Failure Of Nonoperative Management Research Articles

Thromboembolic Prophylaxis with Heparin in Patients with Blunt Solid Organ Injuries Undergoing Non-operative Treatment.

Patients with blunt solid organ injuries (SOI) are at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), and VTE prophylaxis is crucial. However, little is known about the safety of early prophylactic administration of heparin in these patients. This is a retrospective study including adult trauma patients with SOI (liver, spleen, kidney) undergoing non-operative management (NOM) from 01/01/2009 to 31/12/2014. Three groups were distinguished: prophylactic heparin (low molecular weight heparin or low-dose unfractionated heparin) ≤72h after admission ('early heparin group'), >72h after admission ('late heparin group'), and no heparin ('no heparin group'). Patient and injury characteristics, transfusion requirements, and outcomes (failed NOM, VTE, and mortality) were compared between the three groups. Overall, 179 patients were included; 44.7% in the 'early heparin group,' 34.6% in the 'late heparin group,' and 20.8% in the 'no heparin group.' In the 'late heparin group,' the ISS was significantly higher than in the 'early' and 'no heparin groups' (median 29.0 vs. 17.0 vs. 19.0; p<0.001). The overall NOM failure rate was 3.9%. Failed NOM was significantly more frequent in the 'no heparin group' compared to the 'early' and 'late heparin groups' (10.8 vs. 3.2 vs. 1.3%; p=0.043). In the 'early heparin group' 27.5% patients suffered from a high-grade SOI; none of these patients failed NOM. Mortality did not differ significantly. Although not statistically significant, VTE were more frequent in the 'no heparin group' compared to the 'early' and 'late heparin groups' (10.8 vs. 4.8 vs. 1.3%; p=0.066). In patients with SOI, heparin was administered early in a high percentage of patients and was not associated with an increased NOM failure rate or higher in-hospital mortality.

Surgical intervention for paediatric liver injuries is almost history - a 12-year cohort from a major Scandinavian trauma centre.

BackgroundAlthough nonoperative management (NOM) has become standard care, optimal treatment of liver injuries in children is still challenging since many of these patients have multiple injuries. Moreover, the role of angiography remains poorly defined, and a high index of suspicion of complications is warranted. This study reviews treatment and outcomes in children with liver injuries at a major Scandinavian trauma centre over a 12-year period.MethodsPatients <17 years old with liver injury admitted to Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal during the period 2002-2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were compiled from the institutional trauma registry and medical records.ResultsA total of 66 children were included. The majority was severely injured as reflected by a median injury severity score of 20.5 (mean 22.2). NOM was attempted in 60 (90.9%) patients and was successful in 57, resulting in a NOM success rate of 95.0% [95% CI 89.3 to 100]. Only one of the three NOM failures was liver related, occurred in the early part of the study period, and consisted in operative placement of drains for bile leak. Two (3.0%) patients underwent angiographic embolization (AE). Complications occurred in 18 (27.3% [95 % CI 16.2 to 38.3]) patients. Only 2 (3.0%) patients had liver related complications, in both cases bile leak. Six (9.1%) patients underwent therapeutic laparotomy for non-liver related injuries. Two (3.0%) patients died secondary to traumatic brain injury.DiscussionThis single institution paediatric liver injury cohort confirms high attempted NOM and NOM success rates even in patients with high grade injuries and multiple accompanying injuries. AE can be a useful NOM adjunct in the treatment of paediatric liver injuries, but is seldom indicated. Moreover, bile leak is the most common liver-related complication and the need for liver-related surgery is very infrequent.ConclusionNOM is the treatment of choice in almost all liver injuries in children, with operative management and interventional radiology very infrequently indicated.

Contemporary thromboprophylaxis of trauma patients.

The traumatically injured patient is at high risk for developing venous thromboembolism. Clinical practice guidelines developed by the American College of Chest Physicians and the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma recognize the importance of initiating thromboprophylaxis, but the guidelines lack specific recommendations regarding the timing and dose of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis. We review the literature regarding initiation of thromboprophylaxis in different injuries, the use of inferior vena cava filters, laboratory monitoring, dosing regimens, and the use of antiplatelet therapy. Use of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis with invasive intracranial monitors is not associated with increased bleeding complications. The initiation of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis 48 h postinjury in blunt solid organ injury is not associated with an increase in the rate of failed nonoperative management. Antiplatelet therapy in conjunction with LMWH may help to prevent venous thromboembolism. In the setting of blunt traumatic brain and solid organ injury, initiation of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis 48 h after injury is not associated with increased bleeding complications. There is no consensus or clear data showing which dosing regimen of LMWH is most effective or whether routine laboratory measurements are beneficial for determining effective thromboprophylaxis.

