Primary Skin Closure after Repair of Hollow Viscus Injuries.

Decisions regarding whether to close the skin in trauma patients with hollow viscus injuries (HVIs) are based on surgeon discretion and the perceived risk for an SSI. We hypothesized that leaving the skin open would result in fewer wound complications in patients with HVIs. We performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients who underwent operative repair of an HVI. The main outcome measure was superficial or deep SSIs. Of 141 patients, 38 (27%) had HVIs. Twenty-six patients developed SSIs, of which 13 (50%) were superficial or deep SSIs. On adjusted analysis, only female gender (P = 0.03) and base deficit were associated (P = 0.001) with wound infections Open wound management was not associated with a decreased incidence of SSIs (P = 0.19) in patients with HVIs. Further research is required to determine optimal strategies for reducing wound complications in patients sustaining HVIs.

Benefits of a Patient-centered Remote Therapy Monitoring Program Focusing on Increased Adherence to Wound Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Patient nonadherence to wound care protocols may impact the efficacy of modalities, such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Recently, a remote therapy monitoring (RTM) system has been devised for use with NPWT for home care patients. OBJECTIVE: Three home care patients receiving NPWT are presented to examine the relationship between patients using the RTM system and Virtual Therapy Specialists (VTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consent was secured from patients with either multiple comorbidities and/or wounds of varying complexity. Wounds were assessed as per their initial presentation, and all patients were discharged home with an RTM-equipped NPWT system to apply continuous subatmospheric pressure to their wound. Dressings were changed every 2 to 3 days. RESULTS: All 3 patients were women (age range, 53-72 years), who presented with the following wound types: recalcitrant abdominal wound, acute wound following ventral hernia repair, and dehisced wound following a hysterectomy. Patient 1 was treated with RTM-equipped NPWT for a duration of 88 days (6 nonadherent vs. 82 adherent days) and was adherent to the therapy 93.2% of the time. Patient 2 was treated with RTM-equipped NPWT for a duration of 57 days (8 nonadherent vs. 49 adherent days) and was adherent to the therapy 86.0% of the time. Patient 3 was treated with RTM-equipped NPWT for a duration of 16 days (2 nonadherent vs. 14 adherent days) and was adherent to the therapy 87.5% of the time. Each patient presented with a barrier to therapy adherence (eg, lack of access to residential clinical support, technical issues, or work demands) that was managed by VTS interactions. CONCLUSIONS: In these 3 cases, RTM-equipped NPWT and the patient-centric exchanges with the VTS through adherence calls helped promote consistent usage of RTM-equipped NPWT to address the patients' therapeutic needs and increase therapy adherence.

Factors affecting the morbidity and mortality of diverting stoma closure: retrospective cohort analysis of twelve-year period.

Background Diverting stoma is often performed in rectal cancer surgery for reducing the consequences of possible anastomotic failure. Closing of stoma follows in most cases after a few months. The aim of our study was to evaluate morbidity and mortality after diverting stoma closure and to identify risk factors for complications of this procedure. Patients and methods At our department, we have performed a retrospective cohort analysis of data for 260 patients with diverting stoma closure from 2003 to 2015. Age, stoma type, patient's preoperative ASA score, surgical technique and time to stoma closure were investigated as factors which could influence the complication rate. Results 218 patients were eligible for investigation. Postoperative complications developed in 54 patients (24.8%). Most common complications were postoperative ileus (10%) and wound infection (5%). Four patients died (1.8%). There was no effect on complication rate regarding type of stoma, closing technique, patient's ASA status and patient age. The only factor influencing the complication rate was the time to stoma closure. We found that patients which had the stoma closed prior to 8 months after primary surgery had lower overall complication rate (p<0. 05). Conclusions To reduce overall complication rate, our data suggest a shorter period than 8 months after primary surgery before closure of diverting stoma. As diverting stoma closure is not a simple operation, all strategies should be taken to reduce significant morbidity and mortality rate.

Treatment of Abdominal Surgical Wound Dehiscence With Bowel Exposure and Infection: Using Intrawound Continuous Negative Pressure, Irrigation, and Application of Artificial Dermis.

