European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2021
Survey on structural preparedness for treatment of thoracic and abdominal trauma in German-speaking level 1 trauma centers.
Increasing sub-specialization has reduced the number of general surgeons involved in the care of trauma patients in German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) over the past decades. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess, to what extent level 1 trauma centers are still prepared to provide immediate emergency surgery in patients with thoracic or abdominal trauma. ⋯ The majority of level 1 trauma centers in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria in the TR-DGU seem to be well prepared to treat severe injuries of the abdominal and thoracic cavities. In some centers, however, a surgeon able to perform an emergency laparotomy or thoracotomy is not available within 30 min.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2021
Intermediate-term evaluation of interval appendectomy in the pediatric population.
Initial non-operative management of children with complicated appendicitis has been well studied but when comparing emergency procedures the long-term effectiveness of interval appendectomy remains undefined. This study aimed to determine the effects of interval appendectomy from the perspective of long-term follow-up. ⋯ Initial non-operative therapy with interval appendectomy was feasible for most patients with appendiceal abscesses and had advantages in terms of postoperative complications, especially regarding long-term obstruction events. Therefore, initial non-operative therapy with interval appendectomy should be considered the first treatment of choice for pediatric patients with complicated appendicitis.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2021
Enhanced pro-inflammatory response and higher mortality rates in geriatric trauma patients.
Age has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality after traumatic injury. Disregarding trauma-related factors, this may be caused by the diminished ability to cope with stressors due to limited reserve, the so-called frailty. Inflammation is assumed to promote frailty, and thus, pro-inflammatory markers may constitute as being predictive factors in geriatric trauma patients (TP). Here, we analyzed the influence of age on systemic inflammatory markers and outcome parameters in TP. ⋯ An enhanced inflammatory response is associated with higher mortality rates in geriatric trauma patients.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2021
Influence of a temporary stabilization device on respiratory status in patients with severe trauma with a femoral shaft fracture treated by damage control strategy.
There are few studies on the safety and respiratory consequences of the use of a skeletal traction (ST) device in the management of femoral shaft fractures with damage control orthopaedics (DCO) strategy, particularly in cases of prolonged use. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of ST compared with an external fixator (EF) on respiratory complications and mechanical ventilation requirements in patients with severe trauma with a femoral shaft fracture managed by DCO strategy. ⋯ The prolonged use of an ST device in the present cohort was associated with a higher incidence of impaired respiratory function. Therefore, our findings suggest that EF is preferable to ST in the DCO setting for femoral shaft fracture, especially in trauma patients at high risk of developing delayed respiratory failure.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Aug 2021
Outcome after treatment of distal radius fractures in the elderly using the IlluminOss® System.
Distal radius fractures are very common and account for approximately 17% of all fractures treated. Multiple treatment methods are available to treat these fractures, both operative and nonoperative. This study aimed at evaluating the functional and clinical outcomes after treatment of distal radius fractures with the IlluminOss® System in adult patients. ⋯ The IlluminOss® System is a feasible option to treat distal radius fractures with seemingly good clinical and functional outcome. One out of seven complications required surgical intervention. These outcomes justify more detailed prospective research.