Time is now: venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in blunt splenic injury

BackgroundThe safety and timing of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients with blunt splenic injuries is not well known. We hypothesized that early initiation of VTE prophylaxis does not increase failure of nonoperative management or transfusion requirements in these patients. MethodsA retrospective review of trauma patients with blunt splenic injury was performed. Patients were compared based on initiation and timing of VTE prophylaxis (<24 hours, 24 to 48 hours, 48 to 72 hours, and >72 hours). Patients who received VTE prophylaxis were matched with those who did not. Primary outcomes included were operation or angioembolization. ResultsA total of 497 patients (256 received VTE prophylaxis and 241 did not) were included. There was no difference in the number of interventions based on presence of or time to VTE prophylaxis initiation. ConclusionsEarly initiation (<48 hours) of VTE prophylaxis is safe in patients with blunt splenic injuries treated nonoperatively, and may be safe as early as 24 hours.

The impact of morbid obesity on solid organ injury in children using the ATOMAC protocol at a pediatric level I trauma center

IntroductionObesity is an epidemic in the pediatric population. Childhood obesity in trauma has been associated with increased incidence of long-bone fractures, longer ICU stays, and decreased closed head injuries. We investigated for differences in the likelihood of failure of non-operative management (NOM), and injury grade using a subset of a multi-institutional, prospective database of pediatric patients with solid organ injury (SOI). MethodsWe prospectively collected data on all pediatric patients (<18years) admitted for liver or splenic injury from September 2013 to January 2016. SOI was managed based upon the ATOMAC protocol. Obesity status was derived using CDC definitions; patients were categorized as non-obese (BMI <95th percentile) or obese (BMI ≥95th percentile). The ISS, injury grade, and NOM failure rate were calculated among other data points. ResultsOf 1012 patients enrolled, 117 were identified as having data regarding BMI. Eighty-four percent of patients were non-obese; 16% were obese. The groups did not differ by age, sex, mechanism of injury, or associated injuries. There was no significant difference in the rate of failure of non-operative management (8.2% versus 5.3%). Obesity was associated with higher likelihood of severe (grade 4 or 5) hepatic injury (36.8% versus 15.3%, P=0.048) but not a significant difference in likelihood of severe (grade 4 or 5) splenic injury (15.3% versus 10.5%, P=0.736). Obese patients had a higher mean ISS (22.5 versus 16.1, P=0.021) and mean abdominal AIS (3.5 versus 2.9, P=0.024). ConclusionObesity is a risk factor for more severe abdominal injury, specifically liver injury, but without an associated increase in failure of NOM. This may be explained by the presence of hepatic steatosis making the liver more vulnerable to injury. A protocol based upon physiologic parameters was associated with a low rate of failure regardless of the pediatric obesity status. Level of evidenceLevel II prognosis.

Interventional Radiology: Interventions and Techniques in Trauma

The purpose of the review was to describe how interventional radiology procedure contribute in the management of the trauma patient, distinguish the situations where evidence has demonstrated improved outcomes with its use, acknowledge the limitations and controversies of the techniques and their place on management algorithms, and mention some particular situations where, despite lack of evidence, the procedures are commonly employed. CT seems to be a better indicator of significant vascular injury with the associated high risks when compared to a discordant negative conventional angiogram. Empiric embolization of the injured segments might improve outcomes in these settings. Finding a subcapsular splenic hematoma in CT is an independent risk factor associated with high rates of NOM failure. Prophylactic interventions are recommended, even in low grade splenic injuries, when a subcapsular splenic hematoma is present. In liver trauma, the injured liver is more susceptible to ischemic injury from arterial embolization with subsequent infarct, biloma, and abscess formation. When needed, angio-embolization should be performed as selective as possible. Subsequent surveillance for ischemic liver injury complications should be instated and, if required, timely therapeutic interventions considered. The initial CT scan findings of “contrast blush” and high-grade solid organ injury are some of the best early predictors for failure of the non-operative management (NOM) in the trauma patient. Endovascular interventions improve the outcomes of NOM when clinical or imaging findings indicate a high risk for continued or delayed hemorrhage. Angio-embolization improves the outcomes of unstable hemorrhagic pelvic fractures and is useful as complement of damage control surgeries or when the surgical interventions fail to control vascular injuries.

