Risk factors for postoperative sepsis in laparoscopic gastric bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative sepsis is a rare but serious complication following elective surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify the rate of postoperative sepsis following elective laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) and to identify patients' modifiable, preoperative risk factors. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2005 to 2013 for factors associated with the development of postoperative sepsis following elective LGBP. Patients who developed sepsis were compared to those who did not. Results were analyzed using the Chi-square test for categorical variables and Wilcoxon two-sample test for continuous variables. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to calculate adjusted odds ratios for factors contributing to sepsis. RESULTS: During the study period, 66,838 patients underwent LGBP. Of those, 546 patients developed postoperative sepsis (0.82%). The development of sepsis was associated with increased operative time (161 ± 77.8 vs. 135.10 ± 56.5 min; p < 0.0001) and a greater number of preoperative comorbidities, including diabetes (39.6 vs. 30.6%; p < 0.0001), hypertension requiring medication (65.2 vs. 54%; p < 0.0001), current tobacco use (16.7 vs. 11.5%; p = 0.0002), and increased pack-year history of smoking (8.6 ± 18.3 vs. 5.6 ± 14.2; p = 0.0006), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (0.51 ± 0.74 vs. 0.35 ± 0.57, p < 0.0001). Sepsis resulted in an increased length of stay (10.1 ± 14.4 vs. 2.4 ± 4.8 days; p < 0.0001) and a 30 times greater chance of 30-day mortality (4.03 vs. 0.11%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that current smokers had a 63% greater chance of developing sepsis compared to non-smokers, controlling for age, race, gender, BMI, and CCI score (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.23-2.14; p = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastric bypass is uncommonly associated with postoperative sepsis. When it occurs, it portends a 30 times increased risk of death. A patient history of diabetes, hypertension, and increasing pack-years of smoking portend an increased risk of sepsis. Current smoking status, a preoperative modifiable risk factor, is independently associated with the chance of postoperative sepsis. Preoperative patient optimization and risk reduction should be a priority for elective surgery, and patients should be encouraged to stop smoking prior to gastric bypass.

Revisional bariatric surgery: perioperative morbidity is determined by type of procedure.

BACKGROUND: Revisional bariatric procedures are on the rise. The higher complexity of these procedures has been reported to lead to increased risk of complications. The objective of our study was to compare the perioperative risk profile of revisional bariatric surgery with primary bariatric surgery in our experience. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing bariatric surgery by three fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons from June 2005 to January 2013 at a center of excellence was reviewed. Patient demographics, type of initial and revisional operation, number of prior gastric surgeries, indications for revision, postoperative morbidity and mortality, length of stay, 30-day readmissions, and reoperations were recorded. These outcomes were compared between revisional and primary procedures by the Mann-Whitney or Chi square tests. RESULTS: Of 1,556 patients undergoing bariatric surgery, 102 patients (6.5%) underwent revisional procedures during the study period. Indications for revisions included inadequate weight loss in 67, failed fundoplications with recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease in 29, and other in 6 cases. Revisional bariatric procedures belonged into four categories: band to sleeve gastrectomy (n = 23), band to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 25), fundoplication to bypass (n = 29), and other (n = 25). Revisional procedures were associated with higher rates of readmissions and overall morbidity but no differences in leak rates and mortality compared with primary procedures. Band revisions had similar length of stay with primary procedures and had fewer complications compared with other revisions. Patients undergoing fundoplication to bypass revisions were older, had a higher number of prior gastric procedures, and the highest morbidity (40%) and reoperation (20%) rates. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, many revisional bariatric procedures can be accomplished safely, with excellent perioperative outcomes that are similar to primary procedures. As the complexity of the revisional procedure and number of prior surgeries increases, however, so does the perioperative morbidity, with fundoplication revisions to gastric bypass representing the highest risk group.

Staged hernia repair preceded by gastric bypass for the treatment of morbidly obese patients with complex ventral hernias.

