Abscesos residuales en apendicitis aguda: comparación entre abordaje laparotómico vs. laparoscópico / Residual abscesses in acute appendicitis: comparison between laparotomy vs. laparoscopic / Abcessos residuais na apendicite aguda: comparação entre laparotômico vs. laparoscópico

La apendicitis aguda es la urgencia quirúrgica más frecuente con una incidencia de 1.17 pacientes/1,000 habitantes. Con el advenimiento de la laparoscopía, un nuevo enfoque mini invasivo surgió para el tratamiento de la apendicitis aguda. Se han demostrado algunas ventajas de este abordaje como menor dolor posoperatorio, incisiones más pequeñas, estadías hospitalarias más cortas y un rápido reintegro a las actividades diarias y laborales, con menor frecuencia de infecciones a nivel de la herida operatoria. Sin embargo, se ha asociado también con un aumento en la frecuencia de abscesos residuales intra-abdominales. En este trabajo analizamos de manera retrospectiva a todos los pacientes operados en el Hospital Maciel de Montevideo, a los que se les realizó una apendicectomía entre el 1° de Junio de 2013 y el 30 de junio de 2016, tanto por vía laparoscópica como laparotómica. Esto correspondió a un total de 426 pacientes. 235 (55%) eran hombres y 191 (45%) mujeres. La media de edad fue de 32,6 en un rango desde los 15 años hasta los 96 años de edad. 128 pacientes presentaban apendicitis edematosas (30%), 157 apendicitis flemonosa (36,9%) 76 pacientes apendicitis gangrenosas (17,8%) 37 pacientes absceso o plastrón (8,7%) y peritonitis en 28 pacientes (6,6%). Con respecto al abordaje, 287 se realizaron por vía laparoscópica (67,4%) y 139 se abordaron por vía laparotómica (32,6%). Los abscesos residuales representan el 3,28% del total, no habiendo diferencias significativas entre los diferentes abordajes. La gran mayoría de estos abscesos residuales pueden tratarse con antibioticoterapia exclusivamente. La tasa de conversión fue del 8,7%. No se observaron lesiones de víscera hueca con el abordaje laparoscópico en esta serie.

Acute appendicitis is the most frequent surgical emergency with an incidence of 17 patients/1,000 inhabitants. With the advent of laparoscopy, a new mini-invasive approach emerged for the treatment of acute appendicitis. Some advantages of this approach have been demonstrated, such as less postoperative pain, smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays and a rapid reintegration to daily and work activities, with a lower frequency of infections at the level of the operative wound. However, it has also been associated with an increase in the frequency of intra-abdominal residual abscesses. In this paper, we retrospectively analyzed all patients operated on at the Maciel Hospital in Montevideo, who underwent an appendectomy between June 1, 2013 and June 30, 2016, both laparoscopically and laparotomically. Of these 235 (55%) were men and 191 (45%) women. The average age was 32.6 in a range from 15 years to 96 years of age. 128 patients presented edematous appendicitis (30%), 157 phlegmonous appendicitis (36.9%), 76 patients gangrenous appendicitis (17.8%), 37 patients presented abscess or plastron (8.7%), and peritonitis had developed in 28 patients (6.6%). Regarding the approach, 287 were performed laparoscopically (67.4%) and 139 were approached via laparotomy (32.6%). The residual abscesses rate represents 3.28% of the series, with no significant differences in incidence between the two different approaches. The vast majority of these residual abscesses can be treated with antibiotic therapy alone. The conversion rate was 8.7%. No intestinal lesions were observed with the laparoscopic approach in this series.

