Surgical Site Infections in Trauma Exploratory Laparotomies Preoperative Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole Versus Cefoxitin.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing traumatic exploratory laparotomy. The goal of this study was to compare antibiotic usage and subsequent outcomes in patients undergoing traumatic exploratory laparotomy. A retrospective chart analysis and a chi-square test of independence were performed to examine the relation between preoperative cefoxitin versus ceftriaxone and metronidazole and the rate of SSI development.

Utility of Thromboelastography in Detecting NOAC-Related Coagulopathy in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Introduction: Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have gained popularity as a vitamin K antagonist alternative without regular monitoring. There has been an increase in elderly patients on NOACs admitted for traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of thromboelastography (TEG) in detecting NOAC-related coagulopathy among TBI patients.

Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy to Decrease the Incidence of Surgical Site Infections in Trauma Laparotomy Wounds.

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common post-operative complication, especially in trauma laparotomies. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) is a novel technique in reducing SSIs. We aim to study the rate of wound complications in trauma laparotomy with standard primary closure with staples vs iNPWT.

Medical therapy in type B aortic intramural hematoma is associated with a high failure rate.

Objective: Intramural hematoma (IMH) is on the spectrum of acute aortic syndrome, but optimal management is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of patients with type B IMH (TBIMH) after best medical therapy (BMT) and to assess for risk factors associated with failure of BMT.

Methods: This is a single-institution retrospective chart review of all patients with TBIMH between January 2008 and December 2017.

Inpatient Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter Complications: Should Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Lines Be Placed in the Intensive Care Unit Setting?

Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are now commonly used for central access in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting; however, there is a paucity of data evaluating the complication rates associated with these lines. We performed a retrospective review of all PICCs placed in the inpatient setting at our institution during a 1-year period from January 2013 to December 2013. These were divided into two groups: those placed at the bedside in the ICU and those placed by interventional radiology in non-ICU patients.

Kratom: A New Product in an Expanding Substance Abuse Market.

