Traumatismo torácico por arma blanca / Thoracic trauma by a bladed weapon

Resumen Objetivos Describir las características, índices de gravedad de traumatismo (IGT), morbilidad, mortalidad y factores asociados a mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por traumatismo torácico por arma blanca (TTAB). Materiales y Método Estudio analítico transversal. Período enero de 1981 a diciembre de 2017. Revisión base de datos prospectiva, protocolos quirúrgicos, fichas clínicas. Se describe y compara las características de los TTAB. Se calculó IGT: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score ( RTS-T) y Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Resultados Total 4.163 pacientes hospitalizados por TT, 2.286 hospitalizados por TTAB. Hombres: 2.131 (93,2%), edad promedio 27,8 ± 10,7 años, TTAB aislado 2.035 (89,0%), asociado a lesiones extratorácicas 251 (11,0%) y de éstos 124 (5,5%) se consideraron politraumatismos. Mecanismos principales del traumatismo: agresión 2.246 (98,3%) y autoagresión 22 (1,0%). Lesiones y hallazgos torácicos más frecuentes: neumotórax 1.473 (64,4%), hemotórax 1.408 (61,6%), enfisema subcutáneo 485 (21,2%). Tratamiento definitivo: pleurotomía 1.378 (60,3%), cirugía torácica 537 (23,5%) y tratamiento médico 370 (16,2%). Hospitalización promedio 6,2 ± 6,5 días, IGT: ISS promedio 10,9 ± 7,2, RTS-T promedio 11,6 ± 1,4 y TRISS promedio 3,6. Morbilidad: 318 (13,9%). Mortalidad: 32 (1,4%). Conclusión Los TTAB ocurren frecuentemente en hombres jóvenes por agresión. La mayoría se puede tratar con pleurotomía exclusiva.

Aim Our objectives are to describe and correlate the clinical characteristics, trauma severity indexes (TSI) and morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalized for thoracic trauma by a bladed weapon (TTBW). Materials and Method Transversal analytic study. Period January-1981 to December-2017. Prospective database review, surgical protocols, clinical files. The characteristics of the TTBW are described and compared. Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T) and Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) were calculated. Results Total of 4,163 patients hospitalized for TT, 2,286 hospitalized for TTBW. Men: 2,131 (93.2%), average age 27.8 ± 10.7 years, isolated TTBW 2,035 (89.0%), associated with extra thoracic injuries 251 (11.0%) and of these 124 (5.5%) were considered polytrauma. Main mechanisms of trauma: Aggression 2,246 (98.3%) and self-aggression 22 (1.0%). Most frequent injuries and thoracic findings: pneumothorax 1,473 (64.4%), hemothorax 1,408 (61.6%), subcutaneous emphysema 485 (21.2%). Definitive treatment: Pleurotomy 1,378 (60.3%), thoracic surgery 537 (23.5%) and medical treatment 370 (16.2%). Average hospital stay: 6.2 ± 6.5 days. ISS average 10.9 ± 7.2, RTS-T average 11.6 ± 1.4 and TRISS average 3.6. Morbidity: 318 (13.9%). Mortality: 32 (1.4%). Discussion TTBW are frequent in our environment, unlike on an international level. Conclusions TTBW frequently occur in young male patients due to aggression. The majority can be treated with exclusive pleurotomy.

Trauma cardíaco fatal na cidade de Manaus/AM, Brasil / Fatal cardiac trauma in the city of Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: determinar o índice de trauma cardíaco fatal na cidade de Manaus e esclarecer os mecanismos de trauma e de morte, o tratamento hospitalar prévio, assim como as lesões associadas ao trauma cardíaco. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo, observacional, transversal, que revisou os laudos de necropsias do Instituto Médico Legal de Manaus entre novembro de 2015 e outubro de 2016, cuja causa mortis foi lesão cardíaca. Resultados: o índice de trauma cardíaco foi de 5,98% (138 casos) dentre 2306 necropsias realizadas no período do estudo. Homens foram afetados em 92%. A mediana de idade foi de 27 anos (14 a 83). A arma de fogo foi o mecanismo de trauma em 62,3% e a arma branca em 29,7%. A exsanguinação foi responsável pela maioria das mortes e o tamponamento cardíaco esteve presente em segundo lugar. Óbito no local ocorreu em 86,2%. Os ventrículos foram as câmaras mais lesionadas. O hemotórax foi descrito em 90,6%. Apenas 23 (16,7%) doentes foram removidos até o pronto socorro, porém seis deles (26,2%) não foram submetidos à toracotomia, apenas à drenagem de tórax. O pulmão foi acometido em 57% unilateralmente e 43% bilateralmente. Conclusão: o trauma cardíaco fatal representou um índice de 5,98% na cidade de Manaus. A maioria dos doentes morre na cena do trauma, geralmente devido à exsanguinação causada por ferimento de arma de fogo. Cerca de um quarto dos pacientes que chegaram ao pronto socorro e morreram, não foram diagnosticados com trauma cardíaco em tempo hábil.