BACKGROUND: Obesity may be the most predominant risk factor for recurrence following ventral hernia repair. This is secondary to significantly increased intra-abdominal pressures, higher rates of wound complications, and the technical difficulties encountered due to obesity. Medically managed weight loss prior to surgery is difficult. One potential strategy is to provide a surgical means to correct patient weight prior to hernia repair. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, we reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery prior to the definitive repair of a complex ventral hernia at our medical center. RESULTS: Twenty-seven morbidly obese patients with an average of 3.7 (range 1-10) failed ventral hernia repairs underwent gastric bypass prior to definitive ventral hernia repair. Twenty-two of the gastric bypasses were open operations and five were laparoscopic. The patients' average pre-bypass body mass index (BMI) was 51 kg/m2 (range 39-69 kg/m2), which decreased to an average of 33 kg/m2 (range 25-37 kg/m2) at the time of hernia repair at a mean of 1.3 years (range 0.9-3.1 years) after gastric bypass. Seven patients had hernia repair at the same time as their gastric bypass (four sutured, three biologic mesh), all of which recurred. Of the 27 patients, 19 had an open hernia repair and eight had a laparoscopic repair. Panniculectomy was performed concurrently in 15 patients who had an open repair. Prior to formal hernia repair, one patient required an urgent operation to repair a hernia incarceration and a small-bowel obstruction 11 months after gastric bypass. The average hernia and mesh size was 203 cm2 (range 24-1,350 cm2) and 1,040 cm2 (range 400-2,700 cm2), respectively. There have been no recurrences at an average follow-up of 20 months (range 2 months-5 years). CONCLUSION: Gastric bypass prior to staged ventral hernia repair in morbidly obese patients with complex ventral hernias is a safe and definitive method to effect weight loss and facilitate a durable hernia repair with a possible reduced risk of recurrence.

Chronic in-vivo experience with an endoscopically delivered and retrieved duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: The role of duodenal bypass as an underlying mechanism of action in gastric bypass surgery has received considerable attention. We report the initial feasibility study of a totally endoscopically delivered and retrieved duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve in a chronic porcine model. METHODS: The implant consists of a 60-cm fluoropolymer sleeve that is endoscopically deployed via a coaxial catheter system into the jejunum and fixed in the proximal duodenum with a Nitinol anchor. The system creates a proximal biliopancreatic diversion. Six female Yorkshire pigs were endoscopically implanted; all survived. Four animals (group 1) were slated to survive 90 days, two animals (group 2) for 120 days, and three animals (group 3) underwent sham endoscopy and were survived 120 days. Animals were fed standard dry pig chow 0.5 kg three times daily. Data points included daily general health, weekly weight, serum blood tests (complete blood count, amylase, lipase, liver function tests), and monthly evaluation of anchor/sleeve position/patency by fluoroscopy and endoscopy. Following the in-vivo period, the devices were endoscopically removed and the animals were sacrificed. Duodenal and jejunal tissue samples were assessed histologically. RESULTS: All six test animals were implanted and explanted without significant adverse events. In group 1, the first animal had no device-related issues. The second animal had a pivoted anchor requiring repositioning at day 63. That animal had no further difficulties. The third animal had an incidental partial rotation of the anchor noted at the 90 day explantation. The fourth animal was incidentally implanted with a crossover of the anchor struts, which was endoscopically corrected on day 14. However, on day 20 the animal had persistent vomiting, and the device was explanted. Both group 2 animals survived 120 days. One animal had a partially rotated anchor but was asymptomatic. The average weight gain between test and sham groups was 0.23 kg/day and 0.42 kg/day, respectively (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A totally endoscopic and reversible bypass of the duodenum and proximal jejunum has been achieved for 90-120 days. Initial experience suggests patency of the sleeve and acceptable tissue response. Reduced weight gain in the test animals suggests device efficacy. Further investigation is warranted.

