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Biomedical subjects

E H Carrillo

Publications and source records attributed to E H Carrillo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

May-Thurner syndrome: management by endovascular surgical techniques.

May-Thurner syndrome is a condition in which there is impaired venous return due to compression of the left common iliac vein by the overlying right common iliac artery. The impedance of flow occurs both by the compressive force of the artery against the vein and by resultant intraluminal web formation inside the vein. Because of the mechanical nature of the obstruction, conservative management of these patients has resulted in poor outcomes. Typically, operative therapy is recommended and perused via various approaches. We have recently treated a 15-year-old patient with this disorder utilizing endovascular surgical techniques with an excellent outcome. A 1-year follow-up is presented.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Thoracoscopy in the management of posttraumatic persistent pneumothorax.

BACKGROUND: Persistent posttraumatic pneumothorax (PPP) is an uncommon complication of traumatic injuries of the chest, usually managed with suction drainage and involving prolonged hospital stays. This study was conducted to assess the advantages of using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the management of patients with PPP. STUDY DESIGN: Eleven patients with PPP underwent VATS for diagnosis and for definitive treatment. RESULTS: Before VATS was done, all patients had undergone multiple attempts to resolve the PPP; the hospital stay before VATS was 10 days (range, 4-14 days). In 10 patients, the cause of the PPP was identified and a segmental stapled resection was performed, with complete success in resolving the air leak and obtaining pleural synthesis. In another patient, the source of the air leak was not identified and a thoracoscopically assisted chemical pleurodesis was performed, with immediate cessation of the air leak. All chest tubes were removed within 48 hours of the procedure; 9 patients were discharged within 72 hours of VATS. Preoperative computed tomography of the chest was useful in 2 patients, but bronchoscopy did not disclose any major airway injury. CONCLUSIONS: Videothoracoscopy is an accurate, safe, and reliable alternative to an open thoracotomy in the management of patients with PPP. In the patients in whom the procedure was completed, excellent results were obtained and the hospital stay was reduced. We believe that VATS should be used earlier and more frequently after failure of conservative management in such patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Non-operative management of blunt hepatic trauma.

BACKGROUND: Non-operative management is currently considered the treatment of choice in over 50 per cent of adult patients with blunt liver injury. This report reviews the criteria for non-operative management and its potential downside. METHODS: English language publications were reviewed. RESULTS: Most reports from major trauma centres in the USA support the non-operative treatment of patients with blunt liver injury if well established criteria are met. Using such criteria, non-operative treatment is successful in 50-80 per cent of cases. Adjunctive radiological techniques may be helpful in managing some complications of non-operative treatment. CONCLUSION: Non-operative management is safe in haemodynamically stable patients with blunt liver injury. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen is extremely useful to document the extent of the damage and the presence of associated injuries, but it is not possible, based on CT alone, to predict failure; careful physiological monitoring in selected patients is indicated to avoid catastrophic complications.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Impact of trauma attending surgeon case volume on outcome: is more better?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between annual trauma volume per surgeon and years of attending experience with outcome in a Level I trauma center with a large panel of trauma attending surgeons. METHODS: The outcomes of trauma patients were examined in 1995 and 1996 in relationship to surgeon annual trauma volume and years of experience. Outcome variables studied included overall mortality, mortality stratified by Trauma and Injury Severity Score, mortality in patients with an Injury Severity Score greater than 15, and preventable or possibly preventable deaths. Morbidity outcomes examined were overall complication rate and length of stay per attending surgeon. Additionally, five difficult problems were evaluated for critical management decisions by the attending surgeons, and these outcomes were correlated to annual volume and experience. RESULTS: There was no difference in outcome in either morbidity or mortality that correlated with annual volume of patients treated or years of experience. Critical management errors occurred sporadically and were not related to volume or experience. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome after trauma seemed to be related to severity of injury rather than annual volume of cases per surgeon. Although our results may not be applicable to other institutions, they should urge caution in adopting and promulgating volume requirements for individual attending surgeons in trauma centers.

Emergencies↗
PubMed1998

Alternatives in the management of penetrating injuries to the iliac vessels.