ABSTRACT Objective: to determine the frequency of fatal cardiac trauma in the city of Manaus, Brazil, between November 2015 and October 2016, and to clarify the mechanisms of trauma and death, previous hospital treatment, as well as the injuries associated with cardiac trauma. Methods: retrospective, observational, and cross-sectional study, which reviewed the necropsy reports of individuals whose cause of death was cardiac injury. Results: the cardiac trauma rate was of 5.98% (138 cases) out of 2,306 necropsies performed in the study period by Instituto Médico Legal (IML) de Manaus (IML is a Brazilian institute responsible for necropsies and cadaveric reports). Males accounted for 92% of the cases. The median age was 27 years (14-83). Gunshot wounds (GSW) was the trauma mechanism in 62.3% and stab wound (SW) in 29.7%. Exsanguination was responsible for most of the deaths and cardiac tamponade was present in second place. On-site death occurred in 86.2% of the cases. The ventricles were the most common site of cardiac injury. Hemothorax was identified in 90.6% of the individuals. Only 23 patients (16.7%) were taken to the hospital (Emergency Room), but six (26.2%) were submitted only to chest drainage, not to thoracotomy. The lung was unilaterally affected in 57% of the cases and bilaterally in 43%. Conclusion: fatal cardiac trauma represented an index of 5.98% in the city of Manaus. Most patients die at the scene of the trauma, usually due to exsanguination caused by gunshot wound. About a quarter of patients who reached the hospital and died were not diagnosed with cardiac trauma in time.

Analysis of homicidal deaths in and around Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.

FREEDOM FROM VIOLENCE, not necessarily proportional with development in some basic capabilities like nutrition, longevity and literacy which positively related to economic growth. So, dealing with violence in society is intrinsically a matter of public interest. In present study 79 cases of homicidal deaths due to different mechanical injuries was studied in two year period from 1/1/2009 to 31/12/2010. The incidence of homicidal death was 9.13% during this period. Males affected more in comparison to females. Majority of cases were fall in 21-40 yrs. of age comprising 50 cases (63.28%).Injuries by blunt weapons commonly observed in 30 cases (37.97%) which followed by injuries by sharp weapons 19 cases (24.05%). Totally 329 sharp injuries observed in comparison to 152 blunt injuries. Incidences were prevalent at dense forest area 26 cases (32.91%), in married persons 55 cases (69.62%), in between 6 pm to 12 midnight 24 cases (30.37%) and revenge was main motive 23 cases (29.11%).

A study of homicidal deaths by mechanical injuries in Surat, Gujarat.

Violence has been always an integral part of the human civilization since its inception. Human beings have been progressively become expert in producing various type of weapons both for offensive and defensive purposes. This study was aimed to evaluate the mechanical injuries in homicidal cases of different motives and also to find out the most vulnerable portion of the body so as to minimize the loss of human life and common weapon used in such cases. The present study was carried out on 166 cases of homicidal deaths due to mechanical injuries during the year 2004 -05. Incidence of homicidal death due to mechanical injuries was averagely 83 cases per year. Mechanical injuries were quite common in homicidal deaths involving 130 males and 36 female victims. Majority of victims were in the age group of 21-40 years include 104 cases (62.65%). Stab injuries were commonly seen on the abdomen and chest due to sharp cutting weapons. Blunt force was the most commonly employed method in 80 cases (48.19%). Incidence of firearm was quite rare. Lungs were commonly involved internal organ. Male group was dominant over female group in defensive mechanism.

Penetrating chest injuries: a medicolegal analysis.

Penetrating injuries are one of the commonest methods of committing murder, of which penetrating injuries of the chest/heart are very serious and prove fatal in most of the cases (1). In a post mortem study of penetrating chest injuries at Lucknow, majority of the victims were adult male between 20-50 years of age. In majority of the cases injuries were caused by firearms usually a shot gun. Injuries by knives and daggers were also seen in few cases. Injuries were seen on the front of chest, predominantly on the left side, in majority of the cases. Lungs were damaged in all the cases. Heart; aorta & other thoracic organs were also injured in substantial number of cases. In the cases where heart was found damaged, the right ventricle was injured in majority of the cases. Two-third of the victims died within three hours after getting injuries, either on the spot or in the way to the hospital. All the cases of penetrating chest injuries were homicidal & personal rivalry was the single most common reason behind these deaths.

Homicides by sharp weapons.

In the present society, which is gradually becoming over democratic it is natural that old values of sanctity of life changes and personality problems develop due to consequent stress of life. This ultimately results in violence. Killing of a human being is one of the most serious or major crimes. Since very long time, different judicial authority to prevent crime and its further occurrence framed laws. The laws were made according to the religious make up of the society but later the laws were according to the emperor’s own convenience. In spite of all these, there has been a phenomenal rise in the incidence of homicide all over the world and also in India. The study was conducted on 200 alleged cases of homicides. The incidence of homicidal deaths was observed as 13.03% with male preponderance and the commonest age affected was 21 to 40 yrs. Out of different weapons used to inflict the injuries on dead bodies of homicides, 31(10.88%) sharp cutting weapons were used. Incised wounds were present maximum 38(29.69%) on head and face. Defence wounds were present in 72(36%) of homicide deaths.

