Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy For Penetrating Cardiac Box Injury in Stable Patients

Abstract Introduction: In high-volume trauma centers, especially in developing countries, penetrating cardiac box injuries are frequent. Although many aspects of penetrating chest injuries have been well established, video-assisted thoracoscopy is still finding its place in cardiac box trauma and algorithmic approaches are still lacking. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a streamlined recommendation for penetrating cardiac box injury in stable patients. Methods: Literature review was carried out using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases to identify articles describing the characteristics and concepts of penetrating cardiac box trauma, including the characteristics of tamponade, cardiac ultrasound, indications and techniques of pericardial windows and, especially, the role of video-assisted thoracoscopy in stable patients. Results: Penetrating cardiac box injuries, whether by stab or gunshot wounds, require rapid surgical consultation. Unstable patients require immediate open surgery, however, determining which stable patients should be taken to thoracoscopic surgery is still controversial. Here, the classification of penetrating cardiac box injury used in Colombia is detailed, as well as the algorithmic approach to these types of trauma. Conclusion: Although open surgery is mandatory in unstable patients with penetrating cardiac box injuries, a more conservative and minimally invasive approach may be undertaken in stable patients. As rapid decision-making is critical in the trauma bay, surgeons working in high-volume trauma centers should expose themselves to thoracoscopy and always consider this possibility in the setting of penetrating cardiac box injuries in stable patients, always in the context of an experienced trauma team.

Hernioplastia incisional y abdominoplastia simultáneas como métodos quirúrgicos seguros y eficaces / Simultaneous incisional hernioplasty and abdominoplasty as effective and safe surgical methods

Introducción: la hernioplastia-abdominoplastia simultáneas producen resultados clínicos-estéticos favorables en pacientes con exceso de piel y tejido graso en abdomen inferior. Objetivo: evaluar los resultados de estos métodos quirúrgicos. Método: se efectuó un estudio prospectivo de 16 pacientes operadas de hernia incisional y abdomen péndulo en el Hospital General Universitario Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, durante el bienio 2015-2016. Resultados: predominaron la hernia infraumbilical, el anillo de 10-15 centímetros, las técnicas de dermolipectomía y Rives, así como el seroma como complicación posoperatoria. La edad media fue de 40 años; se realizó profilaxis antimicrobiana y antitrombótica. Se usó la prótesis de polipropileno en 100,0 por ciento de las afectadas. Conclusión: la eventroplastia y abdominoplastia son métodos seguros y eficaces en pacientes adecuadamente seleccionados

Introduction: simultaneous hernioplasty-abdominoplasty provoque favorable clinic-cosmetic results in patients with excess skin and adipose tissue in the lower abdomen. Objective: to evaluate the results of these surgical methods. Method: a prospective study of 16 operated patients with incisional hernia and pendulum abdomen was carried out in Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso University General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, during 2015-2016. Results: There was a prevalence of the imphraumbilical hernia, 10-15 cm ring, dermolipectomy and Rives technique, as well as seroma as postoperative complication. The mean age was 40 years; antimicrobian and antithrombotic prophylaxis were carried out. The polypropylene prosthesis was used in 100 percent of the affected patients. Conclusion: eventroplasty and abdominoplasty are safe and effective methods in patients adequately selected