Mesenteric Injury Research Articles

Multidetector CT of Surgically Proven Blunt Bowel and Mesenteric Injury.

Blunt traumatic injury is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Unintentional injury represents the leading cause of death in the United States for all persons between the ages of 1 and 44 years. In the setting of blunt abdominal trauma, the reported rate of occurrence of bowel and mesenteric injuries ranges from 1% to 5%. Despite the relatively low rate of blunt bowel and mesenteric injury in patients with abdominal and pelvic trauma, delays in diagnosis are associated with increased rates of sepsis, a prolonged course in the intensive care unit, and increased mortality. During the past 2 decades, as multidetector computed tomography (CT) has emerged as an essential tool in emergency radiology, several direct and indirect imaging features have been identified that are associated with blunt bowel and mesenteric injury. The imaging findings in cases of blunt bowel and mesenteric injury can be subtle and may be seen in the setting of multiple complex injuries, such as multiple solid-organ injuries and spinal fractures. Familiarity with the various imaging features of blunt bowel and mesenteric injury, as well as an understanding of their clinical importance with regard to the care of the patient, is essential to making a timely diagnosis. Once radiologists are familiar with the spectrum of findings of blunt bowel and mesenteric injury, they will be able to make timely diagnoses that will lead to improved patient outcomes. ©RSNA, 2017.

Invited Commentary on "Multidetector CT of Surgically Proven Blunt Bowel and Mesenteric Injury".

Invited Commentary on "Multidetector CT of Surgically Proven Blunt Bowel and Mesenteric Injury".

Educational Review of Predictive Value and Findings of Computed Tomography Scan in Diagnosing Bowel and Mesenteric Injuries After Blunt Trauma: Correlation With Trauma Surgery Findings in 163 Patients

Background and AimsLaparotomy can detect bowel and mesenteric injuries in 1.2%–5% of patients following blunt abdominal trauma. Delayed diagnosis in such cases is strongly related to increased risk of ongoing sepsis, with subsequent higher morbidity and mortality. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is the gold standard in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma, being accurate in the diagnosis of bowel and mesenteric injuries in case of hemodynamically stable trauma patients. Aims of the present study are to 1) review the correlation between CT signs and intraoperative findings in case of bowel and mesenteric injuries following blunt abdominal trauma, analysing the correlation between radiological features and intraoperative findings from our experience on 25 trauma patients with small bowel and mesenteric injuries (SBMI); 2) identify the diagnostic specificity of those signs found at CT with practical considerations on the following clinical management; and 3) distinguish the bowel and mesenteric injuries requiring immediate surgical intervention from those amenable to initial nonoperative management. Materials and MethodsBetween January 1, 2008, and May 31, 2010, 163 patients required laparotomy following blunt abdominal trauma. Among them, 25 patients presented bowel or mesenteric injuries. Data were analysed retrospectively, correlating operative surgical reports with the preoperative CT findings. ResultsWe are presenting a pictorial review of significant and frequent findings of bowel and mesenteric lesions at CT scan, confirmed intraoperatively at laparotomy. Moreover, the predictive value of CT scan for SBMI is assessed. ConclusionsMultidetector CT scan is the gold standard in the assessment of intra-abdominal blunt abdominal trauma for not only parenchymal organs injuries but also detecting SBMI; in the presence of specific signs it provides an accurate assessment of hollow viscus injuries, helping the trauma surgeons to choose the correct initial clinical management.

Can multidetector CT detect the site of gastrointestinal tract injury in trauma? - A retrospective study.