Cryoanalgesic ablation for the treatment of chronic postherniorrhaphy neuropathic pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic postoperative pain has been reported in as many as 62.9% of patients after inguinal herniorrhaphy. Moderate to severe neuropathic pain requiring intervention develops in 2.2% to 11.9% of patients as a result of ileoinguinal and genitofemoral nerve entrapment. Cryoanalgesic ablation has been successful in treating chronic pain from craniofacial neuralgia, facet joint syndrome, and malignant pain syndromes. We report our experience using cryoanalgesic ablation for chronic ileoinguinal and genitofemoral neuralgia after inguinal herniorrhaphy. METHODS: Ten patients with ileoinguinal, genitofemoral, or combined neuralgia underwent 12 cryoanalgesic ablations between April 1996 and June 2001. These patients were referred from a multidisciplinary pain clinic, and focused low-volume nerve blocks were used to map nerve involvement preoperatively. After surgical exposure, nerves and surrounding tissues were cooled to ?70 degrees C for 3 min using the Lloyd Neurostat. Patients were seen 2 weeks postoperatively and offered monthly follow-up assessments. RESULTS: Nine men and one woman, ages 20 to 54 (mean, 42.6 years) were treated during 58 months, with a mean follow-up period of 8.2 months, for ileoinguinal (n = 4), genitofemoral (n = 1), and combined (n = 5) neuralgia. Patients reported one to five prior herniorrhaphies (mean, 1.8), experienced neuropathic pain 0 to 14 years (mean, 6.3 years), and underwent up to 3 (mean, 1.3) ablative pain procedures before referral. After cryotherapy, patients reported overall pain reduction of 0% to 100% (mean, 77.5%; median, 100%); 80% reported decreased analgesic use, and 90% reported increased physical capacity. Two patients underwent additional cryotherapy, one for incomplete relief and one for recurrent pain, both with 100% efficacy. Wound infection (n = 1) was the only complication. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoanalgesic ablation successfully eliminates ileoinguinal and genitofemoral neuralgia in most patients, and should be considered early in the treatment of patients with postherniorrhaphy neuropathic pain.

Enteroscopic treatment of early postoperative small bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Early postoperative small bowel obstruction (EPSBO) occurs in 1% of patients undergoing laparotomy and has a mortality rate exceeding 17%. Nasogastric (NG) decompression is successful in avoiding reoperation in 73% of patients. Repeat laparotomy has been recommended when obstruction does not resolve after 14 days of NG decompression. We report four patients with EPSBO treated successfully with push enteroscopy after failed NG decompression. METHODS: Four patients who failed NG decompression underwent push enteroscopy instead of repeat laparotomy. EPSBO was diagnosed if obstruction lasting more than 14 days developed after initial resolution of postoperative ileus, high NG output persisted postoperatively for 21 days in the absence of sepsis, or radiographic signs of obstruction persisted. Small bowel series or computed tomography were utilized when radiographic assessment was necessary. The Olympus SIF 100 push enteroscope was introduced with an overtube using topical anesthesia and intravenous sedation. After maximal insertion, the enteroscope was withdrawn without evacuation of insufflated air. NG tubes were placed after enteroscopy and patients were followed clinically. Flatus, defecation, and tolerance of a general diet defined resolution of EPSBO. RESULTS: EPSBO resolved 24 to 36 h following enteroscopy, and all patients were discharged on general diets 48 h after return of bowel function. Readmission has not been necessary during 18- to 30-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that push enteroscopy is successful in treating EPSBO and should be considered prior to reoperation. Push enteroscopy may eliminate the hazards of repeat laparotomy and reduce the morbidity, treatment cost, and lengthy hospital stays associated with this uncommon surgical complication.

Laparoscopic endobiliary stenting significantly improves success of postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in low-volume centers.

