Retroperitoneal pelvic packing in the management of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures: a level I trauma center experience

Pelvic packing - status 2024

Patients with unstable hemodynamics and unstable pelvic ring injuries are still demanding patients regarding initial treatment and survival. Several concepts were reported during the last 30 years. Mechanical stabilization of the pelvis together with hemorrhage control offer the best treatment option in these patients. While pelvic ring stabilization using pelvic binders, external fixators and the pelvic C-clamp are the basis for mechanical stability of the pelvic ring, the optimal modality for pelvic bleeding control is still under discussion. Beside angioembolization (AE) and Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA), pelvic packing PP (predominantly extraperitoneal) with direct access to the pelvic bleeding sources, are potential options. The present overview represents the present status, results and the value of pelvic packing in treating these patients. Interpretation of these results must consider the difference between the initial European concept of pelvic ring stabilization followed by PP in contrast to the North American concept with a reduced rate of pelvic ring stabilizations.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Hemorrhagic Pelvic Fracture: Review Article

Pelvic fractures are severe trauma that can cause hemorrhagic shock. The mortality rate is high when patients fall into shock. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Hemostasis for hemorrhage associated with pelvic fractures is achieved through the mechanical stabilization of the fracture site, preperitoneal pelvic packing, and transcatheter arterial embolization. These techniques are frequently employed in hemodynamically unstable patients presenting with pelvic fractures. Among them, transcatheter arterial embolization is often considered the first-line choice: it is a particularly effective hemostatic method for arterial hemorrhage caused by pelvic fracture. An embolization technique and embolic agents should be considered comprehensively while considering the patient's hemodynamics, angiographic findings, and the urgency of the situation. This article describes the indications, techniques, results, and complications of transcatheter arterial embolization for pelvic fractures.

A clinical assessment of preperitoneal packing adequacy for pelvic fracture bleeding control

Background

This study aimed to objectively assess the laparotomy pads to potential hemorrhage sites proximity in pelvic fracture patients who underwent post-pre peritoneal packing (PPP) CT scans with packs in situ.

Methods

The CT scans of 19 patients were assessed to measure the distance between laparotomy pads and predetermined pelvic anatomical landmarks.

Results

A total of 38 measurements showed that the median pack-to-point distance for the sacroiliac joint was 2.7 cm (IQR, 2.1-4.0), for the common iliac artery 4.1 cm (IQR, 3.2-5.0), for the external iliac artery 0 cm (IQR, 0.0-0.2), for the internal iliac artery 0.1 cm (IQR, 0-0.7), and for the iliac bifurcation 2.0 cm (IQR, 1.7-3.9). There were 60 % direct contact measurements for the iliac arteries.

Conclusion

This study shows that with adequately executed PPP a reasonable proximity of laparotomy packs to the potential bleeding sites to provide tamponade for arresting hemorrhage may be achieved.

Hemostatic Interventions and All-Cause Mortality in Hemodynamically Unstable Pelvic Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the all-cause mortality associated with the most commonly used hemostatic treatments in patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures.

Methods

Up to April 30, 2023, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane, including the references to qualified papers. A meta-analysis was performed on studies that reported odds ratios (ORs) or the number of events needed to calculate them. The PROSPERO registration number was CRD42023421137.

Results

Of the 3452 titles identified in our original search, 29 met our criteria. Extraperitoneal packing (EPP) (OR = 0.626 and 95% CI = 0.413-0.949), external fixation (EF) (OR = 0.649 and 95% CI = 0.518-0.814), and arterial embolism (AE) (OR = 0.459 and 95% CI = 0.291-0.724) were associated with decreased mortality. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) (OR = 2.824 and 95% CI = 1.594-5.005) was associated with increased mortality. A random effect model meta-analysis of eight articles showed no difference in mortality between patients with AE and patients with EPP for the initial treatments for controlling blood loss (OR = 0.910 and 95% CI = 0.623-1.328).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis collectively suggested EF, AE, or EPP as life-saving procedures for patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures.

Arterial angioembolisation versus pre-peritoneal pelvic packing in haemodynamically unstable patients with complex pelvic fractures: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Angioembolisation (AE) and/or pre-peritoneal pelvic packing (PPP) may be necessary for patients with complex pelvic fractures who are haemodynamically unstable. However, it remains unclear whether AE or PPP should be performed as an initial intervention and ongoing debates exist. This meta-analysis aimed to compare AE versus PPP in haemodynamically unstable patients with acute pelvic fractures. The primary outcomes of interest were to compare in-hospital mortality rate and number of blood units transfused. Secondary outcomes included evaluating differences in the time from diagnosis to treatment, as well as the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital.

METHODS

All clinically relevant studies comparing AE versus PPP in patients with complex pelvic fractures and haemodynamic instability were accessed. The 2020 PRISMA guidelines were followed. In September 2023, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Embase, without constraint.

RESULTS

Data from 320 patients were collected (AE: 174; PPP: 146). The mean age on admission was 47.4 ± 7.2 years. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) on admission was 43.5 + 5.4 points. Baseline comparability was observed in ISS (P = 0.5, Table 3) and mean age (P = 0.7, Table 3). No difference was reported in mortality rate (P = 0.2) or rate of blood units transfused (P = 0.3). AE had a longer mean time to the procedure of 44.6 min compared to PPP (P = 0.04). The mean length of ICU and hospital stay were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Despite the longer mean time from admission to the procedure, no significant differences were found between AE and PPP in terms of in-hospital mortality, blood units transfused, or length of ICU, and hospital stay. These findings should be interpreted considering the limitations of the present study. High-quality comparative research is strongly warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, meta-analysis.

Comparison of Conventional versus Modified Preperitoneal Pelvic Packing in Patients with Bleeding Pelvic Fractures: A Single-Center Retrospective Pilot Study

Background: Bleeding pelvic fractures have high mortality rates, primarily due to severe hemorrhage. Treatment options include mechanical stabilization based on preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP), resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, and angioembolization (AE). The bilateral preperitoneal approach, which uses three pads on each side, is the conventional PPP method. We aimed to compare the bilateral preperitoneal approach with a modified approach, involving selectively packing only heavily bleeding areas, in terms of clinical outcomes and mortality risks. Methods: We included patients who underwent PPP and compared the outcomes between conventional (three sponges placed on each side) and modified PPP (selective packing of critical areas). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality; the secondary outcomes included 24 h mortality, pelvic complications, and transfusion requirements. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for 30-day and 24 h mortality. Results: Among the 47 included patients, 19 and 28 underwent conventional and modified PPP, respectively. There were no significant between-group differences in the 24 h (26.3% vs. 42.9%, p = 0.247) and 30-day mortality rates (47.4% vs. 60.7%, p = 0.366). Using univariate and multivariate analyses, initial lactate levels and the decision to perform AE were found to be significant risk factors for mortality. However, the selected PPP method was not a risk factor for 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-18.26; p = 0.457) or 24 hr mortality (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.24-13.19; p = 0.557). Conclusions: The modified PPP method may be considered in patients with bleeding pelvic fractures for effective bleeding control while minimizing potential complications associated with the conventional PPP.