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in Pediatric Patients

Background: Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a cause of leg pain in running athletes and is treated with fasciotomy after failure of nonoperative management. CECS is being seen with increased frequency in younger patients. The demographics and outcomes of fasciotomy for CECS in pediatric patients, including risk factors for treatment failure, have not been described. Purpose: To describe characteristics of pediatric patients with CECS and determine surgical outcomes of the condition in this population. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for patients 18 years and younger treated surgically for CECS with compartment release at a single institution from 1995 to 2014. Demographic and condition characteristics, operative procedure, postoperative course, and clinical outcomes were recorded for 286 legs of 155 patients. Compartment pressure testing using the Pedowitz criteria confirmed the diagnosis in all patients. Results: A total of 155 patients were included in the study (average patient age at presentation, 16.4 ± 1.38 years); 136 (88%) were female. All 155 patients presented with leg pain; of these patients, 8 (5%) also had neurologic symptoms, and 131 (85%) presented with bilateral symptoms requiring bilateral compartment release. Symptoms were chronic in nature, with duration over 1 year in 63% of patients. The primary sport was most commonly reported as running (25%), soccer (23%), or field hockey (12%); 50% of patients were multisport athletes. Of 286 legs, 138 (48%) had only anterior and/or lateral compartments released, while 84 (29.4%) had all 4 compartments released. Documented return to sport was seen in 79.5% of patients. Outcomes analysis was performed for 250 of 286 legs. Of these 250 legs, 47 (18.8%) had recurrent CECS requiring reoperation at a median of 1.3 years (interquartile range, 0.8-3.5) after initial compartment release. For each additional month between presentation and release, the odds of recurrence decreased by 12% (P = .04). Legs with only anterior and/or lateral compartment released had 3.4 times (95% CI, 1.29-9.14) the odds of reoperation compared with legs that had all 4 compartments released (P = .01). Twenty-eight of 250 legs (11.2%) had wound issues that resolved with nonoperative management. No wounds required repeat surgical management. Conclusion: CECS in pediatric patients most commonly occurs in adolescent females participating in running sports. Fasciotomy results in a 79.5% return-to-sports rate. Recurrence occurs in 18.8% of patients, more commonly in patients undergoing anterior and lateral release only.

MRI Predictors of Failure in Non-operative Management of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Objectives:Ulnar collateral injuries (UCL) of the elbow are prevalent among professional baseball pitchers. The decision on initial operative versus nonoperative management of these injuries remains subjective in many cases, with reported success rates with nonoperative management ranging from 42 to 93% in professional throwing athletes. No studies to date have identified objective characteristics specific to success or failure of nonoperative intervention. The purpose of this study was to identify radiologic predictors for success or failure in nonoperative management of ulnar collateral ligament injuries in professional pitchers.Methods:A retrospective review of pitchers sustaining UCL injuries between 2006 and 2015 from one professional baseball organization (one major league team and all minor league teams included) was performed. UCL injuries were identified in 38 players based on clinical and radiographic findings. Six players underwent initial surgical intervention without attempted nonoperative intervention and were excluded from analysis. This left 32 (84%) professional pitchers who underwent an initial trail of nonoperative treatment for partial UCL tears. Success was defined as return to same level of play (RTSP) or higher for >1 year. Failure was defined as recurrent pain or weakness requiring surgical intervention after a minimum of 3 months’ rest when attempting a return to throw rehabilitation program. MRI findings were classified as high or low grade sprains, proximal or distal location of injury, and with or without the presence of concomitant chronic findings.Results:Of the 32 patients who underwent nonoperative management, 10 (36%) failed and required subsequent ligament reconstruction. Between the success and failure groups, there was no significant difference seen in total shoulder arc of motion (P=.7776), shoulder internal rotation deficit (P=.3846) or loss in elbow extension (P=.0644) at the time of injury. When comparing MRI findings between the groups, distal tears were found in 90% (9/10) of those who failed nonoperative management compared to 18.2% (4/22) who were successful nonoperatively (P=<.0001). No significant difference was seen with high grade tears (P=.0817) between the groups. When adjusting for age, location and evidence of chronic changes on MRI, the likelihood of failing nonoperative management was 22.7 times greater (P=.001) with distal tears. No other variable reached significance, and no combination of variables showed a greater likelihood than distal location alone.Conclusion:In professional pitchers, distal ulnar collateral ligament tears described on MRI show significantly higher rates of failure with nonoperative management compared to proximal tears. This information provides an objective measure for evaluating operative versus nonoperative management of ulnar collateral ligament injuries in throwing athletes.