BACKGROUND: Occult common bile duct stones (CBDS) discovered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography are most often managed by postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Expert endoscopists at high-volume centers achieve common bile duct cannulation in nearly all patients undergoing ERCP, but cannulation rates of less than 80% have been observed in low-volume centers. As many as 20% of patients with CBDS referred for postoperative ERCP in low-volume centers may require repeated attempts at ERCP, referral to a high-volume center, percutaneous transhepatic techniques, or reoperation for clearance of CBDS when postoperative ERCP fails. METHODS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography performed in 511 consecutive patients over 80 months at a community hospital showed occult CBDS in 66 patients (12.9%). Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement was successful in 65 patients (98.5%). As part of an earlier study, 16 patients underwent laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with clearance of CBDS before stent placement. Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement failed in one patient for whom CBDS were cleared with intraoperative ERCP. RESULTS: Initial postoperative ERCP was successful in clearing CBDS in all 65 patients (100%) with laparoscopically placed stents. During the same period, 611 patients underwent ERCP for various indications including CBDS (43%). Selective cannulation was achieved in 78% of all patients during initial ERCP. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement is an effective adjunct to the management of occult CBDS. Laparoscopic endobiliary stenting ensures selective cannulation during postoperative ERCP and eliminates the need for repeated attempts at ERCP, referral to specialty centers, use of transhepatic techniques, or reoperation for retained CBDS. Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement for treatment of occult CBDS significantly improves the success of postoperative ERCP in low-volume centers and eliminates the morbidity and expense of repeated procedures.

Laparoscopic endobiliary stenting: a simplified approach to the management of occult common bile duct stones.

Three years ago we described laparoscopic placement of biliary stents as an adjunct to laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) in 16 patients. We now present a modification of our technique and experience with 48 additional patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative fluorocholangiography (LC/IOC) performed in 372 consecutive patients during a 36-month period revealed common bile duct stones (CBDS) in 48 patients (12.9%). In this series, LCBDE was not performed and no attempt was made to clear CBDS prior to transcystic stent placement. Stent placement added 9 to 26 minutes of operative time to LC/IOC alone. Forty-four patients (92%) were discharged after surgery and four (8%) were observed overnight. Outpatient endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography 1 to 4 weeks later succeeded in clearing CBDS in all patients. All stents were retrieved without difficulty and 3- to 36-month follow-up demonstrates no surgical, endoscopic, or stent-related complications to date. Laparoscopic biliary stent placement for the treatment of CBDS is a safe, rapid, technically less challenging alternative to existing methods of LCBDE. It preserves the benefits of minimally invasive surgery for patients, and virtually assures success of postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with complete stone clearance.

Laparoscopic ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement: a single-trocar technique.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is an important therapeutic technique. Placement of the abdominal portion of VPS can be difficult in the setting of previous abdominal surgery, prior failure of VPS, or obesity. Even under ideal circumstances, standard mini-laparotomy does not allow precision in VPS positioning. We describe a single-port technique for VPS placement. While the neurosurgeon places a right frontal ventricular catheter and valve, an infraumbilical trocar is placed utilizing the open Hasson technique. A 12-mm operating laparoscope with an 8-mm channel is used to inspect the abdomen and identify the VPS entry site. Adhesions interfering with shunt placement can be lysed through the working channel of the laparoscope. Under laparoscopic visualization, an 18-gauge needle is introduced through a 5-mm incision in the right upper quadrant and the VPS tubing is tunneled to that site. A J-tipped guidewire is introduced, and the needle is exchanged for a dilator and peel-away sheath. The VPS is delivered through the sheath, which is sectioned and removed. An atraumatic grasper, placed through the laparoscope, directs the VPS to the desired intraabdominal location. Function of the VPS is assessed visually while compressing the valve. Suture closure of the trocar site and VPS entry site completes the procedure. We used this method successfully in a series of five patients with excellent outcome. A 14-month follow-up has revealed no failures or postoperative complications. This method is less invasive than mini-laparotomy, allows for precision placement of the abdominal portion of VPS, and confirms appropriate function.

Choledocholithiasis: evolving intraoperative strategies.