Outcomes of Preperitoneal Packing and Angioembolization for Hemorrhage Control in Hemodynamically Unstable Pelvic Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures are often life-threatening injuries; however, the optimal management remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the most appropriate primary management of hemorrhage in adult patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures by comparing outcomes following the initial use of preperitoneal packing (PPP) vs angioembolization (AE).

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and ProQuest databases was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies assessing hemorrhage management in trauma patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures were included. The data extracted from selected articles included patient demographics, study design, and outcomes such as 24-hour PRBC transfusions, in-hospital mortality, and DVT rate.

RESULTS

Eight articles were included in the systematic review. Among the included studies, 2040 patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures were analyzed. Meta-analyses revealed that treatment with PPP was associated with fewer 24-hour PRBC transfusions (mean difference = -1.0, 95% CI: -1.8 to -.2) than AE. However, no significant differences were noted in in-hospital mortality (RR: .91, 95% CI: .80-1.05) and the rate of deep vein thrombosis (RR: .89, 95% CI: .62-1.28) between groups.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that primary management with PPP was associated with fewer 24-hour PRBC transfusions compared to AE. The choice of primary management with PPP or AE did not significantly impact in-hospital mortality. Future studies should address clinical outcomes and the factors that affect them to better understand the impact of different management strategies and direct the creation of practice management guidelines.

A short decision time for transcatheter embolization can better associate mortality in patients with pelvic fracture: a retrospective study

Background

Early use of hemostasis strategies, transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is critical in cases of pelvic injury because of the risk of hemorrhagic shock and other fatal injuries. We investigated the influence of delays in TAE administration on mortality.

Methods

Patients admitted to the Advanced Critical Care Center at Gifu University with pelvic injury between January 2008 and December 2019, and who underwent acute TAE, were retrospectively enrolled. The time from when the doctor decided to administer TAE to the start of TAE (needling time) was defined as "decision-TAE time."

Results

We included 158 patients, of whom 23 patients died. The median decision-TAE time was 59.5 min. Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival were compared between patients with decision-TAE time above and below the median cutoff value; survival was significantly better for patients with values below the median cutoff value (p = 0.020). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that the longer the decision-TAE time, the higher the risk of mortality (p = 0.031). TAE duration modified the association between decision-TAE time and overall survival (p = 0.109), as shorter TAE duration (procedure time) was associated with the best survival rate (p for interaction = 0.109).

Conclusion

Decision-TAE time may play a key role in establishing resuscitation procedures in patients with pelvic fracture, and efforts to shorten this time should be pursued.

Extraperitoneal pelvic packing versus angiographic embolization for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures: a retrospective single-center analysis

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze the clinical data and treatment procedures of angiographic embolization (AE) and extraperitoneal pelvic packing (EPP) for traumatic pelvic fractures in our center for the purpose of providing recommendations on the selection of treatment protocols.

METHODS

We analyzed 110 patients with traumatic pelvic fractures treated with AE and EPP from January 2015 to May 2023. The patients were divided into the AE group (69 men, 41 women) and the EPP group (20 men, 12 women). The primary outcomes were the mortality rate and incidence of complications.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was slightly lower in the AE than EPP group (7.3% vs. 9.4%). The overall blood transfusion volume was lower and the length of hospital stay was shorter in the AE than EPP group (7.79 ± 12.04 vs. 9.14 ± 14.21 units and 20.48 ± 11.32 vs. 22.14 ± 10.47 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Both AE and EPP have good treatment effects. AE is preferred for patients in stable condition with severe hemorrhage. This study suggests that EPP should be the primary treatment and that AE should serve as a complementary treatment for critical patients.

Role of pelvic packing in the first attention given to hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture patients: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic packing (PP) in pelvic fracture patients with hemodynamic instability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three databases-PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library-were systematically searched to identify studies presenting comparisons between a protocol including PP and a protocol without PP. Mortality, transfusion requirement and length of hospitalization were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis. Relative risk (RR) and standard mean difference (SMD), along with their confidence intervals (CIs), were used as the pooled statistical indices.

RESULTS

Eight studies involving 480 patients were identified as being eligible for meta-analysis. PP usage was associated with significantly reduced overall mortality (RR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.47-0.79, p < 0.01) as well as reduced mortality within 24 h after admission (RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.26-0.69, p < 0.01) and due to hemorrhage (RR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.14-0.50, p < 0.01). The usage of PP also decreased the need for pre-operative transfusion (SMD = - 0.44, 95% CI = - 0.69 to - 0.18, p < 0.01), but had no influence on total transfusion during the first 24 h after admission (SMD = 0.05, 95% CI = - 0.43-0.54, p = 0.83) and length of hospitalization (ICU stay and total stay).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicates that a treatment protocol including PP could reduce mortality and transfusion requirement before intervention in pelvic fracture patients with hemodynamic instability vs. angiography and embolization. This latter technique could be used as a feasible and complementary technique afterwards.

Efficacy of median sacral artery embolization for treating severe pelvic fractures: a retrospective study

Objective

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of bilateral internal iliac arteries (IIAs) in patients with a hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture is associated with a low mortality rate. The persistence of unstable hemodynamics after IIA embolization indicates the involvement of other arteries, such as the median sacral artery (MSA). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of MSA embolization.

Methods

In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, medical records of patients who underwent MSA angiography or embolization for pelvic fractures (n = 21) between January 2007 and August 2019 were reviewed. The percentage of patients achieving hemodynamic stabilization by MSA embolization was calculated.

Results

Fifteen patients underwent MSA embolization, and the remaining six underwent MSA angiography. The shock index value was significantly higher after MSA embolization than that before MSA embolization in hemodynamically unstable patients who underwent this procedure. The success rate of MSA selection was 100%. One patient presented with urinary retention because of bladder and rectal disorders after MSA embolization. The 30-day survival rate was 85.7%.

Conclusions

Severe pelvic fractures, such as a Dennis Zone III fracture and suicidal jumper’s fracture due to trauma from a fall, may require MSA embolization.

Hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture: A damage control surgical algorithm that fits your reality

Pelvic fractures occur in up to 25% of all severely injured trauma patients and its mortality is markedly high despite advances in resuscitation and modernization of surgical techniques due to its inherent blood loss and associated extra-pelvic injuries. Pelvic ring volume increases significantly from fractures and/or ligament disruptions which precludes its inherent ability to self-tamponade resulting in accumulation of hemorrhage in the retroperitoneal space which inevitably leads to hemodynamic instability and the lethal diamond. Pelvic hemorrhage is mainly venous (80%) from the pre-sacral/pre-peritoneal plexus and the remaining 20% is of arterial origin (branches of the internal iliac artery). This reality can be altered via a sequential management approach that is tailored to the specific reality of the treating facility which involves a collaborative effort between orthopedic, trauma and intensive care surgeons. We propose two different management algorithms that specifically address the availability of qualified staff and existing infrastructure: one for the fully equipped trauma center and another for the very common limited resource center.

Deep learning-based quantitative visualization and measurement of extraperitoneal hematoma volumes in patients with pelvic fractures: Potential role in personalized forecasting and decision support

INTRODUCTION

Admission computed tomography (CT) is a widely used diagnostic tool for patients with pelvic fractures. In this pilot study, we hypothesized that pelvic hematoma volumes derived using a rapid automated deep learning-based quantitative visualization and measurement algorithm predict interventions and outcomes including (a) need for angioembolization (AE), pelvic packing (PP), or massive transfusion (MT), and (b) in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

We performed a single-institution retrospective analysis of 253 patients with bleeding pelvic fractures who underwent admission abdominopelvic trauma CT between 2008 and 2017. Included patients had hematoma volumes of 30 mL or greater, were 18 years and older, and underwent contrast-enhanced CT before surgical or angiographic intervention. Automated pelvic hematoma volume measurements were previously derived using a deep-learning quantitative visualization and measurement algorithm through cross-validation. A composite dependent variable of need for MT, AE, or PP was used as the primary endpoint. The added utility of hematoma volume was assessed by comparing the performance of multivariable models with and without hematoma volume as a predictor. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) and sensitivities, specificities, and predictive values were determined at clinically relevant thresholds. Adjusted odds ratios of automated pelvic hematoma volumes at 200 mL increments were derived.

RESULTS

Median age was 47 years (interquartile range, 29-61), and 70% of patients were male. Median Injury Severity Score was 22 (14-36). Ninety-four percent of patients had injuries in other body regions, and 73% had polytrauma (Injury Severity Score, ≥16). Thirty-three percent had Tile/Orthopedic Trauma Association type B, and 24% had type C pelvic fractures. A total of 109 patients underwent AE, 22 underwent PP, and 53 received MT. A total of 123 patients received all 3 interventions. Sixteen patients died during hospitalization from causes other than untreatable (abbreviated injury scale, 6) head injury. Variables incorporated into multivariable models included age, sex, Tile/Orthopedic Trauma Association grade, admission lactate, heart rate (HR), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Addition of hematoma volume resulted in a significant improvement in model performance, with AUC for the composite outcome (AE, PP, or MT) increasing from 0.74 to 0.83 (p < 0.001). Adjusted unit odds more than doubled for every additional 200 mL of hematoma volume. Increase in model AUC for mortality with incorporation of hematoma volume was not statistically significant (0.85 vs. 0.90, p = 0.12).

CONCLUSION

Hematoma volumes measured using a rapid automated deep learning algorithm improved prediction of need for AE, PP, or MT. Simultaneous automated measurement of multiple sources of bleeding at CT could augment outcome prediction in trauma patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic, level IV.

Trends and predictors of mortality in unstable pelvic ring fracture: a 10-year experience with a multidisciplinary institutional protocol

Background

Pelvic ring fracture is often combined with other injuries and such patients are considered at high risk of mortality and complications. There is controversy regarding the gold standard protocol for the initial treatment of pelvic fracture. The aim of this study was to assess which risk factors could affect the outcome and to analyze survival using our multidisciplinary institutional protocol for traumatic pelvic ring fracture.

Material and methods

This retrospective study reviewed patients who sustained an unstable pelvic ring fracture with Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 5. All patients were admitted to the emergency department and registered in the Trauma Registry System of a level I trauma center from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017. The annular mortality rate after the application of our institutional protocol was analyzed. Patients with different systems of injury and treatments were compared, and regression analysis was performed to adjust for factors that could affect the rate of mortality and complications.

Results

During the 10-year study period, there were 825 unstable pelvic ring injuries, with a mean ISS higher than that of other non-pelvic trauma cases. The annual mortality rate declined from 7.8 to 2.4% and the mean length of stay was 18.1 days. A multivariable analysis showed that unstable initial vital signs, such as systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg (odds ratio [OR] 2.53; confidence interval [CI] 1.11–5.73), Glasgow Coma Scale < 9 (OR 3.87; CI 1.57–9.58), 24 > ISS > 15 (OR 4.84; CI 0.85–27.65), pulse rate < 50 (OR 11.54; CI 1.21–109.6), and diabetes mellitus (OR 3.18; CI 1.10–9.21) were associated with higher mortality. No other specific system in the high Abbreviated Injury Scale increased the rates of mortality or complications.

Conclusion

Poor initial vital signs and Glasgow Coma Scale score, higher ISS score, and comorbidity of diabetes mellitus affect the mortality rate of patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures. No single system of injury was found to increase mortality in these patients. The mortality rate was reduced through institutional efforts toward the application of guidelines for the initial management of pelvic fracture.

The effect of orthopaedic surgeons' and interventional radiologists' availability on the priority treatment sequence for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures: a survey of US Level I trauma centers

BACKGROUND

Most guidelines recommend both pelvic packing (PP) and angioembolization for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures, however their sequence varies. Some argue to use PP first because orthopaedic surgeons are more available than interventional radiologists; however, there is no data confirming this.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey of 158 trauma medical directors at US Level I trauma centers collected the availability of orthopaedic surgeons and interventional radiologists, the number of orthopaedic trauma surgeons trained to manage pelvic fractures, and priority treatment sequence for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures. The study objective was to compare the availability of orthopaedic surgeons to interventional radiologists and describe how the availability of orthopaedic surgeons and interventional radiologists affects the treatment sequence for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures. Fisher's exact, chi-squared, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used, alpha = 0.05.

RESULTS

The response rate was 25% (40/158). Orthopaedic surgeons (86%) were on-site more often than interventional radiologists (54%), p = 0.003. Orthopaedic surgeons were faster to arrive 39% of the time, and interventional radiologists were faster to arrive 6% of the time. There was a higher proportion of participants who prioritized PP before angioembolization at centers with above the average number (> 3) of orthopaedic trauma surgeons trained to manage pelvic fractures, as among centers with equal to or below average, p = 0.02. Arrival times for orthopaedic surgeons did not significantly predict prioritization of angioembolization or PP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide evidence that orthopaedic surgeons typically are more available than interventional radiologists but contrary to anecdotal evidence most participants used angioembolization first. Familiarity with the availability of orthopaedic surgeons and interventional radiologists may contribute to individual trauma center's treatment sequence.

