The silent threat: A retrospective study of right-sided traumatic diaphragmatic hernias in a university hospital.

Objectives: In hospital attendance, 75% of diaphragmatic hernias occur on left as opposed to 25% on the right side. Right side hernias are associated with abdominal injuries, mainly the liver. However, right-side injuries are frequently underdiagnosed due to the complexity of associated injuries and high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of records from our clinical experience to investigate demographics, TM, diagnosis, morbidity, and mortality associated with right sided TDH. These findings may provide insights into improving the clinical management of patients with this serious injury, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients from the trauma database of the Division of Trauma Surgery at University of Campinas in 32-year period was performed. Only records of patients with right sided TDH were included in the analysis. Results: Blunt trauma was the most common mechanism. Diagnoses were made by laparotomy in eight cases, all these cases were hemodynamically unstable. TDH grade III injury occurred in most cases followed by grade IV. Liver injuries were present in almost all cases, most of them high grade, followed by colon and small bowel. Extra-abdominal associated injuries with a predominance of femur fractures, pelvic fractures and hemothorax. Post-operative complications were associated with length of stay in intensive care unit. Pneumonia was the most frequent complication. The overall mortality rate was 16%. Conclusion: Most diagnoses were performed through laparotomy and not by radiologic exams, due to hemodynamic instability on admission. There is underdiagnosis of right-side TDH due to the high-energy trauma mechanism with high grade associated injuries and mortality on pre-hospital.

Telemedicine: a Bridge Over Knowledge Gaps in Healthcare.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The purpose of the review is to describe the Brazilian Telemedicine University Network RUTE concerning the Special Interest Group of Children and Adolescents, the new SIG-COVID19-BR activities for continuing medical education, and to update relevant information regarding diagnosis and treatment, using digital technologies. RECENT FINDINGS: A total of 145 sessions of video and webconferences were held with the participation of 6575 health professionals, including medical students, interns, and residents. Major topics involved the healthcare of children and adolescents were combined with the emergence of a new pandemic plus the need to decrease the professional knowledge gaps in geographically distant hospitals. SUMMARY: Telemedicine is a cost-effective tool and a bridge to decrease health disparities access for proper care and assistance for any population. RUTE is a Brazilian model of telemedicine which has a positive impact attracting the participation of health professionals, and even more so, during the Covid-19 virus pandemic outbreak.

Epidemiology of in-hospital trauma deaths in a Brazilian university hospital.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of patterns of trauma deaths may improve the evaluation of a trauma system and identify areas that may benefit from more resources. The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of trauma deaths in a Brazilian university hospital in order to assess the profile of these fatalities over a 16-year period. METHOD: Retrospective study of time series using database records. The research subjects were in-hospital deaths from external causes during the years 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010. The following variables were analyzed: cause of injury, trauma scores, time and cause of death. RESULTS: 467 cases were studied, being 325 patients (69.6%) admitted with signs of life and 142 (30.4%) considered dead on arrival. The mean age was 35.35 ± 18.03 years. 85.4% were males. Blunt trauma occurred in 73.0% of cases and penetrating mechanism in 27.0%. There was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in deaths from motorcycle crashes over the years, which went from 7.3% in 1995 to 31.5% in 2010. In contrast, there was a significant decrease (p = 0.030) in firearm-injury victims; from 21.0% in 1995 to 9.6% in 2010. About 60% of deaths occurred less than 24 hours after admission. The main causes of death were lesions of the central nervous system (56.3% of the total), followed by hemorrhagic shock (18.1%) and sepsis/multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (17.1%). The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of patients with signs of life was 26.41 ± 9.00, 71.3% of whom had ISS >25. The mean Revised Trauma Score (RTS) was 5.24 ± 2.05. Only 25.8% of the deaths had TRISS <0.50. CONCLUSION: There was a shift in the profile of causes of death from trauma in this university teaching hospital, with a large decrease in penetrating injuries and a higher incidence of deaths of motorcycle riders.

Selective non-operative management of abdominal gunshot wounds: survey of practise.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of evidence attesting to the effectiveness and safety of selective non-operative management (SNOM) of abdominal gunshot wounds. However, much of the research which supports this conclusion has originated from a few centres, and the actual utilisation of SNOM by trauma surgeons is not known. We therefore conducted a survey to assess the acceptance of this strategy and evaluate variations in practise. METHODS: Electronic questionnaire survey of trauma surgeons in the United States of America, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa. Responses were compared using Chi(2) and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: 183 replies were received. 105 (57%) respondents practise SNOM of abdominal gunshot wounds, but there are marked regional variations in the acceptance of this strategy (p<0.01). Respondents who had completed trauma (p<0.01) or critical care (p<0.01) fellowships, and those who practise in a higher volume centre (defined as >50 penetrating abdominal injuries seen per year) (p<0.01) are more likely to practise SNOM of gunshot wounds. Most surgeons who practise SNOM regard peritonitis, omental and bowel evisceration, and being unable to evaluate a patient as a contraindication to attempting non-operative management. Almost all regard CT as essential. Respondents' preparedness to consider SNOM is related to injury extent. CONCLUSIONS: SNOM of abdominal gunshot wounds is practised by trauma surgeons in all four countries surveyed, but is not universally accepted, and there are variations in how it is practised.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) diagnosis of blunt pancreatic trauma associated to the superior mesenteric vein thrombosis / Diagnóstico de trauma pancreático associado à trombose da veia mesentérica feito através da ultrassonografia endoscópica