Renal trauma: imaging evaluation and implications for clinical management.

Severe renal injuries are usually associated with multisystem injuries, may require interventional radiology to control hemorrhage and improve the chances for renal salvage, and are more likely to fail nonoperative management. However, most renal injuries are mild in severity and successfully managed conservatively. The AAST classification is the most widely used system to describe renal injuries and carries management and prognostic implications. CT with intravenous contrast is the imaging test of choice to assess for renal injuries. Contrast extravasation indicating active bleeding should be mentioned as its presence is predictive for failure of nonoperative management. Radiologists play a critical role in identifying renal injuries and should make every effort to describe renal injuries according to the AAST grading scheme to better inform the surgeon's management decisions.

Nonoperative Management Is as Effective as Immediate Splenectomy for Adult Patients with High-Grade Blunt Splenic Injury

The comparative effectiveness of nonoperative management (NOM) vs immediate splenectomy (IS) for hemodynamically stable adult patients with grade IV or V blunt splenic injury (BSI) has not been clearly established in the literature. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients, from the 2013 to 2014 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) Participant Use Data Files, who sustained grade IV or V BSI. Outcomes after IS vs attempted NOM were compared using propensity score analysis in order to adjust for patient- and injury-related variables. Nonoperative management was attempted in 1,489 (52.2%) of 2,746 patients who sustained grade IV or V BSI. Propensity matching techniques resulted in a cohort of 758 IS and NOM patients who were well matched for all known patient- and injury-related variables. In-hospital mortality was not different between the IS and NOM patients (11.5% vs 10.0%, p= 0.33), although IS patients had a higher incidence of infectious complications (21.4% vs 16.9%, p= 0.02). The rate of NOM failure in our sample was 20.1%. Independent predictors of failed NOM included the presence of a bleeding disorder, early blood transfusion requirement, and grade V injury. Splenic artery embolization was associated with a decreased risk of NOM failure. Patients who had failed NOM had a lower in-hospital mortality rate than IS patients (6.4% vs 16.4%, p= 0.004), but required longer hospitalization. Nonoperative management is as effective as IS for hemodynamically stable adult patients with grade IV or V BSI. The delay in operative intervention that results from failed attempts at NOM does not adversely affect the outcomes of patients who ultimately require splenectomy.

Imaging characteristics associated with failure of nonoperative management in high-grade pediatric blunt renal trauma