Epidemiological study of major pelvic fracture in Hong Kong and analysis of predictors for mortality

Objectives and Background

Pelvic fracture causes significant mortality and morbidities. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of patients with pelvic fracture in Hong Kong and to determine the factors predicting mortality. The result could help to identify high-risk patients who might benefit from more intensive evaluation and intervention.

Method:

Five hundred and eight patients (age > 12 years old) with pelvic fractures were identified from the trauma registries of four designated trauma centres in Hong Kong from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2012. Patient baseline characteristics and outcomes were analysed. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify independent clinical predictors for mortality.

Result:

Mean age was 45.4 ± 19.2 years, 43.3% were female, mean length of hospital stay was 27.9 ± 42.4 days and mean length of intensive care unit stay was 4.8 ± 6.8 days. Injury severity score was 28.9 ± 18.7, revised trauma score was 7.2 ± 2 and 30-day mortality was 20.9%. Stepwise logistic regression identified patient’s age, presenting systolic blood pressure, initial Glasgow Coma Scale, injuries to the thoracic and abdominal regions, first base excess and the volume of red blood cell transfusion required within the first 6 h to be independent risk factors predicting mortality.

Conclusion:

Pelvic fracture is associated with significant risk of mortality in major trauma patients. Clinical characteristics obtained during emergency department resuscitation can help in selecting patients for timely aggressive interventions.

Variability in the timeliness of interventional radiology availability for angioembolization of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures: a prospective survey among U.S. level I trauma centers

BACKGROUND

Patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures have high mortality due to delayed hemorrhage control. We hypothesized that the availability of interventional radiology (IR) for angioembolization may vary in spite of the mandated coverage at US Level I trauma centers, and that the priority treatment sequence would depend on IR availability.

METHODS

This survey was designed to investigate IR availability and pelvic fracture management practices. Six email invitations were sent to 158 trauma medical directors at Level I trauma centers. Participants were allowed to skip questions and irrelevant questions were skipped; therefore, not all questions were answered by all participants. The primary outcome was the priority treatment sequence for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures. Predictor variables were arrival times for IR when working off-site and intervention preparation times. Kruskal-Wallis and ordinal logistic regression were used; alpha = 0.05.

RESULTS

Forty of the 158 trauma medical directors responded to the survey (response rate: 25.3%). Roughly half of participants had 24-h on-site IR coverage, 24% (4/17) of participants reported an arrival time ≥ 31 min when IR was on-call. 46% (17/37) of participants reported an IR procedure setup time of 31-120 min. Arrival time when IR was working off-site, and intervention preparation time did not significantly affect the sequence priority of angioembolization for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Trauma medical directors should review literature and guidelines on time to angioembolization, their arrival times for IR, and their procedural setup times for angioembolization to ensure utilization of angioembolization in an optimal sequence for patient survival.

Optimal sequence of surgical procedures for hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fracture: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The mortality rate of patients with hemodynamic instability due to severe pelvic fracture remains substantial and massive transfusion happens frequently. Angio-embolization, external fixation and preperitoneal pelvic packing of the pelvis are the main managements used to control bleeding in these patients. In this paper, we aimed at characterizing the rationale of these surgical managements, and placed them in optimal management algorithm to compose a new guideline.

METHODS

We selected controlled trials, assessing safety of management for the intervention of hemorrhagic shock from mortality data, and assessing efficacy from volume of first 24 h blood transfusion following hospitalization. Six single and combined managements were extracted as comparison. A pairwise meta-analysis was conducted using a random effect model, and then the analysis was extended to a network meta-analysis. Pooled effect sizes were ranked and demonstrated the probability of being the best treatments for safety and efficacy.

RESULTS

13 clinical trials and 24,396 participants were identified for this analysis. The assessment of rank probability indicated that pelvic packing presented the greatest likelihood of improving safety, while external fixation was indicated most efficient among the interventions for controlling hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical protocols for guidelines of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture patients have been multidirectionally developed. We strongly support the initial application of an external fixator. Provided that patients remain hemodynamically unstable after application of an external fixation, pelvic packing is the next procedure to consider. Angio-embolization is the complementary but not alternative method of choice subsequently.

Review of the Problems of Diagnosis of Endopelvic Haemorrhage, Its Intensity, Volume, and Duration, and Treatment Methods of Circulatory Injuries and Surgical Hemostasis after Pelvic Fractures

Objective. The development of pelvic surgeries is now making new evolutionary jump for us to witness; this would be unimaginable without significant achievements in anesthesiology and new technologies of blood replacement. Methods. This overview presents analysis of 41 domestic and 20 foreign references sources that are devoted to the problematics of treating patients with fluid injuries of pelvis accompanied by retroperitoneal haemorrhage. Results. The following considers details on determination of endopelvic haemorrhage nature, its intensity, volume, and duration, as well as the treatment methods for circulatory injuries and surgical haemostasis. Conclusions. Energy of mechanical influence of traumatizing agent determines the damage levels (system disintegration) for pelvic ring, the bone core, and soft tissue mass. Diagnosis tactics and treatment of patients with disintegrating pelvic damage in the end are determined with volumes and intensity of haemorrhage as well as the character of related damage.

Variability in pelvic packing practices for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures at US level 1 trauma centers

BACKGROUND

Mortality from hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures remains high. Guidelines offer varying care approaches including the use of pelvic packing (PP), which was recently adopted for potential control of bleeding for this condition. However, the implementation of PP is uncertain as the debate on the optimal resuscitation strategy, angioembolization or PP continues. The study was designed to assess current practices among level 1 trauma centers in the US in regard to PP treatment for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was created to assess when to apply PP, application approach, and the respondent's anecdotal perception on safety and effectiveness. Trauma Medical Directors at 158 US level 1 trauma centers were sent biweekly email invitations for 3 months. Participants were allowed to skip questions for any reason. The study hypothesis was that PP practices vary by US census bureau region, annual trauma admissions, and length of time in years since each trauma center received their respective level 1 trauma center designation.

RESULTS

Twenty-five percent (40/158) of trauma medical directors participated and 75% (118/158) of the trauma medical directors did not participate. Of those who took the survey, 36/40 (90%) completed the survey and 4/40 (10%) partially completed the survey. Only 36 trauma medical directors responded on their perception of safety and effectiveness; 72% (26/36) of participants perceived PP as safe, whereas only a third (12/36) of participants perceived PP as effective. There were 25 trauma medical directors who provided the sequence of treatment modalities utilized at their level 1 trauma center, 76% (19/25) of participants reported that PP is utilized as the third or fourth priority. None of the participating level 1 trauma centers reported a preference towards utilization of PP as the first priority treatment. Half of the participants reported a preference towards applying PP only as a last resort to control hemorrhage. Northeastern and Western level 1 trauma centers were significantly more likely than Midwestern and Southern level 1 trauma centers to have reported application of PP to all hemodynamically unstable patients (p = 0.05). Midwestern, Southern, and Western level 1 trauma centers were significantly more likely to have perceived PP as safe than Northeastern level 1 trauma centers (p = 0.04). All low-volume and 38% high-volume level 1 trauma centers perceived PP to increase infection risks, (p = 0.03). We observed no association between the length of time each trauma center was designated a level 1 trauma center, and all participant responses.