Abdominal surgical wound dehiscence with bowel exposure and infection carries a risk of intestinal fistula, making it extremely difficult to treat. The objective at this time is to heal such wounds safely and absolutely with using intrawound continuous negative pressure and irrigation treatment and artificial dermis. The subjects were 18 patients with abdominal wall dehiscence wounds with bowel exposure. Complications had already developed in 4 of the 18 cases of intestinal fistula. Subsequently, these 4 cases were treated with conservative treatment alone, whereas the other 14 were treated by split-thickness skin grafts. Intrawound continuous negative-pressure therapy has enabled the concomitant use of an artificial dermis inside the infected wound by maintaining irrigation of the wound. This method not only eliminated the danger of perforation from direct contact of the sponge with the bowel but also promoted the early proliferation of dermis-like tissue on the bowel surface, enabling safe and absolute healing.

Patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcome in a randomized study of cesarean skin closure.

Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction and patient and physician assessment of scar appearance after cesarean skin closure with suture versus staples. Methods: Women undergoing cesarean delivery (CD) at ≥23 weeks' gestation via low-transverse skin incisions at three hospitals in the CROSS Consortium were randomized to receive skin closure using subcuticular absorbable suture or nonabsorbable metal staples. The primary outcome of this substudy, patient satisfaction, was assessed by surveys at the postpartum visit using a 10-point Likert scale. Scar outcomes according to patients and trained observers were assessed at the primary research site using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The POSAS is comprised of a patient-completed assessment including subjective data such as pain and itchiness, and an observer-completed assessment about cosmetic criteria. Results: Between June 2010 and August 2012, 746 women were randomized; 370 received suture and 376 received staples. Satisfaction data were available for 606 (81%). Complete patient scar assessment data were available for 577 (77%) and complete observer scar assessment data were available for 275 (57% of the 480 planned for evaluation at the primary research site). Demographic data for women in the two groups were similar. Satisfaction with the closure method was higher (superior) among women who received suture closure: median 10 (interquartile range 9, 10) versus 9 (interquartile ranges (IQR) 6, 10); p < .01. The suture group also had higher satisfaction with the scar's appearance at the postpartum visit: median nine (IQR 7, 10) versus 8 (IQR 6, 10); p = .02. Receiving one's preferred closure method was associated with higher patient satisfaction, and wound complications were associated with lower satisfaction. POSAS scores were superior (lower) in the suture group. Patient Scar Assessment Scale scores were median 15 (IQR 10, 25) for sutures versus 20 (IQR 11, 28) for staples; p < .01. Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores were median 12 (IQR 9, 15) for sutures versus 13 (IQR 9, 16) for staples; p = .01. Conclusions: Satisfaction with the closure method, satisfaction with the scar's appearance, and patient and physician assessments of scar cosmesis were all superior in those closed with suture. These results further support the use of sutures for cesarean skin closure.

Abdominal skin closure using subcuticular sutures prevents incisional surgical site infection in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery has a high incidence of postoperative morbidity, including incisional surgical site infection. Although several studies showed that subcuticular sutures reduced incisional surgical site infection in other fields of surgery, their impact on hepatopancreatobiliary surgery remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess whether subcuticular sutures could reduce incisional surgical site infection in patients undergoing hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. METHODS: A total of 436 consecutive patients underwent laparotomy and surgical resection for hepatopancreatobiliary tumors in our department from May 2013 to December 2015. We excluded among them, 8 patients with a follow-up period <30 days and 1 patient with unclear operative information. The incidence of incisional surgical site infection was compared between use of subcuticular sutures and of stapling, using propensity score analyses. RESULTS: In the baseline cohort (n = 427), abdominal skin closure was performed by subcuticular sutures in 245 patients (57.4%) and by stapling in 182 patients (42.6%). The incidence of incisional surgical site infection was 5/245 (2.0%) in the subcuticular suture group and 21/182 (11.5%) in the stapling group (P <. 01). In the propensity score-matched cohort (n = 318), patient demographics were well balanced between the two groups, and the incidence of incisional surgical site infection was 3/159 (1.8%) in the subcuticular suture group and 16/159 (10.0%) in the stapling group (P < .01). Propensity score analyses, as well as simple regression analyses, showed subcuticular sutures could consistently reduce incisional surgical site infection (with odd ratios of about 0.20). CONCLUSION: Use of subcuticular sutures is preferred to stapling for the prevention of incisional surgical site infection in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.