BACKGROUND: The high mortality and morbidity rates after iliac vessel injuries remain a challenging problem for trauma surgeons. Several controversial issues surround the management of iliac vessel injuries, including the value of abbreviated laparotomy, the role of extra-anatomic bypass reconstruction (EABR), the use of vascular prostheses in the presence of contamination, and the need and timing for fasciotomy. METHODS: Retrospective review of the records of patients who sustained an injury to the iliac vessel between 1987 and 1996. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients were treated, including 23 with isolated iliac vein injuries, 17 with arterial injuries, and 24 with combined arteriovenous injuries. Vascular prostheses were placed in 17 patients with arterial injuries, including 12 with associated intestinal wounds. Graft infection did not occur. Of the 24 patients with combined injuries, 11 underwent abbreviated laparotomy and 1 died. Five deaths, however, occurred in 13 patients in whom no attempts were made for damage control laparotomy. Significant differences between survivors and nonsurvivors included final arterial pH, final prothrombin time, length of hypotension, and number of transfusions. Arterial ligation with EABR was performed in five patients and failed in two. Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occurred in four patients, in three of them after venous injuries were ligated. The overall mortality rate was 23%. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that (1) abbreviated laparotomy reduces mortality in iliac injuries; (2) EABR should be performed early after stabilization to prevent limb ischemia; (3) the use of vascular prostheses with associated intestinal injuries did not appear to increase the incidence of graft infection; and (4) after vein ligation, early fasciotomy and prophylaxis against extremity swelling, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism should be considered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Effect of a clinical pathway for severe traumatic brain injury on resource utilization.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of clinical pathways for the complex trauma patient is unclear. We analyzed the effect of a clinical pathway for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) on resource utilization. METHODS: A clinical pathway for severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score < or = 8 at 24 hours) was developed by a multidisciplinary team and used for all patients with severe TBI. Data were gathered prospectively for 15 months and compared with data from historical controls from the previous year. Patients who survived < 48 hours were excluded. RESULTS: The clinical pathway was used for 84 patients with severe TBI and compared with 49 historical controls. No differences in Injury Severity Scores (27 vs. 27) or GCS scores at 24 hours (6.2 vs. 6.5) existed between control or pathway patients. There was an overall increase in the mortality rate of pathway patients (from 12.2 to 21.4%), but this was entirely attributable to withdrawal of care that was initiated by family members in patients with an average age of 71 years, an average GCS score of 4.7, and an average Injury Severity Score of 29. Among survivors, pathway patients had a significant decrease in ventilator days (11.5 +/- 0.9 vs. 14.6 +/- 1.2; p < 0.05), intensive care unit days (16.7 +/- 1.0 vs. 21.2 +/- 1.4; p < 0.05), and hospital days (23.4 +/- 1.2 vs. 31.0 +/- 3.0; p < 0.05). There were no differences in the incidence of complications or functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: The use of a clinical pathway for severe TBI resulted in a significant reduction in resource utilization. This study suggests that clinical pathways may be a useful component of patient care after blunt trauma.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The role of computed tomography in selective management of gunshot wounds to the abdomen and flank.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether computed tomography (CT) is an accurate diagnostic modality for the triage of hemodynamically stable patients with gunshot wounds of the abdomen and flank. METHODS: A chart review of 83 trauma patients for whom abdominal CT was used as initial screening. RESULTS: In 53 patients, CT revealed no evidence of peritoneal penetration, and in 15 patients, there was evidence of either peritoneal penetration or liver injury. There were no false results in these patients. Among 15 patients with questionable peritoneal penetration, cavitary endoscopy was performed in 11 and exploratory laparotomy was performed in 3, and 1 patient was initially observed and subsequently underwent exploratory surgery for a missed colonic injury. CONCLUSION: In selected centers and in hemodynamically stable patients with abdominal and flank gunshot wounds, abdominal CT can be an effective and safe initial screening modality to document the presence or absence of peritoneal penetration and to manage nonoperatively stable patients with liver injuries. If there is any question of peritoneal penetration, cavitary endoscopy should be part of the protocol of nonoperative management.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1998

New technology in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the pleural space.