In the era of open cholecystectomy, common bile duct stones were approached by traditional choledocholithotomy. Retained or recurrent stones discovered after cholecystectomy were approached by endoscopic extraction techniques or repeat surgery. With the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the approach to choledocholithiasis became more problematic as techniques for laparoscopic extraction were rudimentary. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography rapidly became an adjunct to laparoscopic cholecystectomy when common duct stones were likely. Experience, however, revealed that many of these procedures were unnecessary. With developing sophistication of laparoscopic techniques, a variety of approaches to common duct stones developed. These included: transcystic extraction, direct laparoscopic choledocholithotomy, intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, antegrade sphincterotomy, and transcystic placement of a common duct stent with subsequent endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction. It is the purpose of this article to define the current role of each of these methods in the laparoscopic approach to choledocholithiasis.

Laparoendoscopic excision of a duodenal mass.

Large sessile lipomas, adenomas, and other tumors are often not amenable to endoscopic excision, due to the risk of bleeding or perforation. Resection of these lesions has traditionally required laparotomy with enterotomy for complete removal. A novel technique, described here, is the combination of laparoscopy and simultaneous endoscopy, allowing for complete removal of these lesions while preserving the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Missed lipoma of the spermatic cord. A pitfall of transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Missed lipoma of the spermatic cord is a pitfall unique to the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopic hernia repair. This problem occurs when a palpable inguinal mass is noted preoperatively, but no identifiable hernia defect is found at time of laparoscopy and the procedure is terminated. METHODS: Our group encountered six patients without intraperitoneal defects that had large cord lipomas on preperitoneal exploration. Two of these patients had undergone previous intraabdominal laparoscopy for a proposed TAPP repair, which was aborted when no defect was seen. RESULTS: Both patients were referred for continued symptomatic groin masses, which were subsequently treated by lipoma resection in conjunction with inguinal floor repair. CONCLUSIONS: When patients present with a groin mass, exploration of the preperitoneal space and cord structures is indicated during TAPP repair, even in the presence of a normal-appearing abdominal floor. Abandoning a transabdominal approach without exploration of the preperitoneal structures may lead to a failure to identify symptomatic and/or palpable cord lipomas.

Alternative site entry for laparoscopy in patients with previous abdominal surgery.

Laparoscopic procedures are increasingly performed in patients who have undergone prior abdominal surgery. Safe entry into the peritoneum includes avoidance of underlying viscera often tethered to the abdominal wall from surgical adhesions. Our group describes an alternative site technique utilizing the open Hasson procedure in a previously unoperated field, thus avoiding potential underlying adhesions. During the past 24 months this technique has been performed successfully in 95 patients, and no open conversions due to visceral or vascular injuries were necessary. Previous abdominal surgery should not be an absolute contraindication to minimally invasive procedures.

Evolution in the management of the complex liver injury at a Level I trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Management of the severe liver injury evolved from mandatory surgical repair to a more selective approach. This paper reviews the changes in management of the severe liver injury at a Level I trauma center. METHODS: We reviewed the records of patients with severe liver injury admitted to a Level I trauma center between January 1984 and December 1995. The patients were divided into two groups, G1 and G2, based on their date of admission before or after January 1991. The two groups were compared for blood products use, management of the liver injury, and outcome. RESULTS: One hundred six patients were compared for age, sex, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Injury Severity Score, abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale score, and the presence of concomitant injuries. There was no difference in management or outcome of the victims of penetrating injury between G1 and G2 (n = 48). The blunt injury patients in G1 (n = 22) had more liver surgery (p = 0.006), blood transfusion (p = 0.040), intra-abdominal sepsis (6 vs. 0), and higher mortality (p = 0.041) than those in G2 (n = 36). CONCLUSION: Isolated severe blunt liver injury may be managed nonoperatively with better survival and less blood products use.