Outcome of open abdominal management following military trauma.

BACKGROUND: Temporary abdominal closure (TAC) is increasingly common after military and civilian major trauma. Primary fascial closure cannot be achieved after TAC in 30 per cent of civilian patients; subsequent abdominal wall reconstruction carries significant morbidity. This retrospective review aimed to determine this morbidity in a UK military cohort. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of all injured personnel from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts was searched from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2014 for all patients who had undergone laparotomy in a deployed military medical treatment facility. This database, the patients' hospital notes and their primary care records were searched. RESULTS: Laparotomy was performed in a total of 155 patients who survived to be repatriated to the UK; records were available for 150 of these patients. Seventy-seven patients (51·3 per cent) had fascial closure at first laparotomy, and 73 (48·7 per cent) had a period of TAC. Of the 73 who had TAC, two died before closure and two had significant abdominal wall loss from blast injury and were excluded from analysis. Of the 69 remaining patients, 65 (94 per cent) were able to undergo delayed primary fascial closure. The median duration of follow-up from injury was 1257 (range 1-4677) days for the whole cohort. Nine (12 per cent) of the 73 patients who underwent TAC subsequently developed an incisional hernia, compared with ten (13 per cent) of the 77 patients whose abdomen was closed at the primary laparotomy (P = 1·000). CONCLUSION: Rates of delayed primary closure of abdominal fascia after temporary abdominal closure appear high. Subsequent rates of incisional hernia formation were similar in patients undergoing delayed primary closure and those who had closure at the primary laparotomy.

Rapid Source-Control Laparotomy: Is There a Mortality Benefit?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence rapid source-control laparotomy (RSCL) has on the mortality rate in non-trauma patients with intra-abdominal infection. The hypothesis was that RSCL reduces deaths and hospital lengths of stay (LOS) in patients compared with definitive repair and primary fascial closure (PFC). METHODS: The International Classification of Diseases-10 codes for sepsis, gastric and duodenal ulcer perforation or hemorrhage, incisional or ventral hernia with obstruction, intestinal volvulus, ileus with obstruction, diverticulitis with perforation or abscess, vascular disorder of intestine, non-traumatic intestinal perforation, peritoneal abscess, and unspecified peritonitis were used to query the 2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database for all patients treated with either RSCL or PFC. The two groups of patients were compared on the basis of LOS and deaths. Collected data included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), site classification, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, operative time, number of risk factors, and pre-operative septic state. RESULTS: After adjusting for the aforementioned variables, propensity score-matched cohorts (n = 210 in each cohort) were used to evaluate the influence of incision closure type on LOS and mortality rate. The odds of death (31.4% vs. 21.4%) with RSCL was 1.78 (95% confidence interval 1.08-2.95; p = 0.02) times that of PFC. Closure type was not significantly associated with an increased LOS (median 14 vs. 11 days; p = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective cohort analysis demonstrated that RSCL is associated with higher odds of death in general surgical patients with intra-abdominal infection. There is a need for further studies to delineate what, if any, physiologic parameters indicate a need for RSCL.

Three-layer primary closure of the bipedicled TRAM flap donor site for unilateralbreast reconstruction: a 15-year experience with 124 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap remains widely used as a breast reconstruction technique. The bipedicled TRAM flap is not as preferable as it was formerly, mainly because of its donor site complications. However, in a number of situations, a bipedicled TRAM flap may be the only alternative. Therefore, a three-layer primary closure technique used with bipedicled TRAM flap breast reconstructions that can avoid donor site complications without using a mesh is presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed that included patients who underwent bipedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction with the three-layer primary closure technique. Between 2000 and 2015, 124 breast reconstruction patients were reviewed for donor site morbidity. RESULTS: During the 15-year study period, 106 patients had conventional bipedicled TRAM flaps and 18 had bipedicled TRAM flaps with a surgical delay procedure. For all groups, none of the patients developed abdominal wall hernia, but three patients had bulging. Partial flap loss was the most common flap complication, present in 6 flaps (4.8%). CONCLUSION: The suturing technique studied provided abdominal wall closure without the use of a mesh even when utilizing a bilateral pedicle with very low complication rates.