CONCLUSION

Controversy and varying anecdotal perception regarding safety and effectiveness of PP prevails among trauma medical directors at level 1 trauma centers in the US.

Novel transcatheter arterial embolization method for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures to prevent complications of gluteal necrosis

Purpose

To validate our previously designed transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) technique for bilateral iliac arteries in unstable pelvic fractures, which is designed to also prevent gluteal necrosis and avoid vasopressors.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with pelvic fractures who underwent our new TAE procedure to determine the incidence of subsequent gluteal necrosis. We also compared certain variables between patients who underwent TAE before 2005 using a different technique and developed gluteal necrosis and patients who underwent TAE in 2005 and onward using our technique. Gluteal necrosis was confirmed by a radiologist based on imaging findings.

Results

Seventy patients with pelvic fractures who underwent our TAE technique met the inclusion criteria (bilateral iliac arterial embolization and no embolic agent other than a gelatin sponge). Patients’ median age was 47.5 years, 33 were male, and 92.9% (65/70) had unstable fractures. Sixty-eight patients had severe multiple trauma. No patients developed gluteal necrosis following our TAE procedure and the overall survival rate was 82.9% (58/70). We found no statistically significant difference in procedure time between the previous and new technique, although the new procedure tended to be shorter. Furthermore, overall survival did not significantly differ between the groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that TAE procedure time and external pelvic fracture fixation were independently related to gluteal necrosis.

Conclusions

Our non-selective bilateral iliac arterial embolization procedure involves arresting shock quickly, resulting in no post-procedure gluteal necrosis. The procedure involves cutting the gelatin sponge rather than “pumping” and avoids the use of vasopressors.

Effectiveness and postoperative wound infection of preperitoneal pelvic packing in patients with hemodynamic instability caused by pelvic fracture

Introduction

Despite the use of a multidisciplinary treatment approach, the mortality rate of hemodynamic instability due to severe pelvic fracture remains 40–60%. Several recent studies have shown that preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) was useful for achieving hemostasis in these patients in the acute phase. However, few studies have examined postoperative complications. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and wound infections of PPP in these patients.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 62 patients with hemorrhagic shock due to pelvic fracture between March 2011 and May 2017. Excluding four patients (two with other major hemorrhage sites and two who experienced cardiac arrest in the emergency room), the patients were divided into PPP (n = 30) and non-PPP (n = 28) groups according to PPP application. Clinical outcomes including early-stage mortality, transfusion amount, and surgical site infection (SSI) were compared between the two groups.

Results

The overall mortality rate was 48.3% and the mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 39 ± 9. The 30 patients in the PPP group had a significantly lower hemorrhage-induced mortality rate than the 28 patients in the non-PPP group (16.7% vs 50%, p = 0.019), although both groups had similar patient characteristics (age, ISS, and initial serum lactate level). Independent factors associated with hemorrhage-induced mortality were PPP and the requirement of packed red blood cells for 4 h. In the PPP group, SSI occurred in 5 of 25 (20%) patients.

Conclusions

PPP may be considered as a hemostatic modality for hemodynamic instability due to pelvic fracture because it reduces the hemorrhage-induced mortality rate. However, wound infections after the procedure should be considered.

Imaging and Endovascular Treatment of Bleeding Pelvic Fractures: Review Article

Pelvic fractures are potentially life-threatening injuries with high mortality rates, mainly due to intractable pelvic arterial bleeding. However, concomitant injuries are frequent and may also be the cause of significant blood loss. As treatment varies depending on location and type of hemorrhage, timely imaging is of critical importance. Contrast-enhanced CT offers fast and detailed information on location and type of bleeding. Angiography with embolization for pelvic fracture hemorrhage, particularly when performed early, has shown high success rates as well as low complication rates and is currently accepted as the first method of bleeding control in pelvic fracture-related arterial hemorrhage. In the current review imaging workup, patient selection, technique, results and complications of pelvic embolization are described.

Vertical shear pelvic injury: evaluation, management, and fixation strategies

Vertical shear pelvic ring fractures are rare and account for less than 1% of all fractures. Unlike severely displaced antero-posterior compression and lateral compression pelvic fractures, patients' mortality is lower. Nevertheless, patients must be managed acutely using well-defined ATLS protocols and institution-specific protocols for haemodynamically unstable pelvic ring fractures. The definitive treatment of vertical shear pelvic fractures is however more controversial with a paucity of literature to recommend the ideal reduction and fixation strategy. While the majority of injuries can be reduced and fixed in a closed manner, orthopaedic traumatologists should be familiar with the contraindications to those techniques as well as options such as tension band plating and lumbo pelvic fixation. Our paper reviews the acute management, associated injuries and definitive reduction and fixation strategies of vertical shear pelvic fractures. In addition, we propose a treatment algorithm for the selection of the most appropriate fixation technique.

Effect of angioembolisation versus surgical packing on mortality in traumatic pelvic haemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The management of complex pattern of bleeding associated with pelvic trauma remains a big challenge for trauma surgeons. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of angioembolisation and pelvic packing in patients with pelvic trauma.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of electronic information sources, including MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL; the CENTRAL; the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry; ClinicalTrials.gov; ISRCTN Register, and bibliographic reference lists. The primary outcome was defined as mortality. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using random-effects models. Results are reported as the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

We identified 3 observational studies reporting a total of 120 patients undergoing angioembolisation (n=60) or pelvic packing (n=60) for pelvic trauma. Reporting of the Injury Severity Score (ISS) was variable, with higher ISS in the pelvic packing group. The risk of bias was low in two studies, and moderate in one. The pooled analysis demonstrated that angioembolisation did not significantly reduce mortality in patients with pelvic trauma compared to surgery (OR=1.99; 95% CI= 0.83-4.78, P=0.12). There was mild between-study heterogeneity (I²=0%, P=0.65).

CONCLUSION

Our analysis found no significant difference in mortality between angioembolisation and pelvic packing in patients with traumatic pelvic haemorrhage. The current level of evidence in this context is very limited and insufficient to support the superiority of a treatment modality. Future research is required.

