Efficacy of Embalming Mixture Containing Formalin, Methanol and Water on Early Stage of Decomposition: A Validation Study

Background: Stabbing with kitchen knife is a common method of homicide in Nigeria; and embalming of decomposing stabbed cadavers has been a challenge for morticians in Nigeria, because of the impairment of embalming fluid through the damaged arteries. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol and water on stabbed early decomposing carcasses using porcine analogues. Methods: Two infant pigs were used for this study. Animals were sacrificed and allowed to reach the early stage of decomposition before embalming. Cervical arterial and hypodermic embalming techniques were employed. Post-embalming changes were observed and scored. A Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the outcome of embalmment and the embalming mixture. Results: There was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation (r = .576, n = 42, p = .001) between outcome of embalming, and duration of embalming; a statistically significant strong negative correlation (r = -.623, n = 42, p = .001) with volume of embalming fluid; and a statistically significant moderate negative correlation (r = -.528, n = 42, p = .001) with room temperature. There was a statistically insignificant very weak positive correlation (r = .186, n = 42, p = .239) between outcome of embalming and humidity; and a statistically insignificant very weak negative correlation (r = -.141, n = 42, p = .375) with atmospheric temperature. Conclusions: This study validated the embalming methodology and fluid suitable for arresting early decomposition process of stabbed infant carcasses in Nigeria. More so, an embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol and water in equal proportion is suitable for arresting early decomposition of stabbed cadavers.

Damage control surgery for thoracic outlet vascular injuries: the new resuscitative median sternotomy plus REBOA / Cirugía de control de daños para lesiones del opérculo torácico: nuevo abordaje mediante esternotomía mediana y REBOA

Abstract Thoracic vascular trauma is associated with high mortality and is the second most common cause of death in patients with trauma following head injuries. Less than 25% of patients with a thoracic vascular injury arrive alive to the hospital and more than 50% die within the first 24 hours. Thoracic trauma with the involvement of the great vessels is a surgical challenge due to the complex and restricted anatomy of these structures and its association with adjacent organ damage. This article aims to delineate the experience obtained in the surgical management of thoracic vascular injuries via the creation of a practical algorithm that includes basic principles of damage control surgery. We have been able to show that the early application of a resuscitative median sternotomy together with a zone 1 resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in hemodynamically unstable patients with thoracic outlet vascular injuries improves survival by providing rapid stabilization of central aortic pressure and serving as a bridge to hemorrhage control. Damage control surgery principles should also be implemented when indicated, followed by definitive repair once the correction of the lethal diamond has been achieved. To this end, we have developed a six-step management algorithm that illustrates the surgical care of patients with thoracic outlet vascular injuries according to the American Association of the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification.

Resumen El trauma vascular torácico está asociado con una alta mortalidad y es la segunda causa más común de muerte en pacientes con trauma después del trauma craneoencefálico. Se estima que menos del 25% de los pacientes con una lesión vascular torácica alcanzan a llegar con vida para recibir atención hospitalaria y más del 50% fallecen en las primeras 24 horas. El trauma torácico penetrante con compromiso de los grandes vasos es un problema quirúrgico dado a su severidad y la asociación con lesiones a órganos adyacentes. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico de las lesiones del opérculo torácico con la creación de un algoritmo de manejo quirúrgico en seis pasos prácticos de seguir basados en la clasificación de la AAST. que incluye los principios básicos del control de daños. La esternotomía mediana de resucitación junto con la colocación de un balón de resucitación de oclusión aortica (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta - REBOA) en zona 1 permiten un control primario de la hemorragia y mejoran la sobrevida de los pacientes con trauma del opérculo torácico e inestabilidad hemodinámica.

Late cardiac tamponade in a patient victim of penetrating trauma - case report

Abstract Case Presentation: A case of a 49-year-old patient, male, victim of stab wound, developing belatedly cardiac tamponade and hemodynamic stability was reported. The patient underwent a pericardial window with drainage of pericardial effusion of blackened aspect; however, without visualization of the cardiac lesion, enlargement of the incision by median sternotomy was opted for. A hematoma was spotted at the left ventricle with epicardial lesion and a patch of pericardium was made with 3-0 polypropylene. The patient developed acute pulmonary edema and atrial fibrillation, which improved after the intensive care unit clinical management, with hospital discharge in the 7th postoperative day.

Differences between postmortem computed tomography and conventional autopsy in a stabbing murder case

Objective: The aim of the present work is to analyze the differences and similarities between the elements of a conventional autopsy and images obtained from postmortem computed tomography in a case of a homicide stab wound. Method: Comparison between the findings of different methods: autopsy and postmortem computed tomography. Results: In some aspects, autopsy is still superior to imaging, especially in relation to external examination and the description of lesion vitality. However, the findings of gas embolism, pneumothorax and pulmonary emphysema and the relationship between the internal path of the instrument of aggression and the entry wound are better demonstrated by postmortem computed tomography. Conclusions: Although multislice computed tomography has greater accuracy than autopsy, we believe that the conventional autopsy method is fundamental for providing evidence in criminal investigations. .

