its vasculature is a potential cause of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Our aim was to determine the incidence and mechanisms of traumatic injury to the bowel resulting in massive resection.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 196 adult patients evaluated with SBS over a 23-year period.

RESULTS

Sixteen (8%) patients had SBS secondary to traumatic injury. Injury to the intestinal blood supply accounted for 81% (n = 13), and direct injury to the bowel wall accounted for the remaining 19% (n = 3). Nineteen associated injuries were present in 11 (67%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic injury to the abdomen accounts for a small proportion of patients with SBS. These patients often have other associated injuries which might influence their outcome. Early diagnosis of vascular injury, use of second look procedures, appropriate resuscitation, and avoidance of all unnecessary resections may aid in prevention of this serious complication.

Performance of helical computed tomography without oral contrast for the detection of gastrointestinal injuries

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We describe the performance of helical abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan without oral contrast for the detection of blunt gastrointestinal injuries.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of a consecutive series of patients who underwent helical abdominal CT scanning for evaluation of blunt intra-abdominal injury and were admitted to a Level I trauma center from May 1996 to September 2001. Abdominal CT scans were performed with intravenous contrast but without oral contrast. Patients were considered to have gastrointestinal injuries if an injury was identified to the gastrointestinal tract from the duodenum to the sigmoid colon or associated mesentery and considered to have major gastrointestinal injuries if gastrointestinal perforation, active mesenteric hemorrhage, or mesenteric devascularization occurred. All gastrointestinal injuries were confirmed by laparotomy, autopsy, or additional imaging studies.

RESULTS

Six thousand fifty-two patients underwent abdominal CT scan (mean age 35.5 +/- 21.1 years), and 106 (1.8%) patients had gastrointestinal injuries identified by laparotomy, autopsy, or additional (nonabdominal CT) imaging studies. Abdominal CT scan result was abnormal in 91 (86%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 78% to 92%) of the 106 patients with gastrointestinal injuries and revealed findings suggestive of gastrointestinal injury in 81 (76%; 95% CI 67% to 84%) patients. Abdominal CT scan demonstrated findings suggestive of gastrointestinal injury in 58 of 64 (91%; 95% CI 81% to 96%) patients with major gastrointestinal injuries. Two hundred thirty-eight (4.0%) patients had findings suspicious for gastrointestinal injuries on abdominal CT scan, but gastrointestinal injury was never confirmed.

CONCLUSION

Helical abdominal CT scan without oral contrast identified nearly three fourths of patients with blunt gastrointestinal injuries who were selected for abdominal CT scanning. Sensitivity of this diagnostic test improves in the subset of patients with major gastrointestinal injuries.

Traumatic bowel perforation

Abdominal CTs of 57 patients with bowel perforation after blunt abdominal trauma were retrospectively analyzed to determine: the diagnostic accuracy of the perforation site, and the differential findings according to the elapsed time from the trauma. Diagnostic accuracy of the perforation site was as follows: duodenum (100%), jejunum (81%), jejunoileal junction (100%), ileum (93%), and colon (20%). Extraluminal air was the only significant differential findings according to the elapsed time, and was seen more commonly on late stage of bowel perforation (P<.05).

Blunt trauma to the gastrointestinal tract and mesentery: is there a role for helical CT in the decision-making process?

The CT diagnosis of bowel and mesenteric injuries is difficult and warrants optimal technique and skilled interpretation. We retrospectively reviewed 36 consecutive patients with blunt traumatic injuries to the bowel and mesentery at our regional level I trauma center during the past 3 years. Physical examination, laboratory, Computed tomographic (CT), and intraoperative findings were compared. Surgically proven bowel injuries (13 cases) occurred in the duodenum (three cases), ileum (two cases), jejunum (two cases), colon (three cases), and stomach (three cases). CT findings considered specific of bowel rupture were observed in 5/13 patients including: extraluminal oral contrast or luminal content extravasation (four cases) and discontinuity of hollow viscus wall (one case). In the remaining 8/13 CT findings considered suggestive of bowel injury consisted of: pneumoperitoneum (six), gas bubbles close to the injured hollow viscus (three), thickened (>4-5mm) bowel wall (five), bowel wall hematoma (three), intraperitoneal fluid of unknown source (three). Mesenteric injury (23 cases) were surgically observed at the level of the mesenteric vessels (17 cases), legament of Treitz (two cases), gastro-duodenal artery (one case), transverse (one case) and sigmoid mesocolon (one case). CT finding considered specific of mesenteric laceration was active extravasation of contrast material from the mesenteric vessels (10 cases). CT findings suggestive of mesenteric injury (13 cases) consisted of: mesenteric hematoma (five) and/or high attenuation fluid collections, within the mesenteric root (eight) and folds (four). Helical CT is sensitive in the identification of bowel and mesenteric injury after blunt trauma providing a wide spectrum of findings. However, CT cannot be used as the sole indicator in cases with isolated thichened bowel wall, mesenteric hematoma, bowel hematoma, pneumoperitoneum or gas bubbles. Persistent, active extravasation of intravenous constrast medium from the mesenteric vessels, in isolation or associated with further injuries, requires immediate exploration and repair; disruption of bowel wall and extravasation of oral contrast are definite signs of bowel rupture. Close clinical observation, monitoring, and surgical expertise are mandatory for appropriate management.

