Objective To explore the appl ication of damage control surgery (DCS) strategy in the treatment of severe burn-trauma combined injury. Methods From January 2004 to December 2009, 28 patients with severe burn-trauma combined injury received salvage treatment according to DCS, including 12 cases of burn combining injury at 2 sites, 6 cases ofburn combining injury at 3 sites, and 10 cases of burn combining injury at 4 sites or above. There were 18 males and 10 females with a median age of 39.5 years (range, 8-56 years). The burn area was 15% to 56% of total body surface area. The injury severity score a (ISS) was 25 to 56, and the traumatic index was 17 to 24. Lethal triad syndrome occurred in all patients. Of them, 16 cases were on admission immediatly after first-aid, and 12 cases were thansferred from other hospitals. The time from injury to hospital ization was 20 minutes to 36 hours. All patients were treated by immediate fluid resuscitation and emergent operation to control hemorrhage and contaminations. Biological dressings were used to seal the wounds provisionally. The systemic therapy was carried out as soon as the vital signs of the patients became stable. Results In 26 survivors, 23 achieved wound heal ing by first intention, 3 had a l ittle residual wound at discharge. The hospital ization days were 31 to 398 days (62 days on average). However, 1 patient died of multiple organ failure, another 1 patient died of severe cerebral trauma with refractory shock. Conclusion The DCS strategy is effective in reducing mortal ity of patients with severe burn-trauma combined injury.
Objective To analyze the outcome of patients with abdominal injury (AI) in the Chengdu Army General Hospital within 48 hours after the Wenchuan earthquake, in order to provide evidence for future improvement in emergency response after earthquakes and in the treatment of AI patients. Methods Data on the AI patients within 48 hours after the earthquake were collected from the Information Department of the Hospital. Microsoft EXCEL was used for data input. Results A total of 33 AI inpatients were treated which was 3.1% of the total inpatients. The AI inpatients suffered severe and complex injuries, and one of them died (mortality rate: 3%). Conclusion As a second-line Grade-A hospital,prompt triage is very important to patients who were rescued 48 hours after the earthquake. Reasonable damage control surgery and remedies prepared by medical staff from different specialties after the operations may decrease mortality rate.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation through anterior and posterior approaches in treatment of open Tile type C pelvic fractures at early stage. MethodsBetween January 2009 and April 2012, 12 patients with open Tile C pelvic fractures were treated. There were 7 males and 5 females, aged 6-53 years (median, 31 years). Of 12 cases, 4 were classified as Tile type C1, 6 as Tile type C2, and 2 as Tile type C3; 5 were rated as Gustilo type Ⅱ and 7 as Gustilo type Ⅲ. The injury severity score was 18-57 (mean, 37.2). The interval of injury and admission ranged from 15 minutes to 3 days (median, 50 minutes). The debridement and external fixation were performed at first stage; then open reduction and internal fixation were used through anterior approach (reconstruction plate) and posterior approach (cannulated lag screws). The vacuum sealing drainage was performed during treatment until the wounds healed. ResultsDelayed healing of incison was obtained in 12 cases because of wound infection. Anatomical reduction or approximate anatomical reduction was achieved in all 12 cases. The patients were followed up 3-39 months (median, 18 months). No loosening of internal fixation or fracture displacement was observed during follow-up. The fracture healing time was 7-13 weeks (mean, 9.7 weeks). At last follow-up, according to the Matta standard, the outcome was excellent in 10 cases and good in 2 cases; according to Majeed score, the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 1, and poor in 2. ConclusionEarly internal fixation operation of open Tile type C pelvic fractures can effectively restore the pelvic anatomical structure and stability, reduce the complication, and achieve satisfactory effectiveness.