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SummarySubxyphoid pericardial window (SPW) is performed as both a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in patients presenting with a penetrating cardiac injury (PCI). Post-pericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) with cardiac tamponade has been reported after penetrating cardiac trauma1 and after transdiaphragmatic pericardial window.2 We describe the first PPS with acute tamponade, weeks after diagnostic SPW for a PCI.

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes employed in elective surgery have provided strong evidence for decreased lengths of hospital stay without increase in postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to explore the role and benefits of ERAS implemented in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for penetrating abdominal trauma. Methods: Institutional University of Cape Town Human Research Ethics Committee (UCT-HREC) approved study. A prospective cohort of 38 consecutive patients with isolated penetrating abdominal trauma undergoing emergency laparotomy were included in the study. The enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) included: early urinary catheter removal, early nasogastric tube (NGT) removal, early feeding, early mobilisation/physiotherapy, early intravenous line removal and early optimal oral analgesia. This group was compared to a historical control group of 40 consecutive patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for penetrating abdominal trauma, prior to the introduction of the ERP. Demographics, mechanism of injury, injury severity scores (ISS) and penetrating abdominal trauma index (PATI) were determined for both groups. The primary end-points were length of hospital stay (LOS) and incidence of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification) in the 2 groups. The difference in means was tested using the t-test assuming unequal variances. Statistical significance was defined as p-value less than 0.05 (p<0.05). Results: The two groups were comparable with regards to age, gender, mechanism of injury, ISS and PATI scores. The mean time to solid diet, urinary catheter and nasogastric tube (NGT) removal was 3.6 (non-ERAS) and 2.8 (ERAS) days [p<0.035], 3.3 (non-ERAS) and 1.9 (ERAS) days [p<0.00003], 2.1 (non-ERAS) and 1.2 (ERAS) days [p<0.0042], respectively. There was no difference in time from admission to time of laparotomy 313 (non-ERAS) vs 358 (ERAS) minutes [p<0.07]. There were 11 and 12 complications in the non-ERAS and ERAS groups, respectively. When graded as per the Clavien-Dindo classification, there was no significant difference in the 2 groups (p<0.59). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the ERAS group: 5.5 (SD 1.8) days vs. 8.4 (SD 4.2) days [p<0.00021]. Conclusion: This pilot study shows that ERPs can be successfully implemented with significant shorter hospital stays without any increase in postoperative complications in trauma patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for penetrating abdominal trauma.

Background: Due to resource constrained pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMSs) there is a significant delay in injured patients arriving at Groote Schuur Hospital Trauma Centre (GSHTC). The aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of EMSs in transferring trauma patients to GSHTC. The effect of any delay to laparotomy from injury was noted. Methods: A prospective audit of patients presented directly from the scene to GSHTC following abdominal trauma over a four-month period was performed. Time from contact to the arrival of EMS at scene – the response time (RT) – was used as an indicator of EMS performance. Postoperative complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications. Results: A total of 118 patients were admitted to the trauma surgery ward following abdominal trauma. The mechanism was penetrating 101 (85.6%) [stab wounds in 67 (56.8%) and gunshot in 34 (28.8%)], and 17 (14.4%) with blunt injuries. EMSs transported 110 (93.2%) patients. A total of 48 index laparotomies were done during this period, of which 13 patients developed postoperative complications. The median RT of the EMS after contact was 53 min for patients who developed complications. It was significantly longer than for those without complications, 21 min (p<0.01). The median delay to laparotomies from injury for patients with postoperative complications was 10.3 hours and for those without complications was 7.5 hours. The delay from injury to the theatre was also a significant factor in the development of complications (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The response delay by EMS and delay from injury to the theatre increased complications. Therefore, rapid response by EMS in transferring trauma patients needs to be strengthened.