A apendicite aguda é a emergência cirúrgica mais freqüente, com uma incidência de 17 pacientes/1.000 habitantes. Com o advento da laparoscopia, uma nova abordagem mini-invasiva surgiu para o tratamento da apendicite aguda. Isto têm demonstrado algumas vantagens, como menor dor pós-operatória, incisões menores, menor hospitalização e restabelecimento mais rápido as atividades diárias e ao trabalho, assim como infecções menos freqüentes ao nível da ferida cirúrgica. No entanto, também foi associado a um aumento na freqüência de abscessos residuais intra-abdominais. Foram analisados retrospectivamente todos os pacientes operados no Hospital Maciel de Montevidéu, submetidos a uma apendicectomia desde o dia 01 de Junho de 2013 a 30 de Junho de 2016, tanto por abordagem laparoscópica como laparotomica. Destes, 235 (55%) eram homens e 191 (45%) mulheres. A idade média foi de 32,6 com intervalo de 15 anos a 96 anos de idade. 128 pacientes apresentaram apendicite edematosa (30%), 157 apendicite flemonosa (36,9%) 76 pacientes apendicite gangrenosa (17,8%) 37 pacientes abscesso ou plastrão (8,7%) e peritonite em 28 pacientes (6,6% ) Quanto à abordagem, foram realizadas 287 apendicectomias por via laparoscópica (67,4%) e 139 foram abordadas por laparotomia (32,6%). Os abscessos residuais representam 3,28% do total, não havendo diferenças significativas entre as diferentes abordagens. A grande maioria desses abscessos residuais pode ser tratada apenas com antibioticoterapia. A taxa de conversão foi de 8,7% Nenhuma lesão visceral foi observada com a abordagem laparoscópica nesta série.

Abdominal organ involvement in blunt injuries.

Visceral injuries of the abdomen following blunt trauma present a great medico-legal problem to the forensic experts. Thus the doctor should remain alert to the development of signs and symptom after blunt trauma to the abdomen in vehicular accident otherwise he may be charged of negligence. Among 55 fatal cases of blunt abdominal injury, maximum number of cases belongs to the age group 20-29 yrs. Males were the predominant victims with ratio 4:1. It was found that road traffic accidents by heavy vehicle like bus; car and truck were responsible for 70% of blunt abdominal injuries. Among 55 cases of blunt injury, the incidence of the involvement of liver, spleen, small intestine, kidney, stomach and urinary bladder were 67%, 30.91%, 18%, 10.9%, 9.09%, 5% cases respectively. Genitals were found injured in 3% cases of blunt injury abdomen. For Blunt Injuries of Abdomen majority of the cases i.e. 78.18% were of accidental, 18.18% were homicidal and 3.6% suicidal in nature. Immediate cause of death was shock and hemorrhage and in those cases where death was delayed, cause of death was septicemia.

Morbilidad y mortalidad por traumatismo con lesión visceral / Morbidity and Mortality due to Trauma with visceral injury

Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de los pacientes con traumatismos abdominales ingresados en el Hospital Provincial Docente Dr Joaquín Castillo Duany de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero del 2002 hasta diciembre del 2009, para evaluar la morbilidad y mortalidad por traumas abdominales con lesión visceral. En la serie predominaron el sexo masculino, el grupo etario de 20-29 años, los traumas abdominales abiertos y la agresión con arma blanca. El intestino delgado y el hígado fueron las vísceras más lesionadas, en tanto que para el diagnóstico resultaron ser más útiles los elementos clínicos: dolor abdominal, reacción peritoneal y taquicardia. Entre las principales complicaciones prevalecieron la infección de la herida quirúrgica y el choque hipovolémico

A descriptive and cross-sectional study including patients with abdominal traumas admitted at Dr Joaquín Castillo Duany Teaching Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba from January, 2002 to December, 2009 was carried out to assess the morbidity and mortality due to abdominal traumas with visceral injuries. In the series, male sex, age group from 20-29 years, open abdominal traumas and attacks using stabs were predominant. Small intestine and liver were the most affected viscera; while clinical aspects, such as abdominal pain, peritoneal reaction and tachycardia were more useful for the diagnosis. Among the main complications, the infection of surgical wound and the hypovolemic shock were predominant