We aimed to assess the performance of computed tomography (CT) in localizing site of traumatic gastrointestinal tract (GIT) injury and determine the diagnostic value of CT signs in site localization. CT scans of 97 patients with surgically proven GIT or mesenteric injuries were retrospectively reviewed by radiologists blinded to surgical findings. Diagnosis of either GIT or mesenteric injuries was made. In patients with GIT injuries, site of injury and presence of CT signs such as focal bowel wall hyperenhancement, hypoenhancement, wall discontinuity, wall thickening, extramural air, intramural air, perivisceral infiltration, and active vascular contrast leak were evaluated. Out of 97 patients, 90 had GIT injuries (70 single site injuries and 20 multiple site injuries) and seven had isolated mesenteric injury. The overall concordance between CT and operative findings for exact site localization was 67.8% (61/90), partial concordance rate was 11.1% (10/90), and discordance rate was 21.1% (19/90). For single site localization, concordance rate was 77.1% (54/70), discordance rate was 21.4% (15/70), and partial concordance rate was 1.4% (1/70). In multiple site injury, concordance rate for all sites of injury was 35% (7/20), partial concordance rate was 45% (9/20), and discordance rate was 20% (4/20). For upper GIT injuries, wall discontinuity was the most accurate sign for localization. For small bowel injury, intramural air and hyperenhancement were the most specific signs for site localization, while for large bowel injury, wall discontinuity and hypoenhancement were the most specific signs. CT performs better in diagnosing small bowel injury compared with large bowel injury. CT can well predict the presence of multiple site injury but has limited performance in exact localization of all injury sites.

CT findings of a rare case of mesenteric injury due to blunt abdominal trauma

CT findings of a rare case of mesenteric injury due to blunt abdominal trauma

Postconditioning: “Toll-erating” mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury?

Postconditioning may prove to be a suitable method to decrease ischemia-reperfusion injury of intestine after mesenteric arterial occlusion. Toll-like-receptor-4 is involved in the pathophysiology of organ damage after ischemia-reperfusion; therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of postconditioning on the mucosal expression of toll-like-receptor-4. Male Wistar rats (n=10/group) underwent 60minutes of superior mesenteric artery occlusion followed by 6hours of reperfusion in 3 groups: sham-operated, ischemia-reperfusion, and a postconditioned group. Postconditioning was performed by 6 alternating cycles of 10seconds of reperfusion/reocclusion. Blood and tissue samples were collected at the end of reperfusion. Intestinal histopathologic changes and immunohistochemical expression of mucosal caspase-3, antioxidant status, and protein levels of high-mobility group box-1 and toll-like-receptor-4 were assessed. Immunofluorescent labeling and confocal microscopic analysis of toll-like-receptor-4 were performed. Mucosal and serum levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α protein were measured. Histologic alterations in the postconditioned group were associated with decreased caspase-3 positivity, less toll-like-receptor-4 mRNA, and less protein expression of high-mobility group box-1 and toll-like-receptor-4 in the intestinal villi compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group. Furthermore, a significantly improved antioxidant state of the intestinal mucosa and less mucosal and serum protein levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were detected in the postconditioned group. Small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in male Wistar rats caused by the occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery was ameliorated by the use of postconditioning, showing a more favorable inflammatory response, which may be attributed to the decreased mucosal expression of toll-like-receptor-4.

Contemporary characteristics of blunt abdominal trauma in a regional series from the UK.

INTRODUCTION Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is a common injury in recent trauma series. The characteristics of patients with BAT have changed following the reconfiguration of UK trauma services. The aim of this study was to build a new profile for BAT patients undergoing immediate or delayed laparotomy. METHODS All 5,401 consecutive adults presenting with major trauma between April 2012 and April 2014 in the 3 major trauma centres in the West Midlands were analysed to identify all patients with BAT. A total of 2,793 patients with a mechanism of injury or symptomatology consistent with BAT were identified (52%). Outcomes were analysed using local electronic clinical results systems and notes. RESULTS Of the 2,793 patients, 179 (6.4%) had a mesenteric or hollow viscus injury, 168 (6.0%) had a hepatobiliary injury, 149 (5.4%) had a splenic injury and 46 (1.6%) had a vascular injury. Overall, 103 patients (3.7%) underwent an early (<12 hours) laparotomy while 30 (1.1%) underwent a delayed (>12 hours) laparotomy. Twenty (66.7%) of those undergoing a delayed laparotomy had a hollow viscus injury. In total, 170 deaths occurred among the BAT patients (6.1%). In the early laparotomy group, 53 patients died (51.5%) whereas in the delayed laparotomy group, 6 patients died (20.0%). CONCLUSIONS This series has attempted to provide the characteristics of patients with BAT in a large contemporary UK cohort. BAT was found to be a common type of injury. Early and delayed laparotomy occurred in 3.7% and 1.1% of these patients respectively, mostly because of hollow viscus injury in both cases. Outcomes were comparable with those in the international literature from regions with mature trauma services.

