Performance of the BioIntegral Bovine Pericardial Graft in Vascular Infections: VASCular No-REact Graft Against INfection Study.

Background: Vascular graft and endograft infections (VGEI) and native vessel infections (NVI) remain considerable challenges in vascular surgery, leading to high mortality and morbidity rates. Although in situ reconstruction is the preferred treatment, the material of choice is still a source of debate. Autologous veins are considered the first choice; however, xenografts may be an acceptable alternative.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of F-fluoro-d-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography interpretation methods in vascular graft and endograft infection.

Objective: Vascular graft and endograft infection (VGEI) has high morbidity and mortality rates. Diagnosis is complicated because symptoms vary and can be nonspecific. A meta-analysis identified F-fluoro-d-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (F-FDG PET/CT) as the most valuable tool for diagnosis of VGEI and favorable to computed tomography as the current standard.

Penetrating Neck Injury in Two Dutch Level 1 Trauma Centres: the Non-Existent Problem.

Objectives: Penetrating neck injuries (PNIs) have a low incidence in European trauma populations. Selective non-operative management of PNI has been suggested as a safe alternative to standard surgical neck exploration, but evidence is lacking. This clinical scenario evaluates institutional PNI management, specifically the associated carotid artery injury, and compares it with current guidelines.

Diagnostic Imaging in Vascular Graft Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Vascular graft infection (VGI), a serious complication in vascular surgery, has a high morbidity and mortality rate. The diagnosis is complicated by non-specific symptoms and challenged by the variable accuracy of different imaging techniques. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of various imaging techniques to diagnose VGI.

Direct transport versus inter hospital transfer of severely injured trauma patients.

Introduction: Several studies have suggested that severely injured patients should be transported directly to a trauma centre bypassing the nearest hospital. However, the evidence remains inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits in terms of mortality of direct transport to a trauma centre versus primary treatment in a level II or III centre followed by inter hospital transfer to a trauma centre for severely injured patients without Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Management of biliary complications in 412 patients with liver injuries.

Background: Bile leaks occur in 4% to 23% of patients after major liver injuries. The role of conservative management versus internal biliary drainage has not been clearly defined. The safety and efficacy of nonoperative management of bile leaks were studied.