Reparación primaria versus colostomía en lesiones del colon / Primary repair vs. colostomy in colon injuries

Introducción: El colon es el segundo órgano más frecuentemente lesionado en las heridas por trauma penetrante de abdomen. En México, las lesiones por arma blanca o de fuego van en aumento. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el principal manejo para las lesiones traumáticas de colon. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y aleatorizado de 178 pacientes con trauma abdominal y lesiones de colon, en un lapso de cinco años (enero de 2003 a junio de 2008) en el Hospital General de Balbuena. Se comparó el uso del cierre primario y cirugía derivativa con colostomía. Se analizó sexo, grupo de edad, tipo de herida, grado de lesión y mortalidad. Resultados: De 178 pacientes, 156 fueron hombres (87.6 %) y 22 mujeres (12.4 %). El grupo de edad con mayor afección fue el de 21 a 30 años; 74 pacientes (41.6 %) presentaron heridas por instrumento punzocortante y 104 pacientes (58.4 %) heridas por arma de fuego. El principal manejo fue mediante cierre primario: 92 casos (51.7 %) versus 86 (48.3 %) para cirugía derivativa; sin embargo, en las heridas por arma de fuego el principal manejo fue la colostomía (67 casos). La mortalidad fue de 17 casos (9.55 %) debido a causas diversas como lesiones a múltiples órganos de manera asociada. Conclusiones: En las lesiones colónicas debe individualizarse el tratamiento, según la etiopatogenia, grado de lesión y lesiones asociadas.

BACKGROUND: Colon trauma is frequent and its prevalence is difficult to establish because of the different factors that intervene in its origin. In Mexico, traumatic colon injuries, albeit stab wounds or gunshot wounds, are on the rise. Our objective was to evaluate the most appropriate management for traumatic colon injuries. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 178 case files of patients with abdominal trauma and colon lesions during a 5-year period from January 2003 to June 2008 from the General Hospital of Balbuena, Mexico City. The study compared the use of primary closure vs. colostomy, analyzing variables such as sex, age, type of wound, severity of lesion and mortality. RESULTS: There were a total of 178 patients; 156 were male (87.6%) and 22 were female (12.4%). The most affected age group was between 21 and 30 years; 74 patients (41.6%) had stab wounds and 104 patients (58.4%) had gunshot wounds. Management consisted mainly of primary closure in 92 cases (51.7%) vs. colostomy in 86 patients (48.3%). However, 64% of gunshot wounds were treated with colostomy. Reported mortality was 9.55% and this was due to different factors such as multiple organ injury. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of traumatic colon injury should be case specific, taking into account the mechanism of the lesion, its severity and associated injuries.

Cierre primario en trauma de colon / Primary closure in colon trauma

Objetivo: Informar si la evolución > 6 horas, grado de contaminación y lesión, sitio anatómico lesionado, PATI (penetrating abdominal trauma index) > 25 y presencia de otras lesiones en trauma de colon, se asocian a mayor morbimortalidad en pacientes con lesión colónica a quienes se les realizó cierre primario. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, longitudinal, descriptivo, en el Hospital Central “Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto”, San Luis Potosí. Se incluyeron pacientes con trauma abdominal sometidos a cirugía que presentaron lesión colónica. Análisis estadístico básico con χ2. Resultados: 481 pacientes fueron intervenidos por trauma abdominal; 77 (16.1 %) tuvieron lesión colónica, de los cuales 90 % (n = 69) se intervino en las primeras seis horas; 91 % fue lesión penetrante. El colon transverso fue el más lesionado (38 %, n = 29); las lesiones grado I y II representaron 75.3 % (n = 58). Se efectuó cierre primario en 76.66 % (n = 46), resección con anastomosis en 8.3 % (n = 5) y colostomía en 15 % (n = 9). Hubo lesiones asociadas en 76.6 % (n = 59) y contaminación en 85.7 % (n = 66); 82.8 % (58) tuvo PATI < 25; complicaciones asociadas al procedimiento operatorio, 28.57 % (n = 22); reintervenciones, 10 % (n = 8); estancia hospitalaria promedio, 11.4 días; mortalidad no relacionada a lesión de colon, 3.8 % (n = 3). Conclusiones: El cierre primario es un procedimiento seguro para el tratamiento de lesiones colónicas. Los pacientes con cierre primario presentaron menor morbilidad (p < 0.009). Los pacientes con cirugía en las primeras seis horas (p < 0.006) y estabilidad hemodinámica (p < 0.014) tuvieron menor riesgo de complicación.