Iatrogenic superior mesenteric vein injury: the perils of high ligation.

The purpose of this review is to highlight the perils and pitfalls associated with high vascular ligation during right colectomies for adenocarcinoma and to identify the various mechanisms of injury to the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and its tributaries. This is a retrospective chart review of 304 right colectomies (159 open and 145 laparoscopic) performed over a period of 10years (1 June 2006-31 May 2016) for right-sided colonic adenocarcinoma in an academic medical center. During a 10-year study period, we encountered five cases in which significant damage to the SMV and its tributaries occurred. This accounts for a total of 1.6% of all right colectomies performed for colonic adenocarcinoma. Iatrogenic superior mesenteric vein injury is a rare, severe, and underreported complication of both open and laparoscopic right colectomy for colonic adenocarcinoma. We identified several mechanisms of injury such as anatomic misperception, excessive traction and pulling on the venous system, extensive tumor involvement of the mesentery, and uncontrolled suturing attempts at hemostasis. We believe that increased awareness of this complication with profound understanding of vascular anatomy and the different mechanisms of injury will allow surgeons to avoid this often devastating complication.

Role of multislice computed tomography in assessment of non-solid organ injury in patients with blunt abdominal trauma

ObjectiveBlunt abdominal trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanning with intravenous contrast is the gold standard diagnostic modality in hemodynamically stable patients. The aim of this work was to highlight the role of MDCT in patients with blunt abdominal trauma for diagnosis and staging of non-solid organ injury. Materials and methodsThirty injured patients were enrolled into the study, including 28 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 38. They were referred from the surgical department after stabilization of their general condition. Multi-detector CT was conducted including non-contrast MDCT of the abdomen and pelvis followed by contrast enhanced MDCT. ResultsFive patients had diaphragmatic rupture, five patients were diagnosed bowel perforation, and two patients were diagnosed traumatic rectovesical fistula. Three patients were diagnosed by MDCT had mesenteric injury. Four had vascular injury diagnosed by MDCT. Five patients had traumatic urinary bladder injury. Four patients had spine injury. Two patients had rectus sheath hematoma. ConclusionsCT is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate non-solid organ injury in patients with blunt abdominal trauma.

Restrictive versus Liberal Transfusion Strategy in the Perioperative and Acute Care Settings: A Context-specific Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Blood transfusions are associated with morbidity and mortality. However, restrictive thresholds could harm patients less able to tolerate anemia. Using a context-specific approach (according to patient characteristics and clinical settings), the authors conducted a systematic review to quantify the effects of transfusion strategies. The authors searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and grey literature sources to November 2015 for randomized controlled trials comparing restrictive versus liberal transfusion strategies applied more than 24 h in adult surgical or critically ill patients. Data were independently extracted. Risk ratios were calculated for 30-day complications, defined as inadequate oxygen supply (myocardial, cerebral, renal, mesenteric, and peripheral ischemic injury; arrhythmia; and unstable angina), mortality, composite of both, and infections. Statistical combination followed a context-specific approach. Additional analyses explored transfusion protocol heterogeneity and cointerventions effects. Thirty-one trials were regrouped into five context-specific risk strata. In patients undergoing cardiac/vascular procedures, restrictive strategies seemed to increase the risk of events reflecting inadequate oxygen supply (risk ratio [RR], 1.09; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.22), mortality (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.95 to 2.04), and composite events (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.24-3322, 3245, and 3322 patients, respectively). Similar results were found in elderly orthopedic patients (inadequate oxygen supply: RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.92; mortality: RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.49; composite outcome: RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.54-3465, 3546, and 3749 patients, respectively), but not in critically ill patients. No difference was found for infections, although a protective effect may exist. Risk estimates varied with successful/unsuccessful transfusion protocol implementation. Restrictive transfusion strategies should be applied with caution in high-risk patients undergoing major surgery.