Background: Major pancreatic injuries are complex to treat, especially when combined with vascular and other critical organ injuries. This case-matched analysis assessed the influence of associated visceral vascular injuries on outcome in pancreatic injuries. Method: A registered prospective database of 461 consecutive patients with pancreatic injuries was used to identify 68 patients with a Pancreatic Injury combined with a major visceral Vascular Injury (PIVI group) and were matched one-to-one by an independent blinded reviewer using a validated individual matching method to 68 similar Pancreatic Injury patients without a vascular injury (PI group). The two groups were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and outcome including complication rates, length of hospital stay and 90-day mortality rate was measured. Results: The two groups were well matched according to surgical intervention. Mortality in the PIVI group was 41% (n = 28) compared to 13% (n = 9) in the PI alone group (p = 0.000, OR 4.5, CI 1.00-10.5). On univariate analysis the PIVI group was significantly more likely to (i) be shocked on admission, (ii) have a RTS < 7.8, (iii) require damage control laparotomy, (iv) require a blood transfusion, both in frequency and volume, (v) develop a major postoperative complication and (vi) die. On multivariate analysis, the need for damage control laparotomy was a significant variable (p = 0.015, OR 7.95, CI 1.50-42.0) for mortality. Mortality of AAST grade 1 and 2 pancreatic injuries combined with a vascular injury was 18.5% (5/27) compared to an increased mortality of 56.1% (23/41) of AAST grade 3, 4 and 5 pancreatic injuries with vascular injuries (p = 0.0026) Conclusion: This study confirms that pancreatic injuries associated with major visceral vascular injuries have a significantly higher complication and mortality rate than pancreatic injuries without vascular injuries and that the addition of a vascular injury with an increasing AAST grade of pancreatic injury exponentially compounds the mortality rate.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with left-sided thoracoabdominal (TA) stab wounds can be safely treated with clinical and chest X-ray follow up. Method: A prospective, randomized control study was conducted at Groote Schuur Hospital from September 2009 through to November 2014. Patients with asymptomatic left TA stab wounds included in the trial were randomized into two groups. Group A underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and Group B underwent clinical and radiological follow-up. Results: Twenty-seven patients were randomized to Group A (N=27) and thirty-one to Group B (N=31). All patients were young males with a median age of 26 years (range 18 to 48). The incidence of occult diaphragm injury in Group A was 29%. All diaphragm injuries found at laparoscopy were repaired. The mean hospital stay for the patients in Group A was 5 days (SD 1.3), compared to a mean hospital stay of 2.9 days (SD, 1.5), in Group B (p<0.001). All patients in Group B had normal chest X-rays at their last visit. The mean follow-up time was 24 months (median: 24; interquartile range: 1–40). There was no morbidity or mortality in Group B. Conclusions: Clinical and radiological follow-up are feasible and appear to be safe, in the short term, in patients who harbour occult diaphragm injuries after left TA stab wounds. Until studies showing the natural history of diaphragm injury in humans are available, laparoscopy should remain the gold standard in treatment.

Background: The Groote Schuur Hospital Trauma Unit is a high-volume referral center where patient volumes may be related to temporal and environmental factors. Objective: This audit aimed to determine if numbers of patients presenting after motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) and interpersonal violence (IPV) were related to temporal factors, weather variables and important soccer matches. Method: Numbers of patients presenting to the unit per shift over 17 months were obtained from unit logs. Weather data, local soccer match locations and results, and information regarding public holidays and long weekends were obtained for the relevant shifts. Average daily attendances for IPV-related injuries and MVCs were compared across the various external factors described. Poisson regression models were fitted and used to express the relative incidence of attendances. These results are expressed using incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Results: For the study period, 7 350 attendances due to IPV-related injuries, and 3 188 injuries due to MVCs were recorded. Weekdays, long-weekend nights and month-end weekends had increased MVC-related attendance. Precipitation also increased attendances related to MVCs. Public holidays had less MVC-related attendance. IPV-related attendances were increased at night, on long weekends, and on month-end weekends. Weekend shifts were busier than weekday shifts, particularly at month-end. Long weekends showed similar trends to ordinary weekends, and public holidays showed similar trends to ordinary weekdays. Increasing temperatures are associated with increased attendances. Soccer matches and their outcomes have no significant effect on IPV-related attendances. Conclusion: Temporal and weather factors can help predict which trauma unit shifts will be busiest.

Background A previous study from Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) highlighted the success of FCBT (PNI). Aim This study is an update highlighting the management trends and outcomes. Methods The records of all patients with PNI requiring FCBT for a neck injury presenting to GSH within an 11-month study period were reviewed. Prospectively captured data on the Electronic Trauma Health Record Application (eTHRApp), was retrospectively analysed. Analysed data included demographics, clinical signs on admission, imaging, management and major outcomes. Results Over the 11-month study period, 311 patients with PNI were seen, of which 47 patients (15.1%) required FCBT. All were male; mean age of 28.6 years (range 18-48). Most injuries were caused by stab wounds (91.5%) while 4 patients (8.5%) suffered gunshot wounds. The majority of catheters (85.1%) were inserted by the referral institution. A total of 14 arterial injuries were identified, of which only one had ongoing active bleeding with haemodynamic compromise requiring immediate surgical intervention without prior imaging. The remaining 46 patients were imaged with computerised tomography angiography (CTA). A total of 8 major arterial injuries were found, of which six were surgically repaired; and one carotid injury was stented. A further 6 minor arterial injuries were identified and managed expectantly. A further 4 patients required surgery for their neck injuries: 2 had major venous injuries ligated and 2 required surgery for aerodigestive injuries. The remaining patients had their catheter successfully removed at 48-72 hours. There was no significant bleeding observed in any of these patients. There was one mortality caused by a large cerebral infarct from a common carotid artery injury. Discussion This series shows an increasing use of FCBT for PNI. Major differences from the previous series include the increased use of CT angiography and less reliance on formal angiography for diagnostic purposes. FCBT remains a simple, easy-to-use, yet effective technique.