BACKGROUND: Primary repair of colon injuries is an accepted therapeutic option; however, controversy persists regarding its safety. Our objective was to report the evolution and presence of complications in patients with colon injury who underwent primary closure and to determine if the time interval (>6 h), degree of injury, contamination, anatomic site injured, PATI (Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index) >25, and the presence of other injuries in colon trauma are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, longitudinal and descriptive study conducted at the Central Hospital "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto," San Luis Potosí, Mexico, from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2007. We included patients with abdominal trauma with colon injury subjected to surgical treatment. chi(2) was used for basic statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 481 patients with abdominal trauma who underwent surgery; 77(16.1%) had colon injury. Ninety percent (n = 69) were treated in the first 6 h; 91% (n = 70) were due to penetrating injuries, and gunshot wound accounted for 48% (n = 37). Transverse colon was the most frequently injured (38%) (n = 29). Grade I and II injuries accounted for 75.3% (n = 58). Procedures included primary repair (76.66 %) (n = 46); resection with anastomosis (8.3%) (n = 5); and colostomy (15%) (n = 9). Associated injuries were present in 76.6% (n = 59). There was some degree of contamination in 85.7% (n = 66); 82.8% (58) had PATI <25. Complications associated with the surgical procedure were observed in 28.57% (n = 22). Reoperation was necessary in 10% (n = 8). Average hospital stay was 11.4 days. Mortality was 3.8% (n = 3); none of these were related to colon injury. CONCLUSIONS: Primary repair is a safe procedure for treatment of colon injuries. Patients with primary repair had lower morbidity (p <0.009). Surgery during the first 6 h (p <0.006) and in hemodynamically stable patients (p <0.014) had a lower risk of complications.

Cirugía laparoscópica terapéutica en trauma abdominal cerrado: dos casos representativos y revisión de la literatura / Therapeutic laparoscopic surgery in blunt abdominal trauma: two representative cases and literature review

Presentación de dos casos de trauma abdominal cerrado tratados por abordaje laparoscópico en el Hospital Domingo Luciani y revisión de la literatura. Se presentan dos casos con trauma abdominal cerrado, hemodinámicamente estables, a quienes se les realizó exploración y reparación laparoscópica de lesiones de vejiga y yeyuno respectivamente. Evolución postoperatoria satisfactoria. El trauma abdominal cerrado es manejado por excelencia de forma no operatoria. Aún así, el porcentaje de laparotomías no terapéuticas es considerable, así como de lesiones menores susceptibles a reparación laparoscópica, por lo que un abordaje mínimo invasivo ofrece ventajas en el tratamiento de estos pacientes.

We present two cases with blunt abdominal trauma, hemodynamic stable, in which laparoscopic exploration and reparation of bladder and jejunum injuries were made. Postoperative satisfactory outcome. The management of blunt abdominal trauma is, for excellence, non operative. Still, the percentage of non therapeutic laparotomy is considerable; it is so minor injuries susceptible to laparoscopic reparation. Because of this, a minimal invasive approach offer advantages in the treatment of this patient. Postoperative were uneventful. A literature review was made.

