Epidemiology and outcomes for level 1 and 2 traumas during the first wave of COVID19 in a Canadian centre.

To determine if lockdown measures imposed during the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic affected trauma patterns, volumes, and outcomes in a western Canadian level 1 trauma center, we performed a retrospective cohort study assessing level 1 and 2 trauma patients presenting to our center during the initial COVID19 "lockdown" period (March 15-June 14, 2020) compared to a similar cohort of patients presenting during a "control" period 1 year prior (March 15-June 14, 2019). Overall, we saw a 7.8% reduction in trauma volumes during the lockdown period, and this was associated with a shorter average ED length of stay (6.2 ± 4.7 h vs. 9.7 ± 11.8 h, p = 0.003), reduced time to computed tomography (88.5 ± 68.2 min vs. 105.1 ± 65.5 min, p < 0.001), a reduction in intensive care unit admissions (11.0 ± 4.9% vs. 20.0 ± 15.5%, p = 0.001), and higher injury severity score (6.5 ± 7.6 vs. 6.2 ± 9.5, p = 0.04). Our findings suggest that lockdown measures imposed during the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic had a significant impact on trauma patients.

Endoluminal approaches to bariatric surgery.

The practice of surgery is in a constant flux with evolving technology as new techniques are continually being developed. Obesity is a major health problem worldwide and is the second most common preventable cause of death in North America. Currently, bariatric surgery is the only modality that results in a sustained weight loss along with reversal of the comorbidities. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the current endoluminal options for the treatment of morbid obesity. Procedures such as intragastric balloons, endoluminal vertical gastroplasty, transoral gastroplasty and transluminal sleeve are discussed and their efficacy is analyzed.