Torso Trauma Research Articles

Calcifying fibrous pseudotumor of the anterior parietal peritoneum: Treatment by laparoscopic resection*1

A 37-year-old man had a computed tomography scan of the abdomen performed as part of a workup for blunt torso trauma. A 3-cm calcified mass was incidentally noted in the left upper quadrant of the anterior abdominal wall juxtaposing the anterolateral body of the stomach (Fig 1). The patient underwent laparoscopic excision of the mass (Fig 2, A, B) and was discharged home the same day. At the 1-month follow-up, the patient was doing well and reported no complaints. Histopathologic analysis revealed a densely localized, well-demarcated collagenous nodule with irregular and psammomatous calcifications, scattered chronic inflammatory cells (Fig 2, C), and heterotopic neo-ossification (Fig 2, D) characteristic of a calcifying fibrous pseudotumor.

Damage control for torso trauma

In the late 1980s, high-powered weaponry and multiple trajectories became common causes of injury in urban American trauma centres. Definitive injury repair often took many hours. Although surgery was technically successful, these patients often died of a lethal triad of hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy.

Calcifying fibrous pseudotumor of the anterior parietal peritoneum: Treatment by laparoscopic resection

A 37-year-old man had a computed tomography scan of the abdomen performed as part of a workup for blunt torso trauma. A 3-cm calcified mass was incidentally noted in the left upper quadrant of the anterior abdominal wall juxtaposing the anterolateral body of the stomach (Fig 1). The patient underwent laparoscopic excision of the mass (Fig 2, A, B) and was discharged home the same day. At the 1-month follow-up, the patient was doing well and reported no complaints. Histopathologic analysis revealed a densely localized, well-demarcated collagenous nodule with irregular and psammomatous calcifications, scattered chronic inflammatory cells (Fig 2, C), and heterotopic neo-ossification (Fig 2, D) characteristic of a calcifying fibrous pseudotumor.

Randomized clinical trial of point-of-care, limited ultrasonography for trauma in the emergency department: Sonography outcomes assessment program (SOAP)-1 trial

Study objectives: More than 38 million people are evaluated for trauma annually; it is the leading cause of death in persons younger than 45 years. According to the "golden hour" paradigm of trauma care, the provision of definitive care for this population is time-critical. Among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected torso trauma, the objective of this study was to assess whether using point-of-care, limited ultrasonography (PLUS) for trauma, compared with usual care, decreased time from arrival to operative or interventional radiologic care (OR/IR), computed tomography (CT) and diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) use, ICU and hospital length of stay, and charges. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at 2 Level I trauma centers. Patients were eligible if on presentation there was clinical suspicion for torso trauma and they did not require immediate transfer to the operating room. Data collected on all patients included demographics, physician, time since injury, vital signs, injury scores, time to OR/IR, CT and DPL use, diagnoses, ICU and hospital days, and charges. All patients were evaluated by a standard protocol. Those randomized to PLUS also received limited, goal-oriented sonography performed by appropriately trained and verified sonographers who were either emergency physicians or trauma surgeons. The salient PLUS results were the presence of free fluid in the peritoneum, pleura, or pericardium. Actions taken according to PLUS results were recorded. Main study outcomes were time to OR/IR, CT and DPL use, ICU and hospital days, and charges. Data analyses were completed on an intention-to-treat basis. Multivariate and hierarchical models were used to control for confounders. Results: Data were collected on 217 patients (123 PLUS and 94 non-PLUS), and all results are reported as mean±95% confidence interval. There were no significant differences in demographics, time since injury, vital signs, and injury scores, or proportions of diagnoses between groups. Minutes to OR/IR were significantly less for PLUS versus non-PLUS patients (57±6 versus 170±21 minutes). Of PLUS patients, 52%±8.8% of patients underwent CT, and 2%±2% had DPL, whereas 85%±4% of non-PLUS patients underwent CT and 20%±5% had DPL, both significantly different. PLUS patients spent significantly fewer days in the hospital (6.2±1.2 versus 10.2±2.7 days). Charges were significantly less for PLUS patients ($16,100±$3,200 versus $31,500±$7,400). All significant differences were maintained in multivariate analyses controlling for institution, time since injury, injury scores, and diagnoses. Using hierarchical modeling to control for physician-to-physician variability, all significant differences were maintained. Conclusion: Trauma patients evaluated with PLUS received definitive care more rapidly than patients not evaluated with sonography (1 versus 3 hours). CT and DPL use were reduced by the addition of PLUS. Days in the hospital were substantially fewer in PLUS-evaluated patients, supporting the "golden hour" paradigm that earlier definitive care leads to better outcomes. Collectively, these factors contributed to $14,100 in average savings per patient. Therefore, the benefits of PLUS are multidimensional, including improved patient care, better ED and hospital resource utilization, and high cost-effectiveness.