Empiema posterior a trauma tóraco-abdominal / Empyema after thoraco-abdominal trauma

Evaluar la posibilidad de empiema en el trauma tóraco-abdominal con lesión de viscera hueca y diafragma. Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y transversal, realizado en un período comprendido entre los años 2002 y 2008. De un total de 304 pacientes ingresados con el diagnóstico de trauma tóraco-abdominal, se estudiaron 40 historias clínicas de aquellos que presentaron lesión de diafragma, en las cuales se evaluó el tratamiento efectivo a la lesión toracica y su seguimiento. Hubo 39 pacientes del sexo masculino (97,5 por ciento) y 1 femenino (2,5 por ciento), con edades comprendidas entre 13 y 60 años (promedio 27,9 años). El mecanismo de lesión más frecuente fue las heridas por arma de fuego con 33 casos (82,5 por ciento); arma blanca con 6 (15 por ciento) y trauma cerrado con 1 caso (2,5 por ciento). En todos los pacientes se dejo un drenaje torácico a través de una toracotomía mínima. En 3 de ellos (7,5 por ciento) se realizó la exploración del tórax a través de una toracotomía. Se reportaron 3 casos de empiema, todos en el grupo de toracotomía mínima como manejo de la lesión torácica. Lesiones de viscera hueca, inestabilidad hemodinámica y un ATI > 30 fueron los factores de riesgo más frecuentes asociados a la formación del empiema. En un trauma tóraco-abdominal con lesión de diafragma y viscera hueca, la contaminación del tórax es posible, por lo que sólo un drenaje torácico podría ser insuficiente para una adecuada limpieza de la cavidad pleural.

Computed tomography in blunt chest trauma.

Objective. To assess the role of multidetector spiral CT in patients with blunt chest trauma. Methods. Forty-two patients (38 males and four females), age range from 6 to 80 years, of blunt chest trauma were evaluated with multidetector computed tomogram (MDCT) after initial radiographs and the results were tabulated. Results. The most common mode of injury was motor vehicle accidents (64%). On computed tomography (CT), major injuries were haemothorax (83.33%), consolidation (66.6%), rib fractures (61.90%), pneumothorax (54.76%), diaphragmatic injury (30.95%), lung contusions (28.57%), spinal injury (16.66%), lacerations (9.52%), tracheo-bronchial injury (4.76%), mediastinal haematoma (4.76%), thoracic-aortic injury (4.76%) and oesophageal injury (2.38%). Operative intervention was performed in 11 (26.19%) patients. Of these, diaphragmatic rent repair was done in seven patients (63.63%), exploratory laparotomy alone was done in two (18.18%) and resection and anastomosis and polytetrafluoroethylene graft in one patient each. Three patients each with chest wall injury, thoracic vascular injury and diaphragmatic injury died; while only one patient with lung injury died. Conclusion. Multidetector computed tomogram is the modality of choice for rapid assessment of emergency chest trauma patients.

Lesões traumáticas de vísceras ocas / Injuries to the hollow viscera

Nos pacientes vítimas de traumatismo abdominal, contuso ou penetrante, além dos cuidados iniciais de estabilização, diagnóstico cuidadoso de lesões associadas e tratamento cirúrgico imediato em situações óbvias, devemos estar atentos para possíveis lesões de vísceras ocas que podem se manifestar tardiamente, postergando o tratamento definitivo, com conseqüente piora do prognóstico. Baseado na forte suspeita, analisando o mecanismo do trauma e lesões encontradas na avaliação inicial, o lavado peritoneal diagnóstico e exames de imagem devem ser empregados em conjunto, para confirmar ou afastar a existência de lesão de vísceras ocas. Atualmente, não dispomos de exames com especificidade e sensibilidade suficientes para, isoladamente, definir o diagnóstico. Dentre os órgãos intra cavitários não sólidos envolvidos nos traumatismos abdominais, destaca-se o intestino delgado como o mais acometido nas lesões penetrantes, seguido pelo cólon, estômago e duodeno. As lesões de vísceras ocas são menos freqüentes em traumatismos contusos, porém, geralmente, apresentam-se com maior gravidade e associadas a outras lesões. O tratamento é cirúrgico, em geral com o reparo primário da víscera, sendo a tática operatória guiada pela gravidade das lesões e condições gerais do paciente.