Systematic and Specific Treatment of Patients with Enteroatmospheric Fistulas: From Initial Conservative Treatment to Definitive Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The open abdomen is a widespread therapeutic resource; however, it is also a source of complications, of which the enteroatmospheric fistulas (EAFs) pose one of the greatest problems. The objective of this study was to describe the implemented strategy for handling enteroatmospheric fistulas, and secondarily, to analyze the differential results based on a change in the conservative local treatment specifically designed for the stated complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2002 to March 2014, patients treated for EAF were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (G1: 2002 - 2007), treated with an occlusive vacuum device (SIVACO), similar to that used for other enterocutaneous fistulas, and Group 2 (G2: 2008 - 2014), covered in a specific modality for EAF. Results of conservative and surgical treatment were described and then the two groups were statistically compared. RESULTS: Study participants comprised 62 patients. Twelve cases (19.4%) healed with conservative treatment. This was statistically related with a baseline albumin level >3 g/dL, single lesions with no visible mucosa and baseline output <700 mL/d. In G1, the output fall was higher, while G2 required fewer wound dressing changes and enteral nutrition was feasible in a significantly higher number of patients. Forty-seven patients underwent reconstructive surgery. The mortality-associated variables were preoperative hypoalbuminemia and 2 or more anastomoses. Overall mortality was 8% (5 patients). In the multivariate model, only initial output (<700 mL/d) was an independent predictor for spontaneous closure, whereas 2 or more anastomoses and hypoalbuminemia were negative independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Systematic management of enteroatmospheric fistulas, following a rigorous protocol and a two-step specific treatment, resulted in a practical approach and yielded good results in healing and mortality.

Is There An Ideal Stump Closure Technique In Laparoscopic Appendectomy?

BACKGROUND: There is no standard routine closure technique in the management of appendiceal stump. Therefore, the ideal method should be determined based on the condition of the radix of the appendix. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate appendiceal stump closure methods in patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy due to acute appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 196 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy due to the diagnosis of acute appendicitis at Gazipasa State Hospital, Golhisar State Hospital, and Isparta State Hospital between 2009 and 2013. The methods performed for the closure of the appendiceal stump included stapler closure technique (Group I), ENDOLOOP® (Johnson & Johnson Inc., New Brunswick, New Jersey) technique (Group II), Hem-o-lok® (Teleflex®, Limerick, Pennsylvania) clip (Group III), and handmade endo-loop technique (Group IV). The groups were compared in terms of duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, complication rates, and cost of treatment. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed among the groups in terms of patient characteristics. In eight patients, laparoscopic appendectomy was converted to open surgery due to various reasons. Mean length of hospital stay was two days in all of the groups that underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. No significant difference was found among the groups in terms of duration of surgery, complications, and postoperative analgesic requirement, but a significant difference was observed in terms of the cost of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the handmade endo-loop technique is a safe, applicable, and cost-effective method to be used in the closure of appendiceal stump.

Flap versus fascial closure for gastroschisis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Flap closure represents an alternative to fascial closure for gastroschisis. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes comparing these techniques. METHODS: A registered systematic review ( PROSPERO: CRD42015016745) of comparative studies was performed, querying multiple databases without language or date restrictions. Gray literature was sought. Outcomes analyzed included: mortality, ventilation days, feeding parameters, length of stay (LOS), wound infection, resource utilization, and umbilical hernia incidence. Multiple reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and literature quality. Meta-analysis of outcomes was performed where appropriate (Revman 5.2). RESULTS: Twelve studies met inclusion criteria, of which three were multi-institutional. Quality assessment revealed unbiased patient selection and exposure, but group comparability was suboptimal in four studies. Overall, 1124 patients were evaluated, of which 350 underwent flap closure (210 immediately; 140 post-silo). Meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in mortality, LOS, or feeding parameters between groups. Flap patients had less wound infections (OR 0.40 [95%CI 0.22-0.74], P=0.003). While flap patients had an increased risk of umbilical hernia, they were less likely to undergo repair (19% vs. 41%; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Flap closure has equivalent or superior outcomes to fascial closure for patients with gastroschisis. Given potential advantages of bedside closure and reduced sedation requirements, flap closure may represent the preferred closure strategy.