Subxiphoid pericardial window in stable cardiac proximity injuries

The use of the subxiphoid pericardial window (SPW) in evaluating stable patients with cardiac proximity injuries is presented in a short case series. There were 11 patients with four positive and seven negative SPW. There was one false positive and no false negatives. Review of the literature on the use of the SPW as a diagnostic tool in evaluating cardiac proximity injuries shows the SPW to be a rapid and reliable method of detecting occult cardiac injuries, and is especially useful in areas where emergency echocardiography is not available

Tratamiento quirúrgico en perforaciones traumáticas de colon / Surgical treatment in traumatic perforations of colon

Se presenta la experiencia, en un estudio prospectivo, de 24 casos con lesiones traumáticas de colon, atendidos en el lapso de 2 años, en el Servicio de Emergencia del Hospital Clínico Viedma de Cochabamba, Bolivia. El 96 por ciento correspondió a pacientes del sexo masculino, siendo el promedio de edad de 25 años. El agente vulnerante más frecuente fue el arma blanca (62 por ciento) y el segmento colónico más comprometido, el colon transverso (45.8 por ciento). Lesiones asociadas se presentaron en el 62.5 por ciento de los casos, siendo el intestino delgado el más lesionado (87 por ciento). Para evaluar el grado de lesión del colon y de órganos asociados se utilizó el Indice de Trauma Abdominal Penetrante (PATI) y el Colon Injured Score (CIS) definido por Moore y cols. El 75 por ciento (18 pacientes) se clasificaron como CIS

Heridas penetrantes cervicales complicadas: índice de trauma / Complicated penetrating neck wounds: trauma index

Se presenta revisión retrospectiva, de 9 años, de las heridas penetrantes cervicales complicadas. El obhjetivo del trabajo es la creación de un índice de trauma para definir 2 grupos de riesgo postoperatorio, en cuanto a morbilidad y mortalidad. Este índice de trauma considera: 1) edad del paciente dividida por 10; 2) índice de gravedad; 3) índice de lesión. El resultado final se obtienen al multiplicar el índice de gravedad por el de lesión, sumar todas las lesiones, para finalmente agregar el décimo de la edad. Al aplicar el índice de trauma se observa que a mayor puntaje aumenta la morbimortalidad postoperatoria, de esta forma es posible subdividir en 2 grupos a estos pacientes: bajo riesgo (<15,8 p) en que se ubica el 63 por ciento de los pacientes con un 13 por ciento morbilidad y sin mortalidad: alto riesgo (16 y más p) se ubica el 37 por ciento de los pacientes con un 64,7 por ciento de morbilidad y un 35,3 por ciento de mortalidad. Con diferencias estadísticamente significativas en ambos parámetros. De esta forma la aplicación de este índice de trauma permite identificar grupos de riesgo postoperatorio, y al aplicarlo se logra una mejor orientación y distribución de los recursos, poniendo especial énfasis en aquellos que ocupan el grupo de alto riesgo

Management of penetrating abdominal injuries

One hundred and twelve patients with penetrating abdominal injuries seen at the Kingston Public Hospital, Jamaica, over a twelve month period from January 1 to December 31, 1992 were reviewed. Seventy-five (67 percent) patients had stab wounds and thirty-seven (33 percent) sustained gunshot wounds. There were 10 deaths (27 percent) from gunshot wounds, and seven deaths (9 percent due to stab wounds. Using a protocol of selective conservatism for stab wounds, 41 (60 percent) were observed, 27 (40 percent) explored and 5 (12 percent) patients had negative laparotomy. The male to female ratio was 10: with 88 percent in the age group 16-35 years. A decision to perform laparotomy was used and is recommended

Ferimentos de veia cava inferior: análise de 75 casos / Injuries of the inferior vena cava: analysis of 75 cases

Apesar da diminuiçäo dos índices de mortalidade observados nas duas últimas décadas, os ferimentos de veia cava inferior (VCI) revestem-se ainda de muita gravidade. A análise de 75 casos com lesöes traumáticas de VCI, que constituem o motivo desta apresentaçäo, revelou índice de mortalidade de 32%, ocasionada principalmente por abundantes hemorragias e lesöes viscerais associadas. Embora tais resultados sejam aceitáveis e comparáveis aos da literatura, cumpre frisar que as lesöes de VCI retro-hepática continuam representando grande desafio terapêutico, comprovado pelo índice de mortalidade que, nesses casos, foi de 66%. O conhecimento da anatomia da VCI e de suas tributárias é importante para o tratamento cirúrgico dessas lesöes. Deve-se sempre dar preferência à sutura da veia e evitar, assim, a ligadura, pois esta predispöe à trombose venosa profunda e suas seqüelas