PDK1 Determines Collagen-Dependent Platelet Ca2+ Signaling and Is Critical to Development of Ischemic Stroke In Vivo.

Activation of platelets by subendothelial collagen results in an increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) and is followed by platelet activation and thrombus formation that may lead to vascular occlusion. The present study determined the role of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) in collagen-dependent platelet Ca(2+) signaling and ischemic stroke in vivo. Platelet activation with collagen receptor glycoprotein VI agonists collagen-related peptide or convulxin resulted in a significant increase in PDK1 activity independent of second-wave signaling. PDK1 deficiency was associated with reduced platelet phospholipase Cγ2-dependent inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate production and intracellular [Ca(2+)]i in response to stimulation with collagen-related peptide or convulxin. The defective increase of [Ca(2+)]i resulted in a substantial defect in activation-dependent platelet secretion and aggregation on collagen-related peptide stimulation. Furthermore, Rac1 activation and spreading, adhesion to collagen, and thrombus formation under high arterial shear rates were significantly diminished in PDK1-deficient platelets. Mice with PDK1-deficient platelets were protected against arterial thrombotic occlusion after FeCl3-induced mesenteric arterioles injury and ischemic stroke in vivo. These mice had significantly reduced brain infarct volumes, with a significantly increased survival of 7 days after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion without increase of intracerebral hemorrhage. Tail bleeding time was prolonged in pdk1(-/-) mice, reflecting an important role of PDK1 in primary hemostasis. PDK1 is required for Ca(2+)-dependent platelet activation on stimulation of collagen receptor glycoprotein VI, arterial thrombotic occlusion, and ischemic stroke in vivo.

Are We Missing Traumatic Bowel and Mesenteric Injuries?

PurposeTraumatic bowel and mesenteric injury (TBMI), although an uncommon entity, can be lethal if not detected and treated in a timely manner. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for the detection of TBMI in patients at our level 1 trauma centre. MethodsWe used our hospital's trauma registry to identify patients with a diagnosis of TBMI from January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2013. Only patients who had a 64-slice MDCT scan at presentation and subsequently underwent laparotomy or laparoscopy were included in the study cohort. Using the surgical findings as the gold standard, the accuracy of prospective radiology reports was analyzed. ResultsOf the 4781 trauma patients who presented to our institution, 44 (0.92%) had surgically proven TBMI. Twenty-two of 44 were excluded as they did not have MDCT before surgery. The study cohort consisted of 14 males and 8 females with a median age of 41.5 years and a median injury severity score of 27. In total 17 of 22 had blunt trauma and 5 of 22 had penetrating injury. A correct preoperative imaging diagnosis of TBMI was made in 14 of 22 of patients. The overall sensitivity of the radiology reports was 63.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41%-82%), specificity was 79.6% (95% CI: 67%-89%), PPV was 53.9% (95% CI: 33%-73%), and the NPV was 85.5% (95% CI: 73%-94%). Accuracy was calculated at 75.3%. However, only 59% (10 of 17) of patients with blunt injury had a correct preoperative diagnosis. Review of the findings demonstrated that majority of patients with missed blunt TBMI (5 of 7) demonstrated only indirect signs of injury. ConclusionThe detection of TBMI in trauma patients on 64-slice MDCT can be improved, especially in patients presenting with blunt injury. Missed cases in this population occurred because the possibility of TBMI was not considered despite the presence of indirect imaging signs. The prospective diagnosis of TBMI remains challenging despite advances in CT technology and widespread use of 64-slice MDCT.

