CT scan in the evaluation of pediatric abdominal trauma

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the need of computed tomography (CT) for the definition of management in pediatric abdominal trauma. Methods: observational retrospective study with patients under 18 years old victims of blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma that underwent CT of the abdomen and pelvis at admission. We evaluated CT scan findings, indications and management. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of clinical variables and energy of trauma for findings on CT. Results: among the 236 patients included in our study, 72% (n=170) did not present abnormal findings on CT. It was performed surgical treatment in 15% (n=10), conservative treatment in 54,5% (n=36) and 27% (n=18) did not receive treatment for abdominal injuries. In the assessment of CT indications, 28,8% (n=68) presented no justifications. In this group, 91% (n=62) did not show any abnormal findings. Among the six patients with positive findings, half were selected for conservative treatment, while the rest did not need any treatment for abdominal injuries. The presence of abdominal pain, hemodynamic alterations and high energy blunt trauma had low positive predictive values when isolated, whereas the negative predictive values were higher. Conclusion: although CT is necessary in some instances, there is a possible high number of exams that did not make any difference in the management of the pediatric population

The role of computerized tomography in penetrating abdominal trauma

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the role of abdominal computed tomography in the management of penetrating abdominal trauma. Methods: we conducted a historical cohort study of patients treated for penetrating trauma in the anterior abdomen, dorsum or thoracoabdominal transition, that were submitted to a computed tomography carried out on admission. We evaluated the location of the wound and the presence of tomographic findings, and the management of these patients as for nonoperative treatment or laparotomy. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography according to the evolution of the nonoperative treatment or the surgical findings. Results: we selected 61 patients, 31 with trauma to the anterior abdomen and 30 to the dorsum or thoracoabdominal transition. The mortality rate was 6.5% (n=4), all in the late postoperative period. Eleven patients with trauma to the anterior abdomen were submitted to nonoperative treatment, and 20, to laparotomy. Of the 30 patients with trauma to the dorsum or thoracoabdominal transition, 23 underwent nonoperative treatment and seven, laparotomy. There were three nonoperative treatment failures. In penetrating trauma of the anterior abdomen, the sensitivity of computed tomography was 94.1% and the negative predictive value was 93.3%. In dorsal or thoracoabdominal transition lesions, the sensitivity was 90% and the negative predictive value was 95.5%. In both groups, the specificity and the positive predictive value were 100%. Conclusion: the accuracy of computed tomography was adequate to guide the management of stable patients who could be treated conservatively, avoiding mandatory surgery in 34 patients and reducing the morbidity and mortality of non-therapeutic laparotomies

Telemedicine and telementoring in the surgical specialties: A narrative review

The field of telemedicine has grown tremendously over the last decade. We present a systematic review of publications on telemedicine as it pertains to surgery, addressing six facets: 1) telerobotics, 2) telementoring, 3) teleconsulting, 4) telemedicine in post-operative follow-up, 5) tele-education, and 6) current technology. A search of relevant literature querying PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct was performed using the following keywords: telecommunication, telemedicine, telehealth, virtual health, virtual medicine, general surgery, surgery, surgical or surgical patients. Telemedicine is being used to care for patients in remote areas, to help expert surgeons assist other specialists in the office or novice surgeons in the operating room, as well as to help teach the next generation of surgeons. There are many opportunities for surgeons to utilize this technology to optimize their practice. •Telesurgery can help overcome geographic and resource constraints.•Telementoring is an effective method of transfering surgical knowledge and expertise.•Technologic advancements have facilitated education, consultation, and remote telesurgery. The use of telemedicine in surgical care has seen substantial growth over the last decade. This article provides a descriptive review of some significant innovations in the following areas pertaining to surgery: 1) telerobotics, 2) telementoring, 3) teleconsulting, 4) telemedicine in post-operative follow-up, 5) tele-education, and 6) current technology

Influência do local de origem do trauma nos índices de admissão de pacientes submetidos à laparotomia de emergência.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a influência do local de ocorrência do trauma nos escores de trauma de pacientes submetidos à laparotomia de emergência. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo observacional analítico. Foram incluídos 212 pacientes submetidos à laparotomias exploratórias no período de janeiro de 2015 e dezembro de 2017. Informações sobre o local do acidente e dados vitais dos pacientes foram obtidas com base na coleta de dados por meio de prontuários eletrônicos e físicos. Foram analisados os índices de trauma de pacientes provenientes de Curitiba e Região Metropolitana e o local em que o paciente foi socorrido (estabelecimento físico ou via pública). Resultados: entre os 212 pacientes estudados, 184 (86,7%) foram trazidos pelo Serviço de Atendimento Pré-Hospitalar provenientes da cidade Curitiba e 28 (13,3%) provenientes de Região Metropolitana de Curitiba. Foram socorridos em estabelecimentos físicos 25 pacientes (17,6%), enquanto 117 (82,4%) foram socorridos em via pública. Observou-se maiores valores de ISS (Injurity Severity Score) dos pacientes procedentes da Região Metropolitana em relação aos procedentes de Curitiba (29,78 vs 22,46, P=0,009), enquanto valores maiores do TRISS (Trauma Trauma and Injury Severity Score) foram observados em pacientes procedentes de Curitiba em relação aos da Região Metropolitana (90,62 vs 81,30; P=0,015). Pacientes socorridos em via pública apresentaram menor valor de RTS (Revised Trauma Score) (6,96 vs 7,65; P=0,024) e TRISS (86,42 vs 97,21; P=0,012). Conclusão: pacientes vítimas de trauma procedentes de locais mais distantes do atendimento no centro de referência apresentaram pior prognóstico à admissão e foi observado pior prognóstico em pacientes socorridos em via pública