Recent developments in video camera technology, new instruments, and advanced surgical techniques have increased the importance of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Currently, VATS offers a new approach in the diagnosis and treatment of many thoracic conditions previously treated only by standard thoracotomy. In our experience, VATS is a safe, reliable, and effective alternative to thoracic surgery. With further improvements and refinements in video imaging and endoscopic instruments, more procedures will be technically feasible. The long-term results of VATS compared to open thoracotomy will require extensive follow up and prospective trials to determine its true value.

Endoscopy↗
PubMed1998

Comparison of sequential compression devices and foot pumps for prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis in high-risk trauma patients.

Multiple-trauma patients are at increased risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) but are also at increased risk of bleeding, and the use of heparin may be contraindicated. Sequential pneumatic compression devices (SCDs) are an alternative for DVT prophylaxis. However, lower extremity fracture or soft tissue injury may preclude their use. In these circumstances, foot pumps (FPs) are often substituted, yet little clinical data exist to support their use. We identified 184 consecutive high-risk trauma patients who received DVT prophylaxis with compression devices. We reviewed demographic data, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, injury pattern, and method of prophylaxis. Generally, SCDs were preferred, but FPs were substituted in patients with lower extremity injuries. Occurrences of DVT or pulmonary embolism were also noted. Patients surviving less than 48 hours were excluded. SCDs were used in 118 patients (64%) and FPs in 66 patients (34%). There were no differences in age, Injury Severity Score, or presence of shock on admission. As expected, FP patients were more likely to have lower extremity fractures (65 vs 26%; P < 0.05) and were also more likely to have associated pelvic fracture (59 vs 25%; P < 0.05) and chest injury (61 vs 26%, P < 0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of head injury, although SCD patients had more severe head injuries (Glasgow Coma Score, 7.9 vs 10.5; P < 0.05). The overall incidence of DVT was 5.4 per cent (10 of 184), with no differences between the two groups (SCD 7% vs FP 3%). Three patients had a pulmonary embolism (FP, two; SCD, one), none of which were fatal. Compression devices provide adequate DVT prophylaxis with a low failure rate (3-8%) and no device-related complications. FPs appear to be a reasonable alternative in the high-risk trauma patient when lower extremity fractures precludes use of SCD.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Embolization therapy as an alternative to thoracotomy in vascular injuries of the chest wall.