初療室でECMOを導入し，救命し得た重症多発外傷の2症例(Two case of polytrauma patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation introduced in ER)

要旨平成22年人口動態統計によると，外傷死亡者の傷病部位として胸部外傷は頭部外傷に次いで多い 。胸部外傷を伴う多発外傷患者が，大量輸液・輸血や凝固障害により，他部位の止血処置中に著しい低酸素血症に陥ることは，重症例では稀ではない。これまで，胸部外傷によるsecondary ARDSに対するextracorporeal membrane oxygenation（以下，ECMO）導入の報告は散見されるが，病院到着から数時間以内の超急性期に初療室でECMOを導入することで，良好な経過をたどった2症例を経験したため報告する。症例1は，重症肺挫傷に対する下葉切除中の低酸素血症，低換気に対して術中にECMOを導入した。症例2は，重症骨盤骨折，腸管損傷に肺挫傷を合併し，腹部骨盤手術中に喀血し呼吸不全に陥ったため，ECMO実施下に止血を行った。2症例とも肺実質内に造影剤の血管外漏出像を認め，さらに他部位に複数箇所の止血を要する多発外傷例であり，ECMO導入により止血まで十分な酸素化が得られた。外傷症例に対して，来院から数時間以内に初療室においてECMO導入を速やかに行い，呼吸を担保しつつ止血術を行うことで救命し得た。外傷は，止血が得られれば引き続く集学的治療で十分可逆的な病態もあるため，救命手段の一つとして初療室でのECMO導入は有用な可能性がある。

Hollow viscus injury due to blunt trauma: A review

Blunt abdominal trauma results in injury to the bowel and mesenteries in 3-5% of cases. The injuries are polymorphic including hematoma, seromuscular tear, perforation, and ischemia. They preferentially involve the small bowel and may result in bleeding and/or peritonitis. An urgent laparotomy is necessary if there is evidence of active bleeding or peritonitis at the initial examination, but these situations are uncommon. The main diagnostic challenge is to promptly and correctly identify lesions that require surgical repair. Diagnostic delay exceeding eight hours before surgical repair is associated with increased morbidity and probably with mortality. Because of this risk, the traditional therapeutic approach has been to operate on all patients with suspected bowel or mesenteric injury. However, this approach leads to a high rate of non-therapeutic laparotomy. A new approach of non-operative management (NOM) may be applicable to hemodynamically stable patients with no signs of perforation or peritonitis, and is being increasingly employed. This attitude has been described in several recent studies, and can be applied to nearly 40% of patients. However, there is no consensual agreement on which criteria or combination of clinical and radiological signs can insure the safety of NOM. When NOM is decided upon at the outset, very close monitoring is mandatory with repeated clinical examinations and interval computerized tomography (CT). Larger multicenter studies are needed to better define the selection criteria and modalities for NOM.

CT scan and Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage: towards a better diagnosis in the area of nonoperative management of blunt abdominal trauma

BackgroundThe diagnosis of small bowel and mesenteric injuries (BBMI) after blunt abdominal trauma remains difficult, which results in delayed treatment and increased mortality and morbidity. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) in patients with 1 or 2 abnormal CT findings that are suggestive of BBMI was proposed, but the rate of unnecessary surgical exploration remains high. Patients and methodsBlunt abdominal trauma patients with 1 or 2 CT findings predictive of BBMI from 2001 to 2014 underwent a DPL with calculation of a cell count ratio (CCR) dividing the ratio of white blood cells (WBCs) to red blood cells (RBCs) (WBC/RBC ratio) in the lavage fluid by the WBC/RBC ratio in peripheral blood. Surgical exploration of the abdomen was performed immediately in cases with a CCR≥1. CT findings, DPL and surgery results, and global outcome were analyzed. ResultsThirty-seven were included in the study (27 males, median age of 30 years (range, 17–69 years)). Exploratory laparotomy was performed in 24 patients (65%). Sixteen patients (67%) had BBMI: 7 hollow organ perforations or tears (29%), including 4 bowel resection with primary anastomosis and 3 single sutures, and 9 patients had mesenteric injuries. CT findings associated with BBMI and hollow organ perforation were large peritoneal effusion (p=0.02) and small bowel wall abnormalities (p=0.002). No postoperative complications were observed. Sensitivity and specificity of DPL for the diagnosis of bowel injuries were respectively 100% (CI 95% [59–100]) and 43% (CI 95% [25–63]). The sensitivity remained 100% (CI 95% [59–100]) when the ratio was ≥4 (n=10 patients), and the specificity reached 90% (CI 95% [73–98]). ConclusionDPL is sensitive for the diagnosis of BBMI in stable trauma patients with 1 or 2 unexplained CT abnormalities, but specificity is low with a high rate of nontherapeutic laparotomy in case of CCR≥1. Indications for exploratory laparotomy could be restricted to patients with a CCR≥4 to improve the specificity of diagnosis management.