Acute Management of the Traumatically Injured Pelvis

Severe pelvic trauma is a challenging condition. The pelvis can create multifocal hemorrhage that is not easily compressible nor managed by traditional surgical methods such as tying off a blood vessel or removing an organ. Its treatment often requires reapproximation of bony structures, damage control resuscitation, assessment for associated injuries, and triage of investigations, as well as multimodality hemorrhage control (external fixation, preperitoneal packing, angioembolization, REBOA [resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta]) by multidisciplinary trauma specialists (general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, endovascular surgeons/interventional radiologists). This article explores this complex clinical problem and provides a practical approach to its management.

[Influence of external pelvic stabilization on hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures]

BACKGROUND

In the treatment of complex pelvic fractures hemorrhage control is of primary importance; however, studies regarding the localization of bleeding are contradictory so that various treatment approaches are recommended. The primary aim of external pelvic compression applied in the trauma room is to reduce the pelvic volume and counteract blood loss through self-induced tamponade. This study examined the influence of external pelvic compression on mortality and outcome in cases of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures in a larger number of cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The current study used the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) to retrospectively evaluate the records of 104 patients treated between 2002 and 2011. All patients suffered severe injury with an injury severity score (ISS) of at least 16 points. In addition, the patients were hemodynamically unstable with confirmed relevant isolated pelvic injuries. To evaluate the effectiveness of external pelvic compression, patients with and without external pelvic stabilization were compared.

RESULTS

Of the investigated patients 26.9 % died of their injuries and of these the mortality was 78.6 % within the first 6 h of admission to the trauma room. External pelvic stabilization was performed in 45.2 % of patients. The mortality was 19.1 % in patients with external pelvic stabilization and in contrast, the mortality in the group of patients without external pelvic stabilization was 33.3 %. During the course of hospitalization, surviving patients with external pelvic stabilization were significantly more likely to develop sepsis or multiple organ failure and required longer periods of intensive care.

CONCLUSION

External pelvic stabilization seems to be an important instrument for the initial treatment of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures and showed a positive effect on patient mortality.

Preperitoneal pelvic packing reduces mortality in patients with life-threatening hemorrhage due to unstable pelvic fractures

BACKGROUND

A 2015 American Association for the Surgery of Trauma trial reported a 32% mortality for pelvic fracture patients in shock. Angioembolization (AE) is the most common intervention; the Maryland group revealed time to AE averaged 5 hours. The goal of this study was to evaluate the time to intervention and outcomes of an alternative approach for pelvic hemorrhage. We hypothesized that preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) results in a shorter time to intervention and lower mortality.

METHODS

In 2004, we initiated a PPP protocol for pelvic fracture hemorrhage.

RESULTS

During the 11-year study, 2,293 patients were admitted with pelvic fractures; 128 (6%) patients underwent PPP (mean age, 44 ± 2 years; Injury Severity Score (ISS), 48 ± 1.2). The lowest emergency department systolic blood pressure was 74 mm Hg and highest heart rate was 120. Median time to operation was 44 minutes and 3 additional operations were performed in 109 (85%) patients. Median RBC transfusions before SICU admission compared with the 24 postoperative hours were 8 versus 3 units (p < 0.05). After PPP, 16 (13%) patients underwent AE with a documented arterial blush.Mortality in this high-risk group was 21%. Death was due to brain injury (9), multiple organ failure (4), pulmonary or cardiac failure (6), withdrawal of support (4), adverse physiology (3), and Mucor infection (1). Of those patients with physiologic exhaustion, 2 died in the operating room at 89 and 100 minutes after arrival, whereas 1 died 9 hours after arrival.

CONCLUSIONS

PPP results in a shorter time to intervention and lower mortality compared with modern series using AE. Examining mortality, only 3 (2%) deaths were attributed to the immediate sequelae of bleeding with physiologic failure. With time to death under 100 minutes in 2 patients, AE is unlikely to have been feasible. PPP should be used for pelvic fracture-related bleeding in the patient who remains unstable despite initial transfusion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level IV.

Preperitoneal balloon tamponade for lethal closed retroperitoneal pelvic hemorrhage in a swine model: A comparable and minimally invasive alternative to open pre-peritoneal pelvic packing

BACKGROUND

The management of massive pelvic fracture-associated hemorrhage is extremely challenging, particularly in the unstable patient. We sought to characterize and compare the efficacy of a minimally invasive preperitoneal balloon technique (MIB) to standard open packing.

METHODS

Twenty-six swine were randomized to control (C), open preperitoneal packing technique (OP), and MIB groups. A closed extraperitoneal iliac vascular injury followed by intervention + resuscitation over a 120-minute OP and MIB efficacy was assessed by procedure time, hemodynamics, extraperitoneal tamponade pressures (ETPs), blood loss, and survival. Angiography was performed in select animals, and ETPs were also measured in humans undergoing MIB placement for an elective procedure.

RESULTS

Baseline parameters (mean arterial pressure [MAP] 29, 38, and 38 mm Hg; cardiac index [CI] 3.5, 3.8, and 4.2; and EPTs 5, 4, and 5 mm Hg) were similar among C, OP, and MIB groups, respectively (all p's > 0.05). The OP and MIB groups had markedly improved MAP and CI versus C. MIB generated significantly higher ETP (28 vs 17 mm Hg), was faster to deploy (164 vs 497 seconds), and had lower total blood loss versus OP (0.7 vs 1.2 L, all p's < 0.05). OP and MIB had equivalent survival times that were significantly improved versus C (91 and 116 vs 43 minutes, p < 0.05). Survival to 2 hours was 80% with OP versus 100% in the MIB group. Angiography showed no active extravasation in both study groups, but controlled partial deflation of the MIB allowed easy visualization of extravasation. Minimally invasive preperitoneal balloon inflation in five human subjects demonstrated a significant increase in mean ETP from 2.4 to 31 mm Hg (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive preperitoneal balloon tamponade was as effective as OP in improving hemodynamics and prolonging survival times, and performed superiorly to OP in time to placement, blood loss, and generation of tamponade pressures. The MIB allows for controlled deflation and reinflation to facilitate angiographic interventions, and may represent a promising new bedside intervention in this patient population.

Severe pelvic fracture with profound hypotension: a case report and treatment algorithm

Approximately 9% of all blunt trauma patients suffer pelvic fractures. These fractures can range from insignificant and requiring almost no therapy to massive destruction of the pelvic ring with associated with multisystem injury and life-threatening hypotension which mandates the attention of the trauma surgeon, the orthopedic surgeon, the interventional radiologists and possibly other subspecialists. We present a case of a patient who presented to the emergency room in extremis from massive bleeding from a complex pelvic fracture. The patient developed abdominal compartment syndrome. The patient was emergently taken to the operating room but we were unable to control his pelvic bleeding. We propose an algorithm which might be helpful in these critically ill patients.