Manejo laparoscópico del trauma abdominal por arma blanca / Laparoscopic management of abdominal stab trauma

Objetivo: Utilizar la laparoscopia como alternativa terapéutica en pacientes con traumatismo abdominal por arma blanca. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, la muestra estuvo representada por 30 pacientes que ingresaron por traumatismo abdominal por arma blanca, durante el periodo diciembre 2010 ­ agosto 2011. Resultados:Fueron evaluados 30 pacientes, 87% masculinos. El 64% tenían una edad comprendida entre 20 y 40 años. El tiempo de evolución fue menor a 5 horas. El 100% de los pacientes presentaban estabilidad hemodinámica. Se realizaron 30 laparoscopias sin necesidad de conversión a cirugía abierta. Conclusión: En el trauma abdominal penetrante por arma blanca, se demostró que es viable la utilización de la laparoscopia como método diagnóstico seguro y terapéutico(AU)

Objective: To use laparoscopic procedure like a therapeutic technique in patients with stab wounds abdominal trauma. Methods: Prospective study, the sample was represented by 30 patients who were admitted with stab wounds abdominal trauma, since December 2010 ­ August 2011. Results:Were evaluated 30 patients, 87% males. The 64%had an age range between 20-40 years old. The evolution time was less than 5 hours. The 100% presented hemodynamic stability.It was made 30 laparoscopic procedures, without needs to conversión to laparotomy. Conclusion: It proved that in stab wounds abdominal trauma is reliable to use laparoscopic procedures like a safe diagnostic and therapeutic method(AU)

Fratura mandibular após ferimento por arma branca: diagnóstico e conduta clínica / Mandibular fracture after stab wounds: diagnosis and clinical conduct

INTRODUÇÃO - Os ferimentos em face por armas brancas são raros, mas quando ocorrem, o cirurgião Buco-Maxilo-Facial deve estar apto a tratar esse tipo de lesão, haja vista que os insucessos podem resultar em alterações estético-funcionais que podem ser prejudiciais tanto funcional como psicologicamente. OBJETIVO - O artigo em questão buscou relatar um caso clinico de um paciente vitima de agressão física com extensa laceração em face por arma branca. CONCLUSÃO - O conhecimento dos princípios básicos de tratamento de lesões nos tecidos moles da face por arma branca é de suma importância para o alcance a resultados estéticos e funcionais satisfatórios.

INTRODUCTION - Facial stab wounds are rare but when occurs, the Maxillo-Facial surgeon should be able to treat this injury, given that failures can result in aesthetic and functional changes that can be functionally and psychologically harmful. OBJECTIVE - The article in question report a clinical case of a patient victim of assault with extensive facial laceration by a knife. CONCLUSION - Treatments knowledge about soft tissue injuries by facial stab wounds has a great importance to achievinga satisfactory aesthetic and functional result.

Acidentes de trabalho com material perfurocortante envolvendo profissionais de enfermagem de unidade de emergência hospitalar / Labour accidents with piercing and cutting materials involving nursing staff in a hospital emergency department / Accidentes de trabajo con material perforocortante abarcando profesionales de enfermería de unidad de emergencia hospitalaria

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar e analisar a ocorrência de acidentes de trabalho com material perfurocortante entre a equipe de enfermagem. Estudo descritivo e exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em 2008. A população do estudo foi composta por 101 trabalhadores da unidade de emergência de um hospital público no município de Niterói – RJ. Verificou-se 44 (43,6%) profissionais envolvidos nesse tipo de acidente, sendo a agulha oca o objeto mais frequentemente associado (68,2%) e o reencape de agulhas o responsável por 38,6% dos acidentes ocorridos. Em conclusão, os resultados fornecem dados importantes que poderão subsidiar programas de prevenção de riscos ocupacionais.

The aim of this study was to identify and analyse the occurrence of labour accidents with sharp material among nursing staff. Conducted in 2008, it was descriptive, quantitative and exploratory. The study population consisted of 101 employees of a public hospital in Niteroi (Rio de Janeiro State). This type of accident involved 44 (43.6%) nurses and most frequently hollow needles (68.2%); needle recapping was responsible for 38.6% of accidents. In conclusion, the results provide important data that could support programs to prevent occupational hazards.

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y analizar la ocurrencia de accidentes de trabajo con material perforocortante entre el personal de enfermería. Estudio descriptivo y exploratorio, con abordaje cuantitativo, cumplido en 2008. La población del estudio consistió de 101 trabajadores de la unidad de emergencia de un hospital público en Niterói – RJ – Brasil. Hubo 44 (43,6%) profesionales involucrados en ese tipo de accidente, siendo la aguja hueca el objeto más frecuentemente asociado (68,2%) y el reencapar de agujas lo responsable por 38,6% de los accidentes acaecidos. En conclusión, los resultados proporcionan datos importantes que podrán apoyar los programas de prevención de riesgos laborales.

Indications for an Immediate Laparotomy in Patients with Abdominal Stab Wounds

PURPOSE: There is little controversy that a classic indication such as hemodynamic instability or any sign of peritoneal irritation requires an immediate laparotomy in the management of abdominal stab wounds. However, omental herniation or bowel evisceration as an indication for an immediate laparotomy is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of these factors as indications for an immediate laparotomy. METHODS: The medical records of 98 consecutive abdominal stab wounds patients admitted to the Emergency Center of Masan Samsung Hospital from January 2000 to December 2006 were carefully examined retrospectively. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, thirty-nine factors, including the classic indication and intraabdominal organ evisceration, were evaluated and were found to be associated with a need for a laparotomy. Also, the classic indication was compared with a new indication consisting of components of the classic indication and intra-abdominal organ evisceration by constructing a contingency table according to the need for a laparotomy. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed any sign of peritoneal irritation, base deficit, and age to be significant factors associated with the need for a laparotomy (p<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates of the classic indication were 98.6%, 72.0%, and 91.8%, respectively, and those of the new indication were 93.2%, 84.0%, and 90.8%, respectively. The differences in those rates between the above two indications were not significant. CONCLUSION: Intra-abdominal organ evisceration was not a significant factor for an immediate laparotomy. Moreover, the new indication including intra-abdominal organ evisceration was not superior to the classic indication. Therefore, in the management of abdominal stab wounds, the authors suggest that an immediate laparotomy should be performed on patients with hemodynamic instability or with any sign of peritoneal irritation.