Some children who sustain high-grade blunt renal injury may require operative intervention. In the present study, it was hypothesized that there are computed tomography (CT) characteristics that can identify which of these children are most likely to need operative intervention. A retrospective review was performed of all pediatric blunt renal trauma patients at a single level-I trauma center from 1990 to 2015. Inclusion criteria were: children with American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Grade-IV or V renal injuries, aged ≤18 years, and having available CT images with delayed cuts. The CTs were regraded according to the revised AAST grading system proposed by Buckley and McAninch in 2011. Radiographic characteristics of renal injury were correlated with the primary outcome of any operative intervention: ureteral stent, angiography, nephrectomy/renorrhaphy, and percutaneous nephrostomy/drain. One patient had a Grade-V injury and 26 patients had Grade-IV injuries. Nine patients (33.3%) underwent operative interventions. Patients in the operative intervention cohort were more likely to manifest a collecting system filling defect (P=0.040) (Fig. A) and lacked ureteral opacification (P=0.010). The CT characteristics, including percentage of devascularized parenchyma, medial contrast extravasation, intravascular contrast extravasation, perirenal hematoma distance and laceration location, were not statistically significant. Of the 21 patients who had a collecting system injury, eight (38.1%) needed ureteral stents. Renorrhaphy was necessary for one patient. Although the first operative intervention occurred at a median of hospital day 1 (range 0.5-2.5), additional operative interventions occurred from day 4-16. Thus, it is prudent to closely follow-up these patients for the first month after injury. Two patients with complex renal injuries had an accessory renal artery resulting in well-perfused upper and lower pole fragments, and were managed nonoperatively without readmission (Fig. B). Collecting system defects and lack of ureteral opacification were significantly associated with failure of nonoperative management. A multicenter trial is needed to confirm these findings and whether nonsignificant CT findings are associated with operative intervention. In the month after renal injury, these patients should be mindful of any changes in symptoms, and maintain a low index of suspicion for an emergency room visit. For the physician, close follow-up and appropriate counseling of these high-risk patients is advised.

Factors for failure of nonoperative management of blunt hepatosplenic trauma in children

Background Trauma is major cause of morbidity and mortality in children with blunt abdominal trauma; the most commonly injured organs are the liver and the spleen. A high rate of operative complications caused a shift from operative to nonoperative management (NOM) in patients suffering from hemodynamically stable blunt abdominal trauma. The aim is to evaluate factors for failure of NOM for blunt abdominal trauma that caused injuries of the liver and the spleen in children. Patients and methods This study included 142 patients with blunt abdominal trauma with either hepatic or splenic injuries that were hemodynamically stable and treated initially by NOM. Patients had undergone a contrast computed tomography (CT) scan for grading injuries, contrast blush, and hemoperitoneum. Results There were 17 patients with high-grade hepatic or splenic injury. Six of these 17 patients and two patients with low-grade injuries failed NOM. Moderate and large volumes of hemoperitoneum have been reported in 42 and nine patients, respectively, with failure rates of 7.1 and 44.4%. Fourteen patients had CT blush on CT scan; five of them failed NOM (failure rate of 35.7%). Two other patients needed laparotomy for intestinal injuries. Thus, the overall success rate of NOM was 93% (132 patients); 10 (7%) patients failed NOM. Conclusion High-grade injuries, large hemoperitoneum, and contrast blush on the CT scan increase the risk of failure of NOM in patients with blunt hepatosplenic injuries. Nevertheless, most of these patients can be successfully managed with NOM. However, other than hemodynamic instability, the other factors mentioned above deserve further evaluation to determine their ability to aid in the decision between operative and NOM for blunt hepatosplenic injuries in children. Keywords : hepatosplenic injury, nonoperative, blunt

Risk factors for delayed neuro-surgical intervention in patients with acute mild traumatic brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage.

BackgroundMild traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with initial traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) and without immediate neuro-surgical intervention require close monitoring of their neurologic status. Progressive hemorrhage and neurologic deterioration may need delayed neuro-surgical intervention. This study aimed to determine the potential risk factors of delayed neuro-surgical intervention in mild TBI patients with tICH on admission.MethodsThree hundred and forty patients with mild TBI and tICH who did not need immediate neuro-surgical intervention on admission were evaluated retrospectively. Their demographic information, clinical evaluation, laboratory data, and brain CT was reviewed. Delayed neuro-surgical intervention was defined as failure of non-operative management after initial evaluation. Risk factors of delayed neuro-surgical intervention on admission were analyzed.ResultsDelayed neuro-surgical intervention in mild TBI with tICH on initial brain CT accounted for 3.8 % (13/340) of all episodes. Higher WBC concentration, higher initial ISS, epidural hemorrhage (EDH), higher volume of EDH, midline shift, and skull fracture were risk factors of delayed neuro-surgical intervention. The volume of EDH and skull fracture is independent risk factors. One cubic centimeter (cm3) increase in EDH on initial brain CT increased the risk of delayed neurosurgical intervention by 16 % (p = 0.011; OR: 1.190, 95 % CI:1.041–1.362).ConclusionsMild TBI patients with larger volume of EDH have higher risk of delayed neuro-surgical interventions after neurosurgeon assessment. Longer and closer neurological function monitor and repeated brain image is required for those patients had initial larger EDH. A large-scale, multi-centric trial with a bigger study population should be performed to validate the findings.