遅発的に症状が出現した鈍的腸間膜損傷・小腸損傷の1例(Delayed presentation of blunt mesentery/bowel injury: report of a case)

要旨鈍的外傷に伴う小腸損傷は早期の腹膜刺激症状の出現率も低く，CT検査での早期の遊離ガス検出率も決して高頻度ではないと報告されている。今回，受傷24時間後に臨床所見が出現し診断し得た鈍的外傷による小腸壊死の1例を経験した。症例は42歳男性。原付二輪車運転中に右折乗用車と接触し，約10m引きずられ救急搬送された。初期診療にて右緊張性気胸，右橈骨遠位端開放骨折，右足関節内顆骨折と診断し，胸腔ドレナージを施行した。初療時の単純CT検査で膀胱直腸窩に液体貯留を認めていたが，少量であり腹痛の訴えもないため保存的に経過観察とした。伝達麻酔で開放骨折の洗浄デブリードマン・創外固定術を行った後に，軽度の腹痛が出現したが自然軽快していた。受傷約24時間後になり腹痛が再燃，腹膜刺激症状も認めていたためCT検査を再度施行したところ，腹腔内遊離ガス像はなく腹腔内液貯留の増量も認めなかったものの，小腸管壁の肥厚を認めており，小腸ガスの貯留もみられていた。小腸損傷と診断し，開腹術を行った。小腸間膜損傷と支配領域の小腸損傷を認めたため，小腸切除を行い機能的端々吻合による再建術を実施した。術中所見から，遅発的に小腸損傷が生じた原因の一つとして腸間膜損傷に伴う血流障害が考えられた。術後経過は良好であり，術後12日目に軽快転院となった。

Unenhanced Computed Tomography to Visualize Hollow Viscera and/or Mesenteric Injury After Blunt Abdominal Trauma

To identify and describe the major features of unenhanced computed tomography (CT) images of blunt hollow viscera and/or mesenteric injury (BHVI/MI) and to determine the value of unenhanced CT in the diagnosis of BHVI/MI.This retrospective study included 151 patients who underwent unenhanced CT before laparotomy for blunt abdominal trauma between January 2011 and December 2013. According to surgical observations, patients were classified as having BHVI/MI (n = 73) or not (n = 78). Sensitivity, specificity, P values, and likelihood ratios were calculated by comparing CT findings between the 2 groups.Six significant CT findings (P < 0.05) for BHVI/MI were identified and their sensitivity and specificity values determined, as follows: bowel wall thickening (39.7%, 96.2%), mesentery thickening (46.6%, 88.5%), mesenteric fat infiltration (12.3%, 98.7%), peritoneal fat infiltration (31.5%, 87.1%), parietal peritoneum thickening (30.1%, 85.9%), and intra- or retro-peritoneal air (34.2%, 96.2%).Unenhanced CT scan was useful as an initial assessment tool for BHVI/MI after blunt abdominal trauma. Six key features on CT were correlated with BHVI/MI.

Migrating bullet in the thecal sac at the level of the conus medullaris without neurological deficit

Bullets can lodge in the organs, blood vessels or thecal sac. To our knowledge, a migrating bullet at the level of the conus medullaris without neurological deficit has never been reported. We present our patient along with a discussion of bullet migration in the spinal canal and its mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment. A 29-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department due to a gunshot wound in the right upper quadrant of his abdomen. He had no neurological deficit. Spinal CT scan and plain radiography showed the bullet had passed through the L2 vertebral body and had migrated downwards until it had lost its energy and come to rest in the spinal canal at the L3 vertebra level. There was a grade 5 injury to the pancreas head concomitant with mesenteric injury of the transverse colon, harboring a 0.5 cm hole. He had an emergent laparotomy to have a Roux-en-Y reconstruction and repair of the transverse colon. After his general status stabilized, he was taken back to the operating room to extract the bullet from the spinal canal. L3 and partial L2 laminectomy were performed. The dura was opened and the bullet was observed intrathecally. No cerebrospinal fluid fistula was observed. The surgeries and post-operative period were uneventful.