The role of computed tomography in diagnosis of blunt intestinal and mesenteric trauma (BIMT)

Blunt intestinal mesenteric trauma (BIMT) is a rare injury with a high morbidity and mortality. It is a diagnostic dilemma for Trauma Surgeons and Emergency Physicians. This study was undertaken to assess the role of computed tomography (CT) in BIMT. Data were analyzed from 1995 to 2002. Thirty-six cases of BIMT were identified: 16 isolated and 20 non-isolated injuries. Initial CT scan was abnormal in 74% (17 out of 23), and 83% on retrospect (2 additional cases). CT scans were abnormal (initial and repeat) in 96% (22 out of 23). The most common abnormalities were free fluid (78%), mesenteric stranding or edema (39%), bowel wall hematoma, or edema (30%). Free air was seen in 31% and oral contrast extravasation in 15% of cases of bowel perforation. CT scan findings in BIMT can be subtle and non-specific. Suspicion of BIMT warrants close observation and probably further diagnostic testing.

Computed tomographic scanning without oral contrast solution for blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries in abdominal trauma

BACKGROUND

Computed tomographic (CT) scanning using intravenous and oral contrast material has traditionally been advocated for the evaluation of intra-abdominal injury, including blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries (BBMIs). The necessity of oral contrast in detecting these injuries has recently been called into question. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of CT scanning without oral contrast for BBMIs.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 500 consecutive blunt trauma patients who received CT imaging and interpretation (CT-Read1) of the abdomen from July 2000 to November 2001. All patients were imaged without oral contrast, but with intravenous contrast. CT images were reviewed within 24 hours of admission by a research radiologist (CT-Read2) blinded to CT-Read1. For study purposes, true BBMI was determined to be present if either laparotomy or autopsy identified bowel or mesenteric injury, or both CT-Read2 and the hospital discharge summary described bowel or mesenteric injury. Three-month telephone follow-up was also completed.

RESULTS

CT-Read1 detected 19 of 20 bowel and mesenteric injuries. CT-Read1 missed one duodenal perforation. There were two patients with false-positive interpretations of CT-Read1 for bowel injury. The sensitivity and specificity of CT imaging for the detection of BBMIs were 95.0% and 99.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

CT imaging of the abdomen without oral contrast for detection of BBMIs compares favorably with CT imaging using oral contrast.

Computed tomographic scanning without oral contrast solution for blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries in abdominal trauma

BACKGROUND

Computed tomographic (CT) scanning using intravenous and oral contrast material has traditionally been advocated for the evaluation of intra-abdominal injury, including blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries (BBMIs). The necessity of oral contrast in detecting these injuries has recently been called into question. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of CT scanning without oral contrast for BBMIs.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 500 consecutive blunt trauma patients who received CT imaging and interpretation (CT-Read1) of the abdomen from July 2000 to November 2001. All patients were imaged without oral contrast, but with intravenous contrast. CT images were reviewed within 24 hours of admission by a research radiologist (CT-Read2) blinded to CT-Read1. For study purposes, true BBMI was determined to be present if either laparotomy or autopsy identified bowel or mesenteric injury, or both CT-Read2 and the hospital discharge summary described bowel or mesenteric injury. Three-month telephone follow-up was also completed.

RESULTS

CT-Read1 detected 19 of 20 bowel and mesenteric injuries. CT-Read1 missed one duodenal perforation. There were two patients with false-positive interpretations of CT-Read1 for bowel injury. The sensitivity and specificity of CT imaging for the detection of BBMIs were 95.0% and 99.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

CT imaging of the abdomen without oral contrast for detection of BBMIs compares favorably with CT imaging using oral contrast.

Shocking abdominal trauma: Review of an uncommon disorder of small intestine perfusion

'Shock bowel' is a rare disorder of gastrointestinal physiology with characteristic radiological features. It usually occurs in the setting of blunt abdominal trauma and hypovolaemia, with complete reversibility of these findings following resuscitation. We present a case demonstrating the classic features of this complex of imaging findings thought to be caused by end-organ hypoperfusion.

Injuries to the colon from blast effect of penetrating extra-peritoneal thoraco-abdominal trauma

Although rare, blast injury to the intestine can result from penetrating thoraco-abdominal extra-peritoneal gunshot (and shotgun) wounds despite the absence of injury to the diaphragm or to the peritoneum. Injuries of the spleen, small intestine and the mesentery by this mechanism have been previously reported in the world literature. This paper reports the first two cases of non-penetrating ballistic trauma to the colon.

Independent Predictors of Morbidity and Mortality in Blunt Colon Trauma

We sought to determine the impact of (1) grade of the colon injury, (2) the formation of an ostomy, and (3) associated injuries on outcomes such as morbidity and mortality after blunt colon injuries. We retrospectively reviewed 16,814 cases of blunt abdominal trauma. Patients with colonic injuries were selected and charts reviewed for demographic, clinical, and outcomes data. Injuries were grouped by the Colon Injury Scale (grades I–V). Independent risk factors of morbidity included spine and lung injuries, as well as increased age. A higher grade of colon injury trended toward a significant association with intra-abdominal complications. Independent risk factors of mortality included liver, heart, and lung injuries, as well as intracerebral blood and female gender. The grade of colon injury, the formation of an ostomy, and management of the colon trauma did not independently predict increased intra-abdominal complications, morbidity, or mortality. These results indicate that patients afflicted with blunt colon trauma experience a high rate of morbidity and mortality from associated injuries and or increased age. Treatment regimens directed at these factors will be most helpful in reducing the high morbidity and mortality after blunt colon trauma. Factors such as ostomy formation and management strategy are not associated with increased morbidity or mortality after blunt colon trauma.