Ultrasound Less Helpful in Penetrating Torso Trauma Than in Blunt Trauma

Ultrasound (US) is an excellent diagnostic tool for blunt trauma because it is highly sensitive, readily available, and risk free. For penetrating

The hand-held ultrasound examination for penetrating abdominal trauma

Background An evaluation of hand-held ultrasonography (US) in the assessment of penetrating torso trauma has not yet been reported. Methods A 2.4 kg hand-held ultrasound device was used to examine penetrating trauma victims in an exam designated as the Hand-Held Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (HHFAST). Results were compared with other US examinations including formal FAST (FFAST), computed tomography, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, operative and autopsy findings, and serial examination. Performance considered both the detection of fluid and injuries requiring intervention. Results The HHFAST was excellent for detecting free intraperitoneal fluid, which had 100% specificity for peritoneal penetration, but was only moderately sensitive for injuries requiring therapy. Conclusions Hand-held sonography can quickly detect intraperitoneal fluid, which has good test performance in determining the presence of an intra-abdominal injury. Negative FAST examinations after penetrating trauma should be followed up with another diagnostic modality.

A prospective evaluation of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of penetrating torso injury.

Ultrasound (US) is commonly used for the diagnosis of hemoperitoneum after blunt abdominal trauma, but the value of US as an aid for identification of operative lesions after penetrating trauma is not well documented. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the accuracy of US for the evaluation of penetrating torso trauma and to assess the impact of this information on patient management. We conducted a prospective cohort observational study of consecutive penetrating torso patients at a Level I trauma center. During the 6-month trial period, 177 victims of penetrating torso trauma were assessed by our trauma teams. Ninety-two patients had stab wounds, 84 patients had gunshot wounds, and 1 patient had a puncture wound. All 28 patients with positive US examination had an exploratory laparotomy or thoracotomy (one patient had more than one procedure), resulting in 26 therapeutic operations. There were 149 negative US examinations, but in this group, 36 patients underwent laparotomy or thoracotomy, and 28 had therapeutic operations. The overall accuracy of the US examination was therefore 85%, the sensitivity was 48%, and the specificity was 98%. There were only three patients who had their initial management altered by a positive US examination. The US examination lacks sensitivity to be used alone in determining operative intervention after gunshot or stab wounds. Rarely does US information contribute to the management of patients with penetrating abdominal injuries.

Penetrating Torso Trauma: Triple-Contrast Helical CT in Peritoneal Violation and Organ Injury—A Prospective Study in 200 Patients

To assess the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) in demonstrating the presence or absence of peritoneal violation and type of intraperitoneal organ injury, if any, in hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating torso trauma but without definite peritoneal signs or radiographic evidence of free intraperitoneal air. During a 29-month period, helical CT with oral, rectal, and intravenous contrast material (triple-contrast) was performed in 200 hemodynamically stable patients, including 169 men (age range, 15-85 years; mean age, 31 years) and 31 women (age range, 17-45 years; mean age, 28 years) with penetrating torso trauma. The study group included 86 patients with gunshot wounds, 111 with stab wounds, and three impaled by sharp objects. CT scans were evaluated prospectively by three trauma radiologists for evidence of peritoneal violation to determine injury to intra- or retroperitoneal solid organs, bowel, mesentery, vascular structures, diaphragm, and urinary tract. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT in the diagnosis of peritoneal violation were determined. CT findings aided diagnosis of peritoneal violation in 34% of patients (68 of 200) and were negative for peritoneal violation in 66% of patients (132 of 200). Two patients with negative CT findings failed to improve with observation and underwent therapeutic laparotomy. CT had 97% sensitivity (66 of 68 findings), 98% specificity (130 of 132 findings), and 98% accuracy (196 of 200 findings) for peritoneal violation. CT aided diagnosis of 28 hepatic, 34 bowel or mesenteric, seven splenic, and six renal injuries. Laparotomy based on CT findings in 38 patients was considered therapeutic in 87% (33 of 38) and nontherapeutic in 8% (three of 38) and had negative results in 5% (two of 38). Triple-contrast helical CT accurately demonstrates peritoneal violation and visceral injury in patients with penetrating torso wounds.