Risk Factors for Nonclosure of a Temporary Defunctioning Ileostomy Following Anterior Resection of Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: In patients with colorectal cancer, a defunctioning ileostomy is commonly constructed to reduce anastomotic complications. However, many patients do not undergo a subsequent procedure to have their temporary stoma closed. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the incidence of nonclosure of ileostomies and identified factors associated with nonclosure. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTING: This study was conducted at a tertiary referral cancer hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 296 patients who received anterior resection with a defunctioning ileostomy with protective intention from 2006 to 2013 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were the incidence of nonclosure of ileostomy and associated risk factors. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a median time of 29 months (range, 21-100 months). At the end of the study, 51 (17.2%) patients were left with a permanent ileostomy. The median time interval from the creation of a defunctioning ileostomy to closure was 192 days (range, 14-865 days). Multivariate analyses using a logistic regression model showed that metastatic diseases (OR, 0.179, p < 0.001), Charlson Comorbidity Index score >1 (OR, 0.268; p < 0.01), and complications from the index surgery (OR, 0.391; p = 0.013) were significant independent risk factors for failing to close a defunctioning ileostomy. LIMITATIONS: Although our study has a large patient cohort, it is limited by its retrospective nature. It is difficult to fully evaluate stoma complications after hospital discharge, and the prevalence may be underestimated. CONCLUSION: One in 6 temporary ileostomies constructed during an elective anterior resection for rectal cancer was not closed. Patients should be told before the index surgery that there is a risk of nonclosure and possible complications associated with permanent ileostomy.

Evaluation of a novel trocar-site closure and comparison with a standard Carter-Thomason closure device.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare a novel trocars-site closure device, the WECK EFx™ Endo Fascial Closure System (EFx) with the Carter-Thomason CloseSure System® (CT) for the closure of laparoscopic trocar site defects created by a 12-mm dilating trocar. METHODS: We created standardized laparoscopic trocars-site abdominal wall defects in cadaver models using a standard 12-mm laparoscopic dilating trocar. Trocar defects were closed in a randomized fashion using one of the two closure systems. We recorded time and number of attempts needed for complete defect closure. In addition, we recorded the ability to maintain pneumoperitoneum, endoscopic visualization, safety, security, and facility based on the surgeon's subjective evaluations. We compared outcomes for the EFx and CT closure systems. RESULTS: We created 72 standardized laparoscopic trocars-site abdominal wall defects. The mean time needed for complete defect closure was 98.53 seconds (±28.9) for the EFx compared with 133.61 seconds (±54.61) for the CT (P<0.001). The mean number of attempts needed to achieve complete defect closure were 1.19 (1-3) for the EFx and 1.19 (1-2) for the CT (P=0.50). Mean scores for safety were 2.92 for EFx vs 2.19 for CT (P<0.001). Mean scores for facility were 2.97 vs 1.83 for EFx and CT, respectively (P<0.001). Mean scores for maintenance of pneumoperitoneum were 1.97 for EFx vs 2.33 for CT (P=0.022). No significant difference was observed between the EFx and the CT systems for endoscopic visualization (2.28 vs 2.50, P=0.080). CONCLUSIONS: In this in vitro cadaver trial, the EFx was superior in terms of time needed to complete defect closure, safety, and facility. CT was superior in terms of maintenance of pneumoperitoneum. Both systems were equal in the number of attempts needed to complete the defect closure and endoscopic visualization.

Risk factors for wound disruption following cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Risk factors for post-cesarean wound infection, but not disruption, are well-described in the literature. The primary objective of this study was to identify risk factors for non-infectious post-cesarean wound disruption. METHODS: Secondary analysis was conducted using data from a single-center randomized controlled trial of staple versus suture skin closure in women ≥24 weeks' gestation undergoing cesarean delivery. Wound disruption was defined as subcutaneous skin or fascial dehiscence excluding primary wound infections. Composite wound morbidity (disruption or infection) was examined as a secondary outcome. Patient demographics, medical co-morbidities, and intrapartum characteristics were evaluated as potential risk factors using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 398 randomized patients, 340, including 26 with disruptions (7.6%) met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. After multivariable adjustments, African-American race (aOR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1-13.8) and staple - as opposed to suture - wound closure (aOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.8-16.1) remained significant risk factors for disruption; non-significant increases were observed for body mass index ≥30 (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 0.6-7.5), but not for diabetes mellitus (aOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.3-2.9). RESULTS for composite wound morbidity were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Skin closure with staples, African-American race, and considering the relatively small sample size, potentially obesity are associated with increased risk of non-infectious post-cesarean wound disruption.

