J Trauma
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The objective of this study was to (1) determine the incidence of diaphragmatic injuries in penetrating left thoracoabdominal trauma and (2) evaluate the role of laparoscopy in detecting clinically occult diaphragmatic injuries. ⋯ (1) The incidence of diaphragmatic injuries in association with penetrating left thoracoabdominal trauma is high. (2) The clinical and roentgenographic findings are unreliable at detecting occult diaphragmatic injuries. (3) Laparoscopy is a vital tool for detecting occult diaphragmatic injuries among patients who have no other indications for formal celiotomy.
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As nonoperative management of blunt abdominal trauma has become more popular, reliable models for predicting the likelihood of concomitant hollow viscus injury in the hemodynamically stable patient with a solid viscus injury are increasingly important. ⋯ A model of organ injury scaling predicted hollow viscus injury. Multiple solid viscus injuries, particularly pancreatic, or abdominal solid viscus injuries with an AIS score > or = 6, were predictive of hollow viscus injury. Identification of these injury patterns should prompt consideration for early operative intervention.
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Modern surgical care must meet high standards of quality but must also be cost-effective. Critical care uses huge amounts of resources, and strategies for effective use of scarce, expensive intensive care unit beds must be implemented. Previously, we demonstrated that ancillary expenditures can be decreased without compromising care. The present study was performed to determine whether our cost-containment strategies were durable and could be extended to areas, such as chest roentgenography, where savings previously proved elusive. ⋯ Durable reductions in physician-ordered ancillary expenditures are possible without compromising the standard of care of critically ill patients, but active management and daily reinforcement are necessary to the process. Shorter length of stay and lower costs benefit the patient, the surgeon, the intensivist, and the institution.
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Case Reports
The use of hemorrhage occluder pins for controlling paravertebral intercostal artery bleeding: case report.
To describe a technique for arresting traumatic bleeding uncontrollable by conventional means. ⋯ The use of occluder pins to stop bleeding from intercostal arteries may be life-saving.
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Case Reports
Aortoventricular fistula secondary to blunt trauma: a case report and review of the literature.
An aorto-right ventricular fistula secondary to nonpenetrating trauma is described. Review of the literature is reported. ⋯ Blunt cardiac injury is a frequent concomitant injury and contributes to the high mortality of this lesion. Prompt surgical intervention is required for survival.