The Effect of Cirrhosis on the Risk for Failure of Nonoperative Management of Blunt Liver Injuries: Barmparas G, Cooper Z, Ley EJ, et al. Surgery. 2015;158:1676-85.

The Effect of Cirrhosis on the Risk for Failure of Nonoperative Management of Blunt Liver Injuries: Barmparas G, Cooper Z, Ley EJ, et al. Surgery. 2015;158:1676-85.

Nonoperative Management in Neurologically Intact Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes.

Retrospective cohort study. The identification of factors that lead to the failure of nonoperative management in neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures. The treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBF) can be controversial, particularly in the neurologically intact. Surgery for intact burst fractures has been advocated for early mobilization and a shorter hospital stay. These goals, however, have not always been achieved, rejuvenating an interest in nonoperative treatment. Sixty-eight neurologically intact patients with burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction (T11-L2), and a thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS) of 2, were treated at our institution. Based on CT scans, patients were scored based on the load-sharing classification (LSC) scale. Initial treatment consisted of bracing in clamshell thoracolumbar orthosis and gradual mobilization. Owing to pain limiting mobilization, 18 patients failed nonoperative management and required instrumentation. Those who failed nonsurgical management were significantly more kyphotic (8° ± 10) and stenotic (52% ± 14%) than those successfully treated nonoperatively (3° ± 7 and 63 ± 12%, respectively). The LSC score of those undergoing surgery (6.9 ± 1.1) was also greater than those successfully treated nonoperatively (5.8 ± 1.3, P = 0.006). Length of hospitalization was longer, and hospital charges higher in those requiring surgery compared to the nonoperative group. At follow-up there was no difference between groups in the visual analog score for pain (VAS) or the Oswestry disability index. Owing to pain limiting mobilization, a quarter of neurologically intact patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures and a TLICS score of 2 failed nonsurgical management. The greater the kyphosis, stenosis, and fragmentation of the fracture, the more likely patients required surgery. In addition to the TLICS classification, other radiographic and clinical parameters should be included in selecting appropriate treatment strategy. The cost savings with nonoperative treatment of intact burst fractures, when appropriate, are significant.

Obesity and Failure of Nonoperative Management of Pediatric Both-Bone Forearm Fractures

Obesity and Failure of Nonoperative Management of Pediatric Both-Bone Forearm Fractures

Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Colon Ischemia.

Colonic ischemia is the most common ischemic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. The condition occurs more commonly in women, and risk increases with advancing age. Presenting symptoms include abdominal pain, bowel urgency, and passage of bloody diarrhea; however, nearly one half of patients do not present with this classic triad of symptoms. Abdominal pain without bloody diarrhea or non-bloody diarrhea should raise concern for an isolated right colon pattern of ischemia. An isolated right colon distribution is associated with more severe outcomes, including need for surgical intervention and increased mortality. Patients that present with symptoms concerning for ischemia should undergo computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with oral and IV contrast and laboratory testing. Colonoscopy should be performed in patients without evidence of peritonitis. Medical history should be obtained to identify possible etiologies of ischemia. Thrombophilia workup should be considered in young patients and those with recurrent ischemia, but is not required universally. In cases of isolated right colon ischemia, evaluation of the mesenteric vasculature is particularly important, for exclusion of concurrent acute mesenteric ischemia. Treatment of ischemic colitis is supportive in less severe cases, with intravenous fluids and bowel rest. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be initiated, and surgical consultation should be obtained in cases of severe disease, pancolonic ischemia, and isolated right colonic ischemia. Surgery should be performed for peritonitis, hemodynamic instability, or failure of non-operative management. This article will review colonic ischemia diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.