Hemothorax and persistent thoracic bleeding is frequently an indication for thoracotomy after trauma. Unfortunately, the source of the hemorrhage is often not identified. Presently, selective arteriography and transcatheter embolization (SATE) offers a good and safe alternative to localize and control hemorrhage from arterial injuries in selected patients. The records of eight patients who underwent SATE were reviewed. There were six blunt and two penetrating chest injuries. Four patients had significant preexisting medical comorbidities. Three patients with blunt injuries had undergone exploratory thoracotomy, but continued to bleed postoperatively. In three patients, angiography was indicated for associated thoracic and pelvic injuries, and five patients had SATE specifically due to thoracic hemorrhage. In all patients, SATE was effective to diagnose and control the hemorrhage. There were no complications related to the SATE procedure. Two patients died secondary to severe cerebral injuries. Given hemodynamic stability, SATE can be considered in patients who have already had a thoracotomy, have significant associated medical conditions, or those in need of other angiographic studies. Careful technique and a readiness to abandon SATE in unstable patients or when a suitable catheter position cannot be achieved are important technical points.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Twelfth rib resection. Preferred therapy for subphrenic abscess in selected surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of 12th rib resection in the treatment of postoperative, subphrenic abscesses. DESIGN: Consecutive case series. SETTING: University hospital, level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Operative logs for a 13-year period were reviewed for all patients undergoing 12th rib resection for drainage of a postoperative subphrenic abscess. Each individual medical record was reviewed for demographic data, primary diagnosis, computed tomographic scan findings, and clinical status (temperature, white blood cell count, and Acute, Physiologic, Age, and Chronic Health Evaluation II score) at the time of rib resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative results, microbiological data, complications, and outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients underwent 27 rib resections for a secondary left subphrenic (23) or a right subhepatic (4) abscess. All patients had undergone at least 1 prior laparotomy (average, 1.5; range, 1-4). Sixteen patients had traumatic injuries, and 7 had complicated pancreatitis. Twelve patients had undergone prior failed attempts at percutaneous drainage before rib resection. Fourteen patients underwent operative drainage without attempted percutaneous drainage, mainly for peripancreatic (7) or multiloculated (3) abscesses. There were 3 postoperative complications (3/27 [11%]): a gastrocutaneous fistula, a gastrocolic-cutaneous fistula requiring laparotomy and temporary colostomy, and fasciitis in the resection site. Four (15%) of the 26 patients died: 3 died of progressive multiple system organ failure, and 1 died of an unrelated injury. The remaining 20 (77%) of the patients were discharged from the hospital with healing wounds and no further episodes of intra-abdominal infection. CONCLUSIONS: Twelfth rib resection is an effective alternative therapy for secondary subphrenic abscesses. The nature of the incision allows for open, dependent drainage; avoids subsequent laparotomy; and effectively controls intra-abdominal infections. Twelfth rib resection remains a useful tool in the treatment of subphrenic abscess and may be the preferred approach when other attempts at abscess drainage have failed.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Bedside percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. A safe alternative for early nutritional support in critically ill trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a good alternative that provides long-term nutritional support and is associated with minimal morbidity. METHODS: During a 24-month period, we studied 54 critically injured patients who underwent early PEG to provide enteral nutritional support. Patients were selected due to the inability to tolerate intake by mouth secondary to multiple associated injuries, especially to the central nervous system. RESULTS: All patients sustained multiple injuries with an average Injury Severity Score of 27. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale at the time of admission was 7 and at the time of the PEG was 10. Eleven patients (20%) had an intracranial pressure (ICP) device, and there was no significant increase in the mean ICP before, during, or after the procedure. In 63% of patients, tube feedings were interrupted for a variety of problems in the 72 h preceding the PEG, and in 70% of patients an average of five radiographs were obtained to document tube position. In 95% of patients, the nutritional goal was achieved within 48 h of PEG placement. There were one immediate and two delayed complications after PEG placement. There were two deaths, neither related to the PEG placement. CONCLUSIONS: Early PEG in critically injured patients is a safe and effective method of providing access to the GI tract for nutritional support. In patients with significant brain injuries, adequate sedation and the presence of an ICP monitor help to minimize secondary insults to the brain.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy for airway control.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) is a good alternative to obtain safe and secure long-term airway control, and is associated with minimal morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: During a 14-month period, we prospectively studied 35 intensive care unit (ICU) trauma patients who underwent early PDT for the sole purpose of obtaining long-term airway control. All patients were determined to need a tracheostomy owing to extubation inability, need to maintain a patent airway, or need for continuous airway access for management of secretions. RESULTS: All patients had sustained multiple injuries with an average Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 29. The time from ICU admission to placement of the PDT was 8 +/- 5 days. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale at the time of the PDT was 10 (range 4 to 15), and 11 patients (31%) had an intracranial pressure device in place. The procedure was completed with bronchoscopic guidance in 33 patients, and in 2 it was converted to surgical tracheostomy (ST). There were no significant complications associated with the placement of the PDT. Two deaths were documented, neither related to the PDT placement. Compared with standard ST, charges were reduced by $1,750. CONCLUSIONS: Bedside endoscopic PDT for selected critically ill trauma patients is justified as a safe and effective alternative to ST. The low incidence of complications in PDT suggests that it can be done safely at bedside in the ICU.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The role of thoracoscopy in the management of retained thoracic collections after trauma.