Simplified technique for unrolling prosthetic mesh during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Laparoscopic ventral herniorraphy is an attractive alternative to conventional open repair. It preserves the benefits of minimally invasive surgical procedures by offering decreased discomfort and hospital stay while affording a low recurrence rate. Although technically feasible, unrolling a large piece of prosthetic mesh within the peritoneal cavity is often time consuming and the most frustrating step in the procedure. Our group describes a simplified technique for unrolling mesh that is quick, easy to perform, and requires no specialized equipment.

Laparoscopic endobiliary stenting as an adjunct to common bile duct exploration.

BACKGROUND: The management of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in the era of operative laparoscopy is evolving. Several minimally invasive techniques to remove CBDS have been described, including preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), postoperative ERCP, lithotripsy, laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration, and laparoscopic choledochotomy with common bile duct exploration (CBDE). Because of the risks and limitations of these procedures, we utilize laparoscopically placed endobiliary stents as an adjunct to CBDE. METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) by either choledochotomy or the transcystic technique with placement of endobiliary stents. These patients were identified during laparoscopic cholecystectomy as having occult choledocholithiasis, using routine dynamic intraoperative cholangiography. RESULTS: CBDS were successfully removed in all patients as demonstrated by completion cholangiography and intraoperative choledochoscopy. Eighty percent of patients were discharged the following day; the first three patients in this series were observed for 48 h prior to discharge. No patient required T-tube placement and closed suction drains were removed the morning after surgery. Stents were removed endoscopically at 1 month. Six- to 30-month follow-up demonstrates no complications to date. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic endobiliary stenting reduces operative morbidity, eliminates the complications of T-tubes, and allows patients to return to unrestricted activity quickly. We recommend laparoscopically placed endobiliary stents in patients undergoing LCBDE.

Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy for treatment of superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare disorder, recognized as weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and post-prandial pain due to compression and partial obstruction of the third portion of the duodenum by the SMA. If conservative treatment fails, then laparotomy with duodenojejunostomy or lysis of the ligament of Treitz is indicated. Recently, laparoscopic division of the retroperitoneal attachments of the duodenum has been described. We report the first case of laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy as the definitive treatment of vascular compression of the duodenum. METHODS: A very thin woman with a diagnosis of SMA syndrome was prepared for surgery after having failed medical therapy. The patient was placed in a supine position, and four laparoscopic ports were required to perform a 5 cm duodenojejunostomy. RESULTS: The patient did well postoperatively. A gastrograffin study revealed no leak with patency of the duodenojejunal anastomosis. She was subsequently discharged home on a regular diet on postoperative day four. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy is a viable option to treat vascular compression of the duodenum. It provides definitive treatment while preserving the benefits of minimally invasive surgical techniques in the debilitated patient.

The efficacy of sequential compression devices in multiple trauma patients with severe head injury.

Thirty-two multiple trauma patients with severe head injury and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or less were prospectively studied to assess the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). All patients required mechanical ventilation. A sequential compression device (SCD) was used in 14 patients and 18 patients received no prophylaxis for thromboembolism. Bilateral lower extremity technetium venoscans and ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) lung scans were performed within 6 days of admission and every week for 1 month or until the patient developed DVT or PE or was discharged from the SICU. Deep venous thrombosis occurred in two patients (6%) at 16 and 28 days following trauma. Twenty-five patients had normal or low probability V/Q scans. Six had high probability V/Q scans confirmed by pulmonary arteriograms (PAGs) at 12.5 +/- 4 days. Clinical signs of PE were absent in all patients with a positive PAG. There were no differences in age, Injury Severity Score (ISS), GCS Score, APACHE II Score, or Trauma Score between the patients who developed DVT or PE and those who did not. A SCD was used in four of the eight patients with DVT or PE. All but one patient with DVT or PE underwent placement of a vena caval filter. Multiple trauma patients with severe head injury (GCS score < or = 8) are at high risk for thromboembolism. The available means of prevention and diagnosis of DVT or PE in multiple trauma patients with severe head injury are not entirely effective.