Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2012
Pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCDs): a best evidence equipment review.
Traumatic disruption of the pelvis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. ATLS(®) guidance advocates temporary stabilisation or 'closure' of the disrupted pelvis with a compression device or sheet. We undertook a best evidence equipment review to assess the ease and efficacy of the application of two leading commercially available devices, the T-POD(®) and the SAM Pelvic Sling™ II. ⋯ The results of this study indicate that both PCCDs are easy and acceptable to use and, once learned, can be applied easily and rapidly. Participants applied both devices correctly 100% of the time, with successful application taking, on average, less than 60 s.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2012
Low incidence of penetrating trauma in a high-volume tertiary center: 10-year mortality review.
Trauma morbidity and mortality outcome is better in high-volume trauma centers. However, there are few publications investigating the experience of high-volume centers with high non-trauma emergency load but seeing a relatively low incidence of trauma. The objective of this study is to review the presentation and outcomes for the low volume of patients presenting with penetrating injuries in a high-volume hospital. ⋯ With a trauma system in place, high-volume centers with a low volume of penetrating injury patients can still manage uncommon injuries without jeopardizing patient care.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2012
Sigmoid volvulus treated by resection and primary anastomosis: urgent and elective conditions as risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Sigmoid volvulus is a major cause of intestinal obstruction. The aim of this study is to analyze urgent and elective conditions as risk factors for morbidity and mortality regarding sigmoid colon resection and primary anastomosis in patients with sigmoid volvulus. ⋯ Sigmoid colon resection plus primary anastomosis-related morbidity and mortality rates were similar in patients who were operated on under urgent and elective conditions, and who maintained good general condition.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2012
Iliac vessel injuries: difficult injuries and difficult management problems.
Injury to the iliac vessels poses a serious and frustrating treatment dilemma for all trauma surgeons. Generally, patients present in profound shock secondary to severe hemorrhage from either iliac arterial, venous, or combined injuries. Despite improvements in our emergency medical services (EMS), rapid transport, standard training of trauma surgeons, and improved technology, the morbidity and mortality from iliac vessel injuries remain high, ranging from 25 to 40 %. ⋯ Injuries to the iliac vessel remain a daunting task, even after great advances in anatomic injury grading and damage control as well as advances in surgical techniques and critical care. Despite all the advances in treatment and appropriate management strategies, the morbidity and mortality from iliac vessel injuries remain high, demonstrating the complex challenge their treatment presents to even the modern-day trauma surgeon.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2012
Early access to rehabilitation for paediatric patients with traumatic brain injury.
Paediatric major trauma centres are being developed in the UK. As a paediatric unit within a large regional hospital that is co-located with a neurosciences centre, we conducted this study to establish what inpatient rehabilitation service is offered to patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is known that early rehabilitation improves prognosis. ⋯ Many children who were admitted with TBI did not have access to early rehabilitation.