Pelvic trauma: WSES classification and guidelines

Complex pelvic injuries are among the most dangerous and deadly trauma related lesions. Different classification systems exist, some are based on the mechanism of injury, some on anatomic patterns and some are focusing on the resulting instability requiring operative fixation. The optimal treatment strategy, however, should keep into consideration the hemodynamic status, the anatomic impairment of pelvic ring function and the associated injuries. The management of pelvic trauma patients aims definitively to restore the homeostasis and the normal physiopathology associated to the mechanical stability of the pelvic ring. Thus the management of pelvic trauma must be multidisciplinary and should be ultimately based on the physiology of the patient and the anatomy of the injury. This paper presents the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) classification of pelvic trauma and the management Guidelines.

Diagnosis and treatment of rare complications of pelvic fractures

PURPOSE

To enhance the awareness of rare complications of pelvic fracture and describe the correct diagnosis and effective treatment.

METHODS

A total of 188 cases of pelvic fractures were retrospectively reviewed, and four patients who suffered from four types of rare pelvic fracture complications were described, namely ureteral obstruction caused by retroperitoneal hematoma-induced abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), bowel entrapment, external iliac artery injury, and open scrotal sac injury.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that combined measures should be employed to prevent the occurrence of ACS following major pelvic fractures. Ureteral catheter support may be a good option at an early stage when ACS occurred. Contrasted computed tomography examination and sufficient awareness are keys to a correct diagnosis of bowel entrapment following pelvic fractures. Recognition of risk factors, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment of suspected injury of the external iliac artery are keys to patient survival and to avoid limb loss. Scrotal and/or testicular injury complicated by pelvic fractures should be carefully treated to maintain normal gonad function. Additionally, establishment of a sophisticated trauma care system and multi-disciplinary coordination are important for correct diagnosis and treat- ment of rare complications in pelvic fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Rare complications of pelvic fractures are difficult to diagnose and negatively impact outcome. Recognition of risk factors and sufficient awareness are essential for correct diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Preperitoneal pelvic packing: Technique and outcomes

Significant pelvic ring fractures are usually secondary to high-energy trauma, and when associated with other life-threatening injuries and hemodynamic instability, result in high mortality rates ranging from 40 to 60%. The major cause of death during the first 24 h after pelvic trauma is attributed to acute blood loss, with later mortality secondary to multisystem organ failure. In a majority of patients, the source of pelvic bleeding is from disruption of the presacral venous plexus and bony fracture sites, while arterial injury is present in only 10-15%. The optimal management algorithm for hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures remains controversial. The principles of care center on resuscitation, external stabilization of the pelvis, and hemorrhage control with angiography and embolization (AE) and/or preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP). AE is effective in controlling arterial bleeding and its role in the management of hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures is supported by the EAST guidelines. However, since most patients suffer from venous bleeding, PPP can be an alternate life saving technique to control hemorrhage, especially if AE is not immediately available.

Efficacy of extra-peritoneal pelvic packing in hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures, a Propensity Score Analysis

Background

An option for emergency control of pelvic hemorrhage is Extra-peritoneal Pelvic Packing (EPP), which addresses the retroperitoneal source of exsanguination in pelvic fractures. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of early EPP in reducing mortality due to hemorrhage from pelvic fractures, and to evaluate the impact of packing on transfusion requirements within the first 24 h and ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS).

All data pertaining trauma patients admitted from October 2002 and December 2103 with hemodynamic instability and pelvic fractures were selected from the Hospital Trauma Registry. Patients with severe brain injury and bleeding from extra-pelvic sources were excluded. Patient population was divided into two groups: EPP group, including patients admitted from 2009 to 2013, with EPP as part of the treatment algorithm, and NO-EPP group, from 2002 to 2008, without EPP as atherapeutic option. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on allpatients. Twenty-five patients of each group with similar features were matched using Propensity Score Analysis (PSA).

Results

Six hundred eighty out of 4659 major trauma (14.6 %) presented a pelvic fracture. In 78 hemodynamically unstable patients (30 in EPP group,48 in NO-EPP group) the major source of bleeding was the pelvis. Among patients selected by PSA early mortality was significantly reduced in EPP group (20 vs 52 %, p = .03) compared to NO-EPP, notwithstanding similar hemodynamic impairment. No difference was observed in transfusion requirements and ICU-LOS.

Conclusions

The EPP is a safe and quick procedure, able to improve hemodynamic stabilization and to reduce acute mortality due to hemorrhage in patients with pelvic fracture, in combination with optimized transfusion protocol. EPP may be useful as a bridge for time-consuming procedures, such as angio-embolization.

Retroperitoneal packing or angioembolization for haemorrhage control of pelvic fractures--Quasi-randomized clinical trial of 56 haemodynamically unstable patients with Injury Severity Score ≥33

AIMS

Both retroperitoneal pelvic packing and primary angioembolization are widely used to control haemorrhage related to pelvic fractures. It is still unknown which protocol is the safest. The primary aim of this study is to compare survival and complications of pelvic packing and angioembolization in massive haemorrhage related to pelvic fractures.

METHODS

Patients with haemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures were quasi-randomized to either pelvic packing (PACK) or angiography (ANGIO) using the time of admission as separator. Physiological markers of haemorrhage, time to intervention, procedure/surgical time, transfusion requirements, complications and early mortality were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

29 patients were randomized to PACK and 27 patients to ANGIO. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) in the ANGIO group was lower than in the PACK group (43 ± 7 vs 48 ± 6) (p<0.01). The median time from admission to angiography for the ANGIO group was 102 min (range 76-214), and longer than 77 min (range 43-125) from admission to surgery for the PACK group (p<0.01). The procedure time for the ANGIO group was 84 min (range 62-105); while the surgical time was 60 min (range 41-92) for the PACK group (p<0.001). The ANGIO group received 6.4 units packed red blood cells (range 4-10) in the first 24h after angiography. The PACK group required 5.2 units (range 3-10) in the first 24h after leaving the operating theatre (p=0.124). 9 patients in the ANGIO group underwent pelvic packing for persistent bleeding. 6 patients in the PACK group required pelvic angiography after pelvic packing for ongoing hypotension following packing (p=0.353). 5 patients in the ANGIO group died (2 from exsanguination), while 4 in the PACK group died (none from exsanguination) (p=0.449). Complications occurred without differences in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with angioembolization, pelvic packing has shorter time to intervention and surgical time. Thus pelvic packing is the more rapid treatment of severe pelvic trauma than pelvic angioembolization. It is suitable for patients with haemodynamic instability at centers where the interventional radiology staff is not in-house at all times.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02535624) and ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN91713422).

Preperitoneal pelvic packing in patients with hemodynamic instability due to severe pelvic fracture: early experience in a Korean trauma center

BACKGROUND

The mortality rate of patients with hemodynamic instability due to severe pelvic fracture is reported to be 40-60% despite a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Angioembolization and external fixation of the pelvis are the main procedures used to control bleeding in these patients. Several studies have shown that preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) is effective for hemorrhage control, despite being small and observational in nature. The purpose of this study was to describe a Korean trauma center's early experience with PPP in unstable patients with pelvic fractures and to evaluate its effectiveness.