The impact of a massive transfusion protocol (1:1:1) on major hepatic injuries: does it increase abdominal wall closure rates?

BACKGROUND: Massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) using high plasma and platelet ratios for exsanguinating trauma patients are increasingly popular. Major liver injuries often require massive resuscitations and immediate hemorrhage control. Current published literature describes outcomes among patients with mixed patterns of injury. We sought to identify the effects of an MTP on patients with major liver trauma. METHODS: Patients with grade 3, 4 or 5 liver injuries who required a massive blood component transfusion were analyzed. We compared patients with high plasma:red blood cell:platelet ratio (1:1:1) transfusions (2007-2009) with patients injured before the creation of an institutional MTP (2005-2007). RESULTS: Among 60 patients with major hepatic injuries, 35 (58%) underwent resuscitation after the implementation of an MTP. Patient and injury characteristics were similar between cohorts. Implementation of the MTP significantly improved plasma: red blood cell:platelet ratios and decreased crystalloid fluid resuscitation (p = 0.026). Rapid improvement in early acidosis and coagulopathy was superior with an MTP (p = 0.009). More patients in the MTP group also underwent primary abdominal fascial closure during their hospital stay (p = 0.021). This was most evident with grade 4 injuries (89% vs. 14%). The mean time to fascial closure was 4.2 days. The overall survival rate for all major liver injuries was not affected by an MTP (p = 0.61). CONCLUSION: The implementation of a formal MTP using high plasma and platelet ratios resulted in a substantial increase in abdominal wall approximation. This occurred concurrently to a decrease in the delivered volume of crystalloid fluid.

CONTEXTE: Les protocoles de transfusion massive (PTM) impliquant des rapports plasma:plaquettes élevés sont de plus en plus populaires pour traiter les patients atteints d'un traumatisme hémorragique. Les chirurgies majeures du foie requièrent souvent le déclenchement de protocoles de transfusion massive et une maîtrise immédiate de l'hémorragie. La littérature actuelle décrit les résultats chez des patients victimes de divers types de traumatismes. Nous avons voulu mesurer les effets d'un PTM sur les patients ayant subi un traumatisme majeur au foie. MÉTHODES: Nous avons analysé les dossiers de patients ayant subi des blessures au foie de grade 3, 4 ou 5 qui ont nécessité des transfusions massives de composants sanguins. Nous avons comparé les patients ayant nécessité des transfusions importantes de plasma, de culots globulaires et de plaquettes selon un rapport (1:1:1; 2007­2009) à des patients ayant subi leur traumatisme avant la mise en oeuvre d'un PTM par l'établissement (2005­2007). RÉSULTATS: Sur 50 patients ayant subi des lésions hépatiques majeures, 35 (58%) ont reçu des traitements de réanimation après la mise en place du PTM. Les caractéristiques propres aux patients et à leurs blessures étaient similaires entre les cohortes. L'application du PTM a significativement amélioré les rapports plasma:culots globulaires:plaquettes et réduit l'administration de cristalloïdes à des fins de réanimation liquidienne (p = 0,026). L'amélioration rapide de l'acidose naissante et de la coagulopathie a été meilleure avec le PTM (p = 0,009). Plus de patients du groupe soumis au PTM ont aussi subi une fermeture aponévrotique abdominale primaire durant leur séjour hospitalier (p = 0,021). Cela s'est surtout observé avec les lésions de grade 4 (89% c. 14%). Le délai moyen avant la fermeture aponévrotique a été de 4,2 jours. L'application du PTM n'a pas modifié le taux de survie global pour l'ensemble des traumatismes hépatiques majeurs (p = 0,61). CONCLUSION: La mise en place d'un PTM officiel reposant sur des rapports plasma et plaquettes élevés a donné lieu à une augmentation substantielle des fermetures de la paroi abdominale. Cela s'est produit en parallèle avec une diminution du volume de cristalloïdes administrés pour la réanimation liquidienne.