BACKGROUND: Retained hemothorax and infected thoracic collections after trauma can be seen in up to 20% of patients initially treated with tube thoracostomy and have traditionally been treated nonoperatively, often with prolonged hospital stays. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with retained thoracic collections were reviewed. They underwent 26 thoracoscopies to evacuate undrained blood with or without infection. RESULTS: In 19 patients (76%), the collections were evacuated thoracoscopically. In 4 patients the procedure was converted to an open thoracotomy, and 2 patients required additional procedures to drain these collections. Failure of thoracoscopy correlated with the time between injury and operation and the type of collection, but not with the mechanism of injury. When thoracoscopy was performed in less than 7 days after admission, no cases of empyema were noted at operation. CONCLUSIONS: Videothoracoscopy is an accurate, safe, and reliable operative therapy to evacuate retained thoracic collections. In 90% of the patients in whom the procedure was completed, good results were obtained, reducing hospital stay and possible complications. Videothoracoscopy should be the initial treatment in trauma patients with retained thoracic collections and should be used earlier and more frequently in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Cardiac herniation producing tamponade: the critical role of early diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Rupture of the pleuropericardium (PP) occurs rarely, with most patients dying of associated injuries before arriving at the hospital. Among patients who initially survive, the diagnosis is often delayed until cardiogenic shock secondary to cardiac herniation is evident. METHODS: The records of 10 patients with PP lacerations and cardiac herniations were reviewed. RESULTS: All but one patient had a normal chest x-ray (CXR) film on admission. After the patients became symptomatic, seven of nine had abnormal findings on CXR film demonstrating herniation of the heart into the left hemithorax. The other two patients underwent surgery without a repeat CXR film. Except for one who was taken directly to the operating room, all patients had been previously stabilized before developing cardiogenic shock, on average 9 hours after admission. Operative therapy was closure of the pericardium for five patients and completion pericardiotomy for the others. All survivors developed significant complications, and four of them died. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of PP rupture should be considered for patients with multiple trauma who develop sudden and unexpected cardiogenic shock after their initial condition has been stabilized. A repeat CXR film is diagnostic in most cases and should be used as the most efficient and expeditious route to making the diagnosis.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1997

Abdominal vascular injuries.

Trauma surgeons are occasionally faced with patients with abdominal vascular injuries. Important surgical issues in the successful management of these injuries require a thorough knowledge of the abdominal vascular anatomy and techniques of vascular repair, that surgical exploration be performed without delay, that the vascular injury be exposed rapidly with control of hemorrhage upon entering the abdomen, that efforts be made to reestablish perfusion initially to the structures at the highest risk of anoxic injury, and an understanding that it is occasionally necessary to perform temporary procedures while the general condition of a patient is being stabilized, with subsequent definitive care. The primary goal in the management of these patients should be hemorrhage control rather than maintenance of blood flow. The principles of abbreviated laparotomy with planned reoperation should be used in some patients with major abdominal vascular injuries. The decision to reestablish vascular continuity at a later time should balance anticipated functional outcome against potential complications.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1997

Risk-taking behaviors among adolescent trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol is a major contributing factor in adult trauma and may adversely affect decision-making in other safety areas such as use of seatbelts and motorcycle helmets. The magnitude of risk-taking behavior and poor decision-making among adolescent trauma patients is not fully appreciated. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and pattern of risk-taking behavior among adolescents (age < or = 20 years) admitted to an adult Level I trauma center. METHODS: The trauma registry was used to identify patients. Data collected included age, mechanism of injury, blood alcohol and urine toxicology results, seatbelt and helmet use, Glasgow Coma Score, Injury Severity Score, and outcome. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of all admissions to an adult trauma center were adolescents (648 of 4,291). Twenty-one percent of adolescents (138 of 648) and 30% of adults (1,067 of 3,643) tested positive for blood alcohol on admission. Seatbelts were worn by only 19% of adolescent motor vehicle crash admissions versus 30% of adults. Only 7% of adolescents (6 of 83) with detectable alcohol used restraints, compared with 22% (67 of 310) without documented alcohol ingestion (p < 0.05). Adults were somewhat better at restraint use (16% of alcohol-positive patients and 36% without alcohol). Eight of 23 minors (35%) in motorcycle/bicycle crashes were wearing a helmet, compared with 95 of 168 adults (57%). Overall, 6.7% of adolescents and 8.6% of adults had positive toxicology screens. Adolescents with known alcohol consumption were twice as likely to have a positive toxicology screen for illegal drugs (15 vs. 7%; p < 0.05). Alcohol was also frequently detected among adolescents with mechanisms of injury other than motor vehicle and motorcycle crashes, such as violence (25%) and falls (44%). CONCLUSION: Alcohol is frequently involved in all types of trauma, for adolescents as well as adults. This is often compounded by poor decision-making and multiple risk-taking behaviors.

Adolescent↗