Background Gunshot wounds (GSW) to the chest are common presentations to trauma centres in South Africa. The clinical management and outcome of GSW to the chest are significantly altered by missile trajectory and the associated anatomical structures injured making them challenging injuries to treat. Currently, the management of GSW chest is based on scant evidence and treatment is typically according to algorithms based largely on the anecdotal experience of high volume institutions and experienced clinicians. Aim To utilise an established prospective database of one of world's busiest Trauma Centres to analyse the clinicopathological aspects of all patients with GSW to the chest. This work may strengthen the body of knowledge pertaining to the treatment of GSW to the chest and may then contribute to an evidence-based management algorithm for such injuries. Methods Ethical approval was obtained for this study. The Electronic Trauma Health Registry (eTHR) Application of the Trauma Centre at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town was interrogated for the year 2015 for all patients with GSW chest. The data was then analysed using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 141 patients with GSW to the chest were admitted to the Trauma Centre with a median age of 26 years. More than half of the patients, 53. 2% (n = 75) sustained an isolated GSW to the chest. Overall, 29.1% (n = 41) patients sustained a thoracoabdominal injury, which accounts for a significant higher amount of emergency surgeries compared to patients with non thoracoabdominal injuries (54% vs 15%, p = < 0.01). 9.2% (n = 13) of all patients required an emergency thoracotomy or emergency chest surgery of which 5 patients survived. Overall mortality was 7.1% (n = 10) of which 5 patients died from a thoracic cause. Discussion Civilian GSW to the chest are common injuries seen in Cape Town, often with concomitant injuries leading to increased morbidity. Significantly more emergency surgeries were done in patients with thoracoabdominal injury. Overall few patients needed chest-related emergency operative intervention (9.2%) with a survival rate of 38.5%. Overall mortality of patients with GSW chest who reached the hospital was 7.1% of whom 50% died from a thoracic cause.

Temporary intravascular shunts (TIVSs) can replace immediate definitive repair as a damage control procedure in vascular trauma. We evaluated their use in an urban trauma centre with a high incidence of penetrating trauma. A retrospective chart review of all patients treated with a TIVS in a single centre between January 2000 and December 2009. Thirty-five TIVSs were placed during the study period: 22 were part of a damage control procedure, 7 were inserted at a peripheral hospital without vascular surgical expertise prior to transfer, and 6 were used during fixation of a lower limb fracture with an associated vascular injury. There were 7 amputations and 5 deaths, 4 of the TIVSs thrombosed, and a further 3 dislodged or migrated. Twenty-five patients underwent definitive repair with an interposition graft, 1 primary anastomosis was achieved, and 1 extra-anatomical bypass was performed. Five patients with non-viable limbs had the vessel ligated. A TIVS in the damage control setting is both life- and limb-saving. These shunts can be inserted safely in a facility without access to a surgeon with vascular surgery experience if there is uncontrollable bleeding or the delay to definitive vascular surgery is likely to be more than 6 hours. A definitive procedure should be performed within 24 hours.

Background Selective nonoperative management (NOM) of penetrating abdominal trauma is routinely managed in our trauma center. Aim The purpose of this retrospective observational study is to examine the outcomes of patients who have failed NOM. Methods All patients for the period 01 May 2015-15 June 2016 who presented with a penetrating abdominal injury were prospectively entered into an ethics approved database, Ethrapp, and retrospectively reviewed. The patients were categorised into 3 groups: immediate laparotomy, successful NOM and failed NOM. Outcomes included: postoperative complications, mortality and length of hospital stay. Results A total of 485 patients with penetrating abdominal trauma were managed over the 13-month period. Of these, 219 (45%) were initially selected for NOM and the remaining 266 (55%) patients underwent immediate laparotomy. Twenty-six (26; 12%) failed abdominal observation. Increasing abdominal tenderness and radiological study Results were the primary factors used to determine the need for laparotomy in the NOM group. The median delay to laparotomy was 44.5 hours (27-68). Seven hollow viscus, 13 solid organ and 6 diaphragm injuries were found at laparotomy. There were 22 therapeutic, 2 negative and one non-therapeutic laparotomy. 90% of the immediate group underwent a therapeutic laparotomy. There was no mortality in the NOM group. Complications showed no significant difference. Discussion The delayed diagnosis and treatment of failed NOM for penetrating abdominal trauma result in morbidity, mortality and hospital stay comparable with those who undergo immediate laparotomy.