In abdominal blunt or penetrating trauma patients, despite of the initial assessment and stabilization, careful diagnosis of associated injuries and immediate treatment in obvious cases, we must be concerned about missing injuries of hollow viscera that can disclose itself later, delaying definitive treatment, with consequent worse prognosis. Based in high suspicion related to the mechanism of trauma and associated injuries in the initial evaluation, diagnostic peritoneal lavage and radiological exams must be indicated in the effort to confirm the existence of hollow visceral injuries. Currently, there is no method with such specificity and sensitivity to define diagnosis by itself. Among the organs injured in abdominal trauma, the small bowel is the most frequent in penetrating wounds, followed by colon, stomach and duodenum. The hollow viscera injuries are less common in blunt trauma, however usually associated to higher severity and other injuries. The treatment is surgical, usually with primary repair, guided by the anatomical injury severity and patient general conditions.

Evaluation of mechanical injuries in homicidal deaths: (A retrospective study of 5 years).

Jamnagar region, Gujarat state, enjoys a relatively low incidence of homicide in India. The following study examined 120 cases, (67.04%) of homicides where death was produced by inflicting various mechanical injuries on the body, reported during the years 2000 to 2004. Incidence of homicidal deaths due to mechanical injuries was 24 cases per year. It formed about 2.89% of all the total medico legal autopsies conducted during the period. Mechanical injuries were quite common in homicidal deaths involving as many as 92 male and 27 female victims. Majority of the victims were in the age group of 21 to 40 years with 77 cases, (64.17%). Blunt force was the most commonly employed method seen in 58 cases, (48.33%). It was followed by sharp force seen in 38 cases, (31.67%) and sharp and blunt combine forces seen in 23 cases, (19.17%). Incidence of fire arm injuries was quite rare in the present study. Head injury was quite common in homicide. Maximum external injuries were seen on the head and mostly they were produced by hard, blunt and heavy weapons. Stab injuries were commonly seen on the chest and abdomen. In the present study 35 cases, (29.17%) showed presence of defence wounds. Defence wounds were commonly seen in the male victims.

Abdominal access injuries in laparoscopic surgery, a retrospective study

This study was performed to assess the incidence, diagnosis, management and morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic access injuries. Using available injury based reports,patients documents and some available video tape recording of some laparoscopic procedures, 54 patients were collected and reported of having laparoscopic access injuries out of total 608 laparoscopic surgical and gynecological procedures done in Kasr Elaini teaching hospital during the period from August 2001 to April 2003 representing 8.8% of the total cases in comparison to what was reported in the literature which showed low incidence of these access injuries ranging from 5/10000 to 1.3%. Most of the reported injuries were minor vascular injuries [2.6%] and extraperitoneal gas insufflation [3.7%]. These minor complications caused only some technical difficulties during the procedures but they had no impact upon morbidity and mortality of the patients and were managed conservatively. Major retroperitoneal vascular injuries and visceral injuries, although represented minor incidence in our study 0.5% and 1.3% respectively, yet they were the major source of morbidity and mortality to the patients. Not only so but they also necessitate termination of the primary procedure and conversion to open surgery for their management. It seems that there is no single method of laparoscopic access safer than the other since there was no significant difference between them in inducing injury. In although laparoscopic access injuries seem to be of low incidence, yet they should be minimized. Since access injuries may be the result of integration between patient related factors, surgeons factors and the technique of access, so adoption of good laparoscopic technique, improvement of learning curve of junior surgeons proper site selection and port placement and proper choice of equipment, all may reduce the risk of access complications

Algo más sobre tintura madre: supresión y repertorización / Homeopathic tincture: suppression and patient interview

