Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
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Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome are increasingly recognised as causes of serious morbidity and mortality in critically injured patients, particularly those with significant burns. Identification of at risk patients, routine monitoring of intra-abdominal pressures and appropriate, early treatment may reduce the incidence and complication rate of abdominal compartment syndrome and so improve outcomes in critically injured personnel. We present the case of an American Marine injured in an explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan, who despite the absence of significant intraabdominal injury, went on to develop abdominal compartment syndrome and required decompressive laparotomy.
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This article describes the combined lessons learned from two deployments of a cadre of British Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons to Kandahar between July 2006 to April 2007, and September 2008 to April 2009.
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Penetrating and blunt force mechanisms frequently result in thoracic trauma. Thoracic injuries cover the spectrum from trivial to lethal, and more than half are associated with head, abdomen or extremity trauma. Fortunately over eighty percent of injuries can be managed non-operatively utilizing tube thoracostomy, appropriate analgesia and aggressive respiratory therapy. ⋯ The patient's haemodynamic status drives early treatment, often necessitating emergency surgery. Detailed imaging studies are reserved for haemodynamically stable patients. The evaluation and treatment of specific thoracic injuries will be discussed, as well as some general principles in treating thoracic trauma.