Damage-control laparotomy in nontrauma patients: review of indications and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The principle of damage-control laparotomy (DCL) in trauma is well established. The DCL concept can be applied in emergency general surgery when an abbreviated laparotomy is performed at the initial stage. Subsequent definitive management and abdominal closure are achieved when the patient is stabilized. In this study, we report our experience with DCL in acute general surgical nontrauma patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all nontrauma patients who underwent DCL at Auckland City Hospital from January 2008 to December 2010. Data including indications and outcome were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-two nontrauma patients underwent DCL in the 3-year period. The median age was 66 years. There were 22 males and 20 females. The most common primary indications for DCL were bowel ischemia (13 patients), bleeding (13 patients), and peritonitis (10 patients). Majority of patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or 4. Overall, 24 patients (57%) underwent closure of the fascia within 7 days, 7 patients were closed after more than 7 days, and 11 patients could not undergo primary closure at all. The main complications after DCL were sepsis (14 patients) and intra-abdominal collections (10 patients). There were significantly fewer postoperative complications in patients undergoing early closure. The medium length of stay in intensive care as well as in hospital was significantly less in the early closure group. However, postoperative respiratory failure was more common in those with early closure (5 vs. 0). The mortality rate overall was 19%, with no significant difference regarding timing of abdominal closure. CONCLUSION: The DCL principle is often applied to the critically ill surgical patients in the nontrauma setting. This group of critical surgical patients has a high morbidity and mortality. However, early abdominal closure should be performed where possible to prevent complications. It is unclear whether patients with early closure were going to have a better outcome regardless, and prospective studies are needed to address. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management, level V.

Parietal peritoneal closure versus non-closure at caesarean section: which technique is feasible to perform?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term effects of closure versus non-closure of the parietal peritoneum at caesarean section. METHODS: A randomized controlled study of women undergoing caesarean section was conducted at the obstetrics department of a research and education hospital between October 2010 and May 2011. Patients were randomly assigned to have closure of parietal peritoneal layer (Group I, n = 55), and non-closure of parietal peritoneal layer (Control, Group II, n = 55). Intra-operative and post-operative outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Groups were similar for baseline characteristics. Although there was statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of time to oral intake and mobilization time [12 (8-12) versus 8 (8-10) h; p < 0.001; 12 (8-12) versus 8 (8-10) h; p < 0.001]; the other variables, such as drop in hemoglobin concentration, estimate of blood loss, intra-operative additional sutures, operating time and time to passage of flatus [1.13 ± 0.86 versus 1.41 ± 0.82 g/dL; 487.9 ± 217.01 versus 544.87 ± 237.64 mL; 0 (0-1) versus 0 (0-1); 30.8 ± 7.63 versus 31.6 ± 10.38 h; 18.2 ± 6.04 versus 18.2 ± 4.23 h, p > 0.05] were not statistically different between Group 1 and Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Closure of the parietal peritoneum has no benefit over non-closure of parietal peritoneum and non-closure is associated with rapid post-operative recovery.

The number of operations negatively influences fascia closure in open abdomen management.

BACKGROUND: Open abdomen management applies to a variety of traumatic and inflammatory abdominal conditions. One complication of this technique is inability to achieve primary closure of the abdominal wall. The aim of this study was to determine if the number of abdominal reexplorations influences the success of abdominal closure. METHODS: A review of patients undergoing open abdomen management from January 2007 to 2010 was performed. The indication for surgery, number of operations, and success at primary fascia closure were tabulated. A synthetic or biologic mesh bridge was considered failure to achieve closure. RESULTS: One hundred four patients underwent open abdomen management for trauma, postoperative hemorrhage, infected pancreatic necrosis, and perforated viscus or anastomotic leak. Reoperations ranged from 2 to 25, with a mean of 4.5 reoperations. Primary fascia closure was achieved in 82 patients (79%). Fascia closure was successful in 93% of patients with ≤4 reoperations, whereas closure occurred in 32% of patients having ≥5 reoperations (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Greater than 4 reoperations is significantly associated with failure of the primary fascia closure. Efforts to obtain closure should be undertaken within 4 reoperations.