Se dilucida si la TM es una preparación homeopática o es alopática. Se precisa que las TM, pueden tener acción primaria y que siempre tienen acción secundaria. Cuando tienen acción primaria, conocida por la toxicología, es aprovechada por los alópatas. La acción secundaria o reacción, conocida por la experimentación Pura, es aprovechada por los homeópatas cuando la aplican según la ley de la semejanza. Se detalla sobre la posibilidad de que los remedios homeopáticos ocasionen supresión mórbida cuando son administrados sin cubrir la totalidad de la sintomatología del enfermo. Se explica que el proceso de repertorización homeopática puede ser engañoso si se le toma como una deducción matemática. La repertorización sólo serviría para pensar en menos remedios. La escogencia del simillimum debe estar guiada por el conocimiento de la Materia Médica por parte del homeópata y siempre cubriendo los síntomas del miasma dominante

Injuries of the Inferior Vena Cava Is there an optimum line of treatment?

In this study, 27 cases of inferior vena caval injuries due to penetrating and blunt trauma were studied. The various clinical presentations and diagnostic techniques were reviewed. The type and site of the injuries as well as the associated injuries to other viscera were determined. Some cases were treated by repair, while other cases were treated by ligation of the inferior vena cava. The outcome according to the type of procedure was also recorded. The mortality group of the series was studied and reasons for death were determined. The surviving group was also studied to underst and the effects of treatment on the patient and on the injured inferior vena cava [IVC]. The results were recorded and compared with other studies

Evaluation of peritoneal lavage and abdominal paracentesis in cases of blunt abdominal trauma--a study of fifty cases.

Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) is an accurate technique to diagnose abdominal visceral injury in blunt abdominal trauma. Four-quadrant abdominal paracentesis should be used routinely in all cases of blunt abdominal injuries as a diagnostic tool. The study included 50 cases in whom four-quadrant abdominal paracentesis was done at JN Medical College, Aligarh. There were 13 positive taps, out of which 12 were true positive and one was false positive. In all 37 negative taps DPL was done, out of which 23 had positive lavage, 22 had true positive and one had false negative results. All the patients with true positive peritoneal lavage had intra-abdominal injuries at laparotomy.

Pneumothorax due to electrical burn.

A 25-year-old male developed early as well as delayed (15 days post burn) pneumothorax of right side following high voltage, 1100 KV, electrical burn of the right side of the chest wall. Diagnosis was established by clinical examination and chest x-ray. Intercostal tube drainage with underwater seal relieved the patient of pneumothorax.

Traumatismo escrotal: a propósito de una caso / Scrotal traumatism: a purpose of an case

Se presenta un caso de lesión de víscera hueca como resultado de herida por arma de fuego (HAF) en el escroto izquierdo de un paciente que presenta una hernia inguino escrotal. El paciente se mantuvo en observación del Hospital por 20 horas, cuando se decidió tratamiento quirúrgico de emergencia y se evidenció lesión del sigmoides. El tratamiento consistió en sigmoidectomía anterior por técnica de Mickulitz y rescción del saco hernario (sin reparación de la hernia). Se resalta lo excepcional de este caso (un solo caso publicado en la literatura médica mundial de los últimos 15 años); la importancia de una buena anamnesis y examen físico; drenaje independiente de la cavidad abdominal y escroto; diferir la resolución del defecto herniario

Comprometimento pulmonar em trauma eletrico: relato de caso / Pulmonary lesion in eletric injury: case report

Trauma eletricos severos constituem cerca de 5 por cento das admissoes em Unidades de Queimados. O acometimento visceral pela corrente eletrica apresenta grande morbidade e mortalidade. A presenca de lesoes viscerais sem continuidade com lesao de partes moles e pouco referida, porem de extrema gravidade, principalmente pela dificuldade diagnostica que apresenta. Lesoes cardiacas tem sido mais frequentemente relatadas, ocorrendo em 10 a 25 por cento dos pacientes, consistinto basicamente em arritmias e disturbios de conducao, consequentes a espasmos coronarios ou lesao muscular difusa pela corrente...