CT scan findings do not predict outcome of nonoperative management in small bowel obstruction: Retrospective analysis of 108 consecutive patients

ObjectivesThe study purpose was to investigate the ability of Emergency Department CT scan to predict the need for operative intervention in patients hospitalized for small bowel obstruction (SBO) likely secondary to adhesions (ASBO) and initially managed nonoperatively. DesignRetrospective case series. Statistical analysis was done with independent-samples t-test and chi-square to identify correlation between variables and outcome of nonoperative management. SettingTertiary care academic medical center. Patients and MethodsOf 200 consecutive patients hospitalized for SBO, 108 were included in the study with a diagnosis of ASBO and received initial nonoperative management. Exclusion criteria were need for emergency surgery (e.g. peritonitis) or other diagnoses (e.g. neoplasms, hernias, Crohn's disease). CT findings such as transition point, small bowel faeces, high grade obstruction, and abnormal vascular course were correlated with failure of nonoperative management. ResultsOnly 18 patients (16.7%) required operative intervention, while the other 90 (83.3%) were successfully discharged after nonoperative care. There was no correlation between CT scan findings and treatment outcome. ConclusionsEmergency Department CT scan findings do not significantly alter management decisions in patients admitted for ASBO and managed initially with nonoperative care.

Supraspinatus Unusual Atrophy Pattern: A Case Report

We present the case of an unusual atrophy pattern of the supraspinatus muscle subsequent to suprascapular nerve compression by a paralabral cyst located in the spinoglenoid notch. A 58-year-old right-handed manual female worker presented to a specialized shoulder consultation with severe progressive pain in her right shoulder. Clinical exam revealed isolated limitation in active abduction and a painful Jobe test. MR-arthrogram showed a 12 × 10 mm paralabral cyst consecutive to a superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) II lesion, associated with an isolated supraspinatus Thomazeau stage II atrophy and Goutallier stage II fatty infiltration. A rotator cuff tear was excluded. After a failed nonoperative management, the patient underwent arthroscopic cyst decompression, SLAP debridement and biceps tenodesis, and presented satisfactory pain relief at 12 months follow-up with a constant score of 76 points. A control MR-arthrogram showed no recurrence of the cyst with regression of atrophy to stage I. In addition to confirm the known association between SLAP lesions and paralabral cysts, and to support the debated reversibility of atrophy, this presented case reveals the existence of a new type of lesion induced by suprascapular nerve compression, consisting in isolated denervation of the supraspinatus muscle. This can be explained by an anatomic variation of the supraspinatus branch of the nerve which had an unusually distal origin, whereas typical compression patterns involve either supraspinatus and infraspinatus, or infraspinatus alone.

Subcapsular hematoma in blunt splenic injury: A significant predictor of failure of nonoperative management.

In patients with blunt splenic injury (BSI), patient selection, angiography, and embolization have contributed to low nonoperative management (NOM) failure rates. Despite these advances, some patients will fail NOM. We noted that a significant proportion of NOM failures had subcapsular hematomas (SCHs) identified on imaging. We sought to determine if there is a correlation between SCH and higher risk of NOM failure after BSI. Our institutional trauma registry was queried for all patients with BSI during a 2-year period. Charts were reviewed to determine grade, presence of SCH, and outcome of NOM. Under current institutional protocol, all stable patients with BSI Grades III to V and those with contrast blush on computed tomography are referred for angiography and embolization. Failure of NOM was declared if splenectomy was required for bleeding after an initial plan of nonoperation. From May 2012 to May 2014, 312 patients with BSI were identified. A total of 253 patients (81%) underwent NOM. Overall, 15 (5.9%) failed NOM. Of those undergoing NOM, 34 had SCH and 12 failed (35.3% vs. 1.5% without SCH, p = 0.0001). Failure rates in Grades 1 to 4 were 2.3%, 3.8%, 8.8%, and 19.2%, respectively. NOM failure rates in the subset with SCH for Grades I to IV were 20%, 25%, 30.8%, and 80%, respectively. These are significantly higher than patients without SCH in Grades II to IV (0%, p = 0.003; 2.3%, p = 0.008; and 4.8%, p = 0.016) and approach significance in Grade I (1.2%, p = 0.11). There were no SCHs and no failures of NOM in Grade V injuries. The NOM failure rate of BSI patients with SCH is significantly higher than those without SCH. Patients with BSI Grades I to III slated for NOM must be observed as the failure rate approaches 30%. Splenectomy should be considered in patients with Grade IV BSI with SCH, as NOM failure rate is 80%. Therapeutic study, level IV.