The Potential Effect of Epidural Anesthesia on Mesenteric Injury after Supraceliac Aortic Clamping in a Rabbit Model

Epidural anesthesia is known to increase blood flow by producing vasodilatation on mesenteric circulation. In this experimental study, we aim to examine the effect of epidural anesthesia on mesenteric ischemic-reperfusion (IR) injury induced by supracoeliac aortic occlusion in a rabbit model. Twenty-eight male white New Zealand rabbits were assigned into 4 separate groups, with 7 rabbits in each group: group I, control group; group II, IR-only group; group III, IR plus epidural anesthesia group; group IV, epidural anesthesia-only group. IR model was produced by clamping supraceliac aorta with an atraumatic vascular clamp for 60 min, followed by reperfusion for 120 min. An epidural catheter was placed via Th12-L1 intervertebral space by using open technique before aortic clamping in those assigned to epidural anesthesia. IR injury was assessed using blood markers interleukin-6 and IMA and tissue markers superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde. Also histopathological examination was performed to evaluate the degree of injury. All biochemical markers in group II were significantly elevated in comparison with the other 3 groups (p < 0.05). This was paralleled by a more severe histopathological injury in IR- only group (group II). The group receiving IR plus epidural anesthesia (group III) had lower biochemical marker levels as compared with the IR-only group (group II). Mesenteric IR injury that can occur during abdominal aorta surgery can be reduced by epidural anesthesia, which is commonly used during or after major operations for pain control. Controlled clinical studies are required to evaluate these findings.

CT imaging signs of surgically proven bowel trauma

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and interobserver agreement of individual CT findings as well as the bowel injury prediction score (BIPS) in surgically proven bowel injury after blunt abdominal trauma. This HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was IRB approved and consent was waived. All patients 14years or older who sustained surgically proven bowel injury after blunt abdominal trauma between 1/1/2004 and 6/30/2015 were included. Admission trauma MDCT scans were independently interpreted by two abdominal fellowship-trained radiologists who recorded the following CT findings: intraperitoneal fluid, mesenteric hematoma/fat stranding, bowel wall thickening/hematoma, active intravenous contrast extravasation, free intraperitoneal air, bowel wall discontinuity, and focal bowel hypoenhancement. Subsequently, the electronic medical records of the included patients, admission abdominal physical exam results, admission white blood cell count, and findings at exploratory laparotomy of the included patients were recorded. Thirty-three patients met the inclusion criteria. The incidence and interobserver agreement of the CT findings were as follows: intraperitoneal fluid 93.9%, kappa = 0.784 (good); mesenteric hematoma/fat stranding 84.8%, kappa = 0.718 (good); bowel wall thickening/hematoma 42.4%, kappa = 0.491 (moderate); active IV contrast extravasation 36.3%, kappa = 1.00 (perfect); free intraperitoneal air 21.2%, kappa = 0.904 (very good), bowel wall discontinuity 6.1%, kappa = 1.00 (perfect); and focal bowel hypoenhancement 6.1%, kappa = 0.468 (moderate). An absence of the specified CT findings was encountered in 9.1% with surgically proven bowel injuries (kappa = 1.00, perfect). In our study, 9/16 patients or 56.3% had a bowel injury prediction score (BIPS) of 2 or more as defined by McNutt et al. (J Trauma Acute Care Surg 78(1):105-111, 2014). The presence of intraperitoneal fluid and mesenteric hematoma/fat stranding are the most common CT findings in bowel injuries proven at laparotomy. A small percentage of patients have no abnormal CT findings. This grading system did not prove to be useful in our study likely due to our inherently small patient population; however, the use of BIPS deserves further investigation as it may help in identifying blunt bowel and mesenteric injury patients with often subtle or nonspecific CT findings.