Admission lactate level and the APACHE II score are the most useful predictors of prognosis following torso trauma

Background: Markers of dysoxic metabolism and scoring systems for triage have been widely used in critically injured patients. However, so far, no model is sufficiently reliable to predict the outcome in trauma victims. The purposes of the present study, therefore, were to determine whether a correlation exits between the main trauma scoring systems and the markers of dysoxic metabolism. Moreover, to assess if any of the admission parameters can be used to indicate outcome. Methods: Sixty-four patients were included in this study. Admission data, including arterial lactate level, base deficit (BD), pH, revised trauma score (RTS), injury severity score (ISS), shock index (SI), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II), were collected and analysed by logistic regression analysis. Degree of association between continuous variables were calculated by either Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation coefficient, where applicable. The dependence of lactate on two or more other variables was evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that the fatal outcome following major torso trauma was principally associated with the APACHE II score and lactate. The specificity and the sensitivity of this logistic regression model was 94.6 and 79.2%, respectively. According to standardised linear regression coefficients, BD was the best single predictor of lactate, and APACHE II added a small amount of predictive power. The proportion of total variation in lactate level explained by base deficit, APACHE II and age is R 2=85.2%. Conclusion: APACHE II score and the arterial lactate level are the most important determinants of clinical outcome in critically injured patients. A correlation exits between lactate and APACHE II and between lactate and base deficit.

Emergency ultrasound in the acute assessment of haemothorax

Aims: To evaluate thoracic ultrasound for the detection of haemothorax in patients with thoracic trauma against established investigations. Methods: Thoracic ultrasound was performed as an extension of the standard focused...

Controversy of immunonutrition for surgical critical-illness patients.

Specific nutrients such as arginine, glutamine, dietary nucleotides, and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to influence infectious morbidity, antibiotic use, and hospital length of stay. The combination of these nutrients into one enteral formulation has become known as immune-enhancing diets. Consensus guidelines developed by a number of clinical investigators and published in 2001 concluded that immune-enhancing diets were beneficial in moderate to severely malnourished patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery and patients sustaining severe blunt and penetrating torso trauma. The purpose of this article is to review data published between February 1, 2001, and January 31, 2003, to determine whether new studies substantiated or refuted the current recommendations for the use of immune-enhancing diets in surgical, critically injured, and critically ill patients. Results confirmed the benefits of preoperative administration of immune-enhancing diets in surgical patients but also demonstrated that postoperative administration offered no advantages. Decreased infectious complications were also observed in critically ill patients receiving immune-enhancing diets. Accumulating evidence supports the use of immune-enhancing diets in these specific patient populations.

Goal-oriented shock resuscitation for major torso trauma: what are we learning?

Shock resuscitation is an obligatory intervention for severely injured patients who present in shock. During the past 15 years, with widespread acceptance of "damage control" surgery and early triage to the intensive care unit (ICU) to optimize resuscitation, the lives of many major trauma victims have been saved, and much has been learned about shock resuscitation. Due largely to the work of Shoemaker et al., a resuscitation strategy based on a standardized process using O(2) delivery index (DO(2)I) as an endpoint and physiologic performance goal for interventions has been developed, studied, and refined for resuscitation of shock caused by major trauma. DO(2)I >or=600 mL O(2)/min-m2 is the only resuscitation endpoint variable that has been tested in prospective randomized trials (PRTs) of trauma patient outcome. These PRTs are limited, and their results are not conclusive. Results from other investigators, including our group, using similar process and endpoints, are indicating similar performance and outcomes. We believe that DO(2)I is a useful endpoint because it integrates three important variables, ie, hemoglobin concentration [Hb], arterial hemoglobin O(2) saturation, and cardiac output. We have found DO(2)I >or=500 mL O(2)/min-m2 to be an endpoint with more general applicability, but we believe that the standardized process is more important than the specific endpoint. To standardize our process, we have developed a computerized decision support tool for shock resuscitation. This technology has provided novel data collection and has permitted refinement of the bedside process. Our data analysis indicates that the next challenge will be to develop a similar pre ICU resuscitation process that will use less invasive monitors and different endpoints. Identification of the high-risk resuscitation nonresponders early in the resuscitation process will be needed to redirect their clinical trajectories. As an endpoint for interventions for goal-directed resuscitation in the critically injured trauma patient, systemic O(2) delivery is the current state of the art and the basis for near future development of clinical processes for resuscitation of shock due to major trauma.