METHODS

Between January 2012 and May 2015, 30 patients with hemodynamic instability caused by pelvic fracture were enrolled in this study. PPP has been performed in 14 patients since May 2014. Data of pelvic fracture patients with hemodynamic instability were selected from Wonju Severance Christian Hospital Pelvic Trauma Database and were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Mean age and mean ISS were 60.4 ± 18.8 years and 39.2 ± 8.1 in 30 unstable patients with pelvic fracture. Mean SBP was 89.1 ± 24.7 mmHg, and mean hemoglobin was 10.6 ± 2.3 g/dL. When the non-PPP group (16 patients) and the PPP group (14 patients) were compared, there was no significant difference in the age, gender, ISS, and occurrence of associated injury (p = 0.82, p = 0.23, p = 0.92, and p = 0.60, respectively). Mortality rate due to acute hemorrhage were 37.5% in the non-PPP group and 14.3% in the PPP group. In the PPP group, three patients underwent PPP in the hybrid operating room, and a laparotomy was performed in three patients. Mean systolic blood pressure increased significantly after PPP (71.6 ± 9.8 vs. 132.2 ± 36.4 mmHg, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In unstable patients with pelvic fractures, PPP can be used as an effective treatment, complementary to AE, to control pelvic bleeding.

Controlling hemorrhage in exsanguinating pelvic fractures: Utility of extraperitoneal pelvic packing as a damage control procedure

Introduction:

Exsanguinating pelvic fractures are still associated with a significant mortality rate of 28-60%. Extraperitoneal pelvic packing (EPP) has been proposed as an optimal method of early haemorrhage control. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of EPP compared with angioembolization as a primary intervention for patients with exsanguinating pelvic fracture.

Method:

A prospective observational trial was performed at Westmead Hospital between September 2011 and May 2014. Adult patients with exsanguinating pelvic fracture were allocated into one of two treatment groups determined by the primary/initial haemorrhage control technique: 1. EPP followed by angioembolization or 2. Angioembolization alone. The intervention was determined by the on-call surgeon's proficiency with EPP. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Univariate analysis of the two groups was performed with Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney-U test and Fisher's exact test.

Results:

24 exsanguinating pelvic fracture cases were included. 14 underwent EPP while 10 underwent angioembolization as the primary intervention. Although not statistically significant, the EPP group was more severely injured (Injury Severity Score 32 vs. 23), more acidotic (base deficit 7.9 vs. 6.2), and more hypotensive (Systolic Blood Pressure 74.2 vs. 84.3). Despite these differences, mortality was reduced (7.1% vs. 30%, not significant). Time to EPP compared with angioembolization was reduced (67.6 vs. 130.2 minutes, P = 0.017). Pre-angioembolization transfusion requirement was also reduced with EPP (0.032 vs. 0.052 units/min, P = 0.04). Arterial injury was found in 51% of the EPP group. There were no significant differences in complication rates between the groups.

Conclusion:

EPP appears to be a safe and efficient technique for primary haemorrhage control in exsanguinating pelvic fractures. Given the high rate of associated arterial injury, EPP should be considered as the first part of a “damage control” approach for exsanguinating pelvic fractures.

Extra-peritoneal pressure packing without external pelvic fixation: A life-saving stand-alone surgical treatment

Purpose:

Traditional maneuvers aim to decrease retroperitoneal bleeding in hemodynamically unstable multi-trauma patients with unstable pelvic fractures, are reportedly successful in approximately only 50%. The life-saving effect of extra-peritoneal pressure packing (EPPP) is based on direct compression and control of both venous and arterial retroperitoneal bleeders. This study describes the safety and efficacy of emergent EPPP employment, as a stand-alone surgical treatment, that is, carried out without external pelvic fixation or emergent angiography.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective chart review of all hemodynamic unstable, multi-trauma patients with mechanically unstable pelvic fractures treated by the EPPP technique at our medical center between the years 2005 and 2011. Survival rates, clinical, and physiological outcomes were followed prospectively.

Results:

Twenty-five of the 181 pelvic fracture patients had biomechanically unstable fractures that required surgical fixation. Fourteen of those 25 patients had deteriorating hemodynamic instability from massive pelvic bleeding which was resistant to resuscitation, and they underwent EPPP, as a stand-alone treatment. The procedure successfully achieved hemodynamic stability in all 14 patients and obviated the early mortality associated with massive pelvic bleeding. Three of these patients eventually succumbed to their multiple injuries.

Conclusion:

Implementation of EPPP improved all measured physiological outcome parameters and survival rates of hemodynamically unstable multi-trauma patients with unstable pelvic fractures in our trauma center. It provided the unique advantage of directly compressing the life-threatening retroperitoneal bleeders by applying direct pressure and causing a tamponade effect to stanch venous and arterial pelvic blood flow and obviate the early mortality associated with massive pelvic bleeding.

Emergency management of high-energy pelvic trauma

A fractured pelvis can be a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality. Injuries to the pelvis that result from high-energy trauma can be devastating, and patients often have other associated injuries. This article reviews the pathophysiology of pelvic fractures and how to classify and manage them in the emergency setting in order to improve patient outcomes.

Resuscitation of Polytrauma Patients: The Management of Massive Skeletal Bleeding

The term ‘severely injured patient’ is often synonymous of polytrauma patient, multiply-injured patient or, in some settings, polyfractured patient. Together with brain trauma, copious bleeding is the most severe complication of polytrauma. Consequently hypotension develop. Then, the perfusion of organs may be compromised, with the risk of organ failure. Treatment of chest bleeding after trauma is essential and is mainly addressed via surgical manoeuvres. As in the case of lesions to the pelvis, abdomen or extremities, this approach demonstrates the application of damage control (DC). The introduction of sonography has dramatically changed the diagnosis and prognosis of abdominal bleeding. In stable patients, a contrast CT-scan should be performed before any x-ray projection, because, in an emergency situation, spinal or pelvic fractures be missed by conventional radiological studies. Fractures or dislocation of the pelvis causing enlargement of the pelvic cavity, provoked by an anteroposterior trauma, and in particular cases presenting vertical instability, are the most severe types and require fast stabilisation by closing the pelvic ring diameter to normal dimensions and by stabilising the vertical shear. Controversy still exists about whether angiography or packing should be used as the first choice to address active bleeding after pelvic ring closure. Pelvic angiography plays a significant complementary role to pelvic packing for final haemorrhage control. Apart from pelvic trauma, fracture of the femur is the only fracture provoking acute life-threatening bleeding. If possible, femur fractures should be immobilised immediately, either by external fixation or by a sheet wrap around both extremities.