BACKGROUND: Blunt pancreatic injuries occur when a high-energy crushing force is applied to the upper abdomen. In adults, the majority of blunt pancreatic injuries result from motor vehicle accidents. CASE REPORT: Male with 32 years old had a high-energy crushing history in witch he was pressured by the chest on the front car area. His life signs demonstrated to be regular. Ct scan demonstrated body pancreatic edema. All routine laboratorial exams were normal, EUS revealed pancreatic lesion grade II without involvement of the pancreatic duct and an impressive superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. He was sustained by means of anti- coagulation for about two months and after that time the multislice CT scan showed a mesenteric vein recanalization and a normal pancreatic parenchyma. The patient had an uneventfull follow-up. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting possible pancreatic trauma associated to superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, EUS must be used firstly.

INTRODUÇÃO: Traumas pancreáticos fechados ocorrem em acidentes que promovem força intensa no abdome superior, principalmente em acidentes automobilísticos. RELATO DO CASO: Homem de 32 anos foi jogado contra a área frontal de seu automóvel. Seus sinais vitais eram normais. CT mostrou edema pancreático. EUS mostrou lesão pancreática grau II sem envolvimento do ducto pancreático, mas com impressionante trombose da veia mesentérica superior. Ele foi mantido com anticoagulants por dois meses e após este period novo scan mostrou recanalização e pâncreas normal. Teve seguimento favorável. CONCLUSÃO: Paciente apresentando edema pancreático associado a possível trombose de veia mesentérica superior deve ser submetido à EUS para monitorização e acompanhamento.

Penetrating ureteral trauma.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this series is to report our experience in managing ureteral trauma, focusing on the importance of early diagnosis, correct treatment, and the impact of associated injuries on the management and morbid-mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1994 to December 2002, 1487 laparotomies for abdominal trauma were performed and 20 patients with ureteral lesions were identified, all of them secondary to penetrating injury. Medical charts were analyzed as well as information about trauma mechanisms, diagnostic routine, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: All patients were men. Mean age was 27 years. The mechanisms of injury were gunshot wounds in 18 cases (90%) and stab wounds in two (10%). All penetrating abdominal injuries had primary indication of laparotomy, and neither excretory urography nor computed tomography were used in any case before surgery. The diagnosis of ureteric injury was made intra-operatively in 17 cases (85%). Two ureteral injuries (10%) were initially missed. All patients had associated injuries. The treatment was dictated by the location, extension and time necessary to identify the injury. The overall incidence of complications was 55%. The presence of shock on admission, delayed diagnosis, Abdominal Trauma Index > 25, Injury Severity Score > 25 and colon injuries were associated to a high complication rate, however, there was no statistically significant difference. There were no mortalities in this group. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis of ureteral injuries. A thorough exploration of all retroperitoneal hematoma after penetrating trauma should be an accurate method of diagnosis; even though it failed in 10% of our cases.

Penetrating ureteral trauma

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this series is to report our experience in managing ureteral trauma, focusing on the importance of early diagnosis, correct treatment, and the impact of associated injuries on the management and morbid-mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1994 to December 2002, 1487 laparotomies for abdominal trauma were performed and 20 patients with ureteral lesions were identified, all of them secondary to penetrating injury. Medical charts were analyzed as well as information about trauma mechanisms, diagnostic routine, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: All patients were men. Mean age was 27 years. The mechanisms of injury were gunshot wounds in 18 cases (90 percent) and stab wounds in two (10 percent). All penetrating abdominal injuries had primary indication of laparotomy, and neither excretory urography nor computed tomography were used in any case before surgery. The diagnosis of ureteric injury was made intra-operatively in 17 cases (85 percent). Two ureteral injuries (10 percent) were initially missed. All patients had associated injuries. The treatment was dictated by the location, extension and time necessary to identify the injury. The overall incidence of complications was 55 percent. The presence of shock on admission, delayed diagnosis, Abdominal Trauma Index > 25, Injury Severity Score > 25 and colon injuries were associated to a high complication rate, however, there was no statistically significant difference. There were no mortalities in this group. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis of ureteral injuries. A thorough exploration of all retroperitoneal hematoma after penetrating trauma should be an accurate method of diagnosis; even though it failed in 10 percent of our cases.