Both primary and secondary abdominal compartment syndrome can be predicted early and are harbingers of multiple organ failure.

Primary abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a known complication of damage control. Recently secondary ACS has been reported in patients without abdominal injury who require aggressive resuscitation. The purpose of this study was to compare the epidemiology of primary and secondary ACS and develop early prediction models in a high-risk cohort who were treated in a similar fashion. Major torso trauma patients underwent standardized resuscitation and had prospective data collected including occurrence of ACS, demographics, ISS, urinary bladder pressure, gastric tonometry (GAP(CO2) = gastric regional CO(2) minus end tidal CO(2)), laboratory, respiratory, and hemodynamic data. With primary and secondary ACS as endpoints, variables were tested by uni- and multivariate logistic analysis (MLA). From 188 study patients during the 44-month period, 26 (14%) developed ACS-11 (6%) were primary ACS and 15 (8%) secondary ACS. Primary and secondary ACS had similar demographics, shock, and injury severity. Significant univariate differences included: time to decompression from ICU admit (600 +/- 112 vs. 360 +/- 48 min), Emergency Department (ED) crystalloid (4 +/- 1 vs. 7 +/- 1 L), preICU crystalloid (8 +/- 1 vs. 12 +/- 1L), ED blood administration (2 +/- 1 vs. 6 +/- 1 U), GAP(CO2) (24 +/- 3 vs. 36 +/- 3 mmHg), requiring pelvic embolization (9 vs. 47%), and emergency operation (82% vs. 40%). Early predictors identified by MLA of primary ACS included hemoglobin concentration, GAP(CO2), temperature, and base deficit; and for secondary ACS they included crystalloid, urinary output, and GAP(CO2). The areas under the receiver-operator characteristic curves calculated upon ICU admission are primary= 0.977 and secondary= 0.983. Primary and secondary ACS patients had similar poor outcomes compared with nonACS patients including ventilator days (primary= 13 +/- 3 vs. secondary= 14 +/- 3 vs. nonACS = 8 +/- 2), multiple organ failure (55% vs. 53% vs. 12%), and mortality (64% vs. 53% vs. 17%). Primary and secondary ACS have similar demographics, injury severity, time to decompression from hospital admit, and bad outcome. 2 degrees ACS is an earlier ICU event preceded by more crystalloid administration. With appropriate monitoring both could be accurately predicted upon ICU admission.

The experience and training of British general surgeons in trauma surgery for the abdomen, thorax and major vessels.

The report Better Carefor the Severely Injured [London: The Royal College of Surgeons of England and the British Orthopaedic Association; 2000] states that an experienced general surgeon trained in the techniques required to perform life-saving emergency surgery is vital in the management of major trauma. The experience and training of general surgeons in the UK in the management of trauma to the abdomen, thorax and major vessels has never been assessed. Postal questionnaire sent to UK general surgical consultants and Higher Surgical Trainees (HSTs). A total of 854 (48%) questionnaires were completed. Of respondents, 85% believe that major trauma should be directed to hospitals that provide a dedicated trauma service. Of non-vascular specialists, 43% felt their training was adequate to manage vascular trauma and only one-third of general surgical consultants felt adequately prepared to manage acute cardiothoracic injuries. The median number of trauma laparotomies undertaken annually was 2 for blunt injury and 1 for penetrating injury. Of HSTs, 21% had not performed a splenectomy for trauma and 44% had no experience of packing for liver injuries. There is limited experience and training in the surgical management of torso trauma in the UK. Implementation of the recommendations from Better Care for the Severely Injured will be hampered unless steps are taken to maximise experience and improve training.

Is helical computed tomography effective for diagnosis of blunt aortic injury?

Computed tomography has had a questionable role in diagnosing blunt aortic injury (BAI). The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of helical computed tomography of the thorax (HCTT) for detection of BAI. Trauma Registry data and medical records were reviewed for 2,854 patients admitted over a 32-month period. A total of 243 patients were identified at risk for BAI. Patients were evaluated for BAI because of chest radiograph, physical examination, or clinical suspicion. Eleven of 2,834 patients sustained BAI. Of 243 patients who sustained blunt torso trauma, 232 patients underwent HCTT. Eleven underwent aortography without HCTT. Sixteen patients had an abnormal HCTT, revealing 9 patients with BAI. No delayed BAI were encountered. HCTT effectively screens for BAI. Aortography can be more specifically applied as a diagnostic study when preceded by HCTT. HCTT should not be used as solitary study for BAI as some injuries identified by HCTT do not represent BAI. (Am J Emerg Med 2002;20:558-561. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)

A clinical decision rule for identifying children with thoracic injuries after blunt torso trauma

Study Objective: We sought to determine the prevalence of thoracic injuries in children sustaining blunt torso trauma and to develop a clinical prediction rule to identify children with these injuries. Methods: We prospectively enrolled pediatric patients (<16 years) who presented to the emergency department of a Level I trauma center with blunt torso trauma and underwent chest radiography. Clinical findings were recorded in a standardized fashion by the ED faculty physician. Thoracic injuries included the following: pulmonary contusion, hemothorax, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, tracheal-bronchial disruption, aortic injury, hemopericardium, pneumopericardium, cardiac contusion, rib fracture, sternal fracture, or any injury to the diaphragm. Multiple logistic regression and recursive partitioning analyses were performed to generate a clinical prediction rule for identifying children with these injuries. Results: Nine hundred eighty-six patients with a mean age of 8.3±4.8 years were enrolled. Eighty (8.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.5% to 10.0%) patients sustained thoracic injuries. Multiple logistic regression and recursive partitioning analyses identified the following predictors of thoracic injuries: low systolic blood pressure (14% with injury versus 2% without injury; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.6), elevated age-adjusted respiratory rate (51% versus 16%; adjusted OR 2.9), abnormal results on examination of the thorax (68% versus 36%; adjusted OR 3.6), abnormal chest auscultation findings (14% versus 1%; adjusted OR 8.6), femur fracture (13% versus 5%; adjusted OR 2.2), and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 15 (61% versus 26%; adjusted OR 3.3). Seventy-eight (98%; 95% CI 91% to 100%) of the 80 patients with thoracic injuries had at least 1 of these predictive factors. Three hundred thirty-six (37%) children had none of these predictive factors, including 2 (0.6%; 95% CI 0.1% to 2.1%) with thoracic injuries. These 2 injuries, however, did not require any intervention. Conclusion: Predictors of thoracic injury in children sustaining blunt torso trauma include low systolic blood pressure, elevated respiratory rate, abnormal results on thoracic examination, abnormal chest auscultation findings, femur fracture, and a GCS score of less than 15. These predictors can be used to create a sensible clinical decision rule for the identification of children with thoracic injuries. [Holmes JF, Sokolove PE, Brant WE, Kuppermann N. A clinical decision rule for identifying children with thoracic injuries after blunt torso trauma. Ann Emerg Med. May 2002;39:492-499.]

The utility of clinical examination in screening for pelvic fractures in blunt trauma.

Current recommendations of the American College of Surgeons Advanced Trauma Life Support course is routine radiographic screening of the pelvis for all patients who suffer blunt torso trauma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate in a prospective manner the sensitivity of clinical examination as a screening modality for pelvic fractures in awake and alert blunt trauma patients. During a 32-month period, 2,176 consecutive blunt trauma patients who presented with Glasgow Coma Scores of 14 or 15 were evaluated at an urban Level I trauma center. Clinical examination of all patients was prospectively performed by trauma resident housestaff. The clinical examination of each patient was documented in a study form before performance of a standard anterior-posterior (A-P) pelvic x-ray. We evaluated 2,176 blunt trauma patients, 97 (4.5%) of whom were diagnosed with pelvic fracture. There were seven missed injuries on clinical examination (sensitivity 93%). None of the missed injuries on clinical examination required surgical intervention. The sensitivity of A-P pelvic x-ray was 87%, with 13 missed injuries. There were 463 patients who entered with ethanol levels equal or greater than 100 mg/dL (range 100 to 480 mg/dL). There were 20 pelvic fractures diagnosed in this group, with only 1 missed injury on clinical examination (sensitivity 95%). 1) Clinical examination of the pelvis can reliably rule out significant pelvic fracture in the awake and alert blunt trauma patient. 2) The addition of routine A-P pelvic x-ray does not improve the sensitivity in diagnosis of surgically significant pelvic fractures nor does it have significant impact on outcomes of pelvic fracture patients. 3) Elevated ethanol level is not a contraindication to use of clinical examination as a screening modality for pelvic fractures in the awake and alert blunt trauma patient.

Triple-contrast helical CT in penetrating torso trauma: a prospective study to determine peritoneal violation and the need for laparotomy.

A prospective study was performed to determine the usefulness of triple-contrast helical CT in predicting peritoneal violation and the need for laparotomy in the treatment of penetrating torso trauma. Triple-contrast helical CT scans were obtained in 104 hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating injuries to the torso (thoracoabdominal region including tangential wounds to the anterior abdomen, flank, back, and pelvis) over a 17-month period. The study group included 54 patients with gunshot wounds and 50 with stab wounds. No patient had a radiographic or clinical indication for immediate laparotomy. A positive finding on CT was defined as evidence of peritoneal violation or injury to the retroperitoneal colon, major vessel, or urinary tract. Patients with a positive CT, except patients with isolated liver injury or free fluid, underwent laparotomy. Patients with a negative finding on CT were initially observed. CT studies were positive in 35 (34%) of 104 patients and negative in 69 (66%) of 104 of patients. Laparotomy was performed in 21 (60%) of 35 patients with positive CT; 19 (86%) of 22 were therapeutic, two (9%) were nontherapeutic, and one (5%) was negative (no injury was found). Nine patients with isolated hepatic injuries were successfully treated without laparotomy. Among patients with a negative CT, 67 (97%) of 69 were treated nonoperatively with success. CT had 100% (19/19) sensitivity, 96% (69/72) specificity, 100% (69/69) negative predictive value, and 97% (101/104) accuracy in predicting the need for laparotomy. Triple-contrast helical CT can accurately predict the need for laparotomy and exclude peritoneal violation in penetrating torso trauma including tangential abdominal wounds.

Determining the need for laparotomy in penetrating torso trauma: a prospective study using triple-contrast enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography.

The nontherapeutic laparotomy rate in penetrating abdominal trauma remains high and the morbidity rate in these cases is approximately 40%. Selective management, rather than mandatory laparotomy, has become a popular approach in both stab wounds and gunshot wounds. The advent of spiral technology has stimulated a reassessment of the role of computed tomography (CT) in many aspects of trauma care. We prospectively investigated the current utility of triple-contrast CT as a diagnostic tool to facilitate initial therapeutic management decisions in penetrating torso trauma. We studied hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating injury to the torso (abdomen, pelvis, flank, back, or lower chest) without definite indication for laparotomy, admitted to our trauma center during the 1-year period from 7/99 through 6/00. Patients underwent triple-contrast enhanced spiral CT as the initial study. A positive CT scan was defined as any evidence of peritoneal violation (free air or fluid, contrast leak, or visceral injury). Patients with positive CT, except those with isolated solid viscus injury, underwent laparotomy. Patients with negative CT were observed. There were 75 consecutive patients studied: mean age 30 years (range 15-85 years); 67 (89%) male; 41 (55%) gunshot wound, 32 (43%) stab wound, 2 (3%) shotgun wound; mean admission systolic blood pressure 141 mm Hg (range 95-194 mm Hg); 26 (35%) had positive CT and 49 (65%) had negative CT. In patients with positive CT, 18 (69%) had laparotomy: 15 therapeutic, 2 nontherapeutic, and 1 negative. Five patients had isolated hepatic injury and 2 had hepatic and diaphragm injury on CT and all were successfully managed without laparotomy. Of these seven patients, three had angioembolization and two had thoracoscopic diaphragm repair. In patients with negative CT, 47/49 (96%) had successful nonoperative management and 1 had negative laparotomy. The single CT-missed peritoneal violation had a left diaphragm injury at laparotomy. CT accurately predicted whether laparotomy was needed in 71/75 (95%) patients. In penetrating torso trauma, triple-contrast abdominopelvic CT can accurately predict need for laparotomy, exclude peritoneal violation, and facilitate nonoperative management of hepatic injury. Adjunctive angiography and investigation for diaphragm injury may be prudent.

Selection of nonoperative management candidates.

The liver and spleen are the most commonly injured intraabdominal organs and comprise most of the injuries to the solid viscera during blunt abdominal injury. The contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan has emerged as an accurate, safe diagnostic tool for blunt torso trauma, making nonoperative management of even severe injury to the liver and spleen possible. This review concentrates on the trends, patient selection criteria, and some of the risks of nonoperative management of hemodynamically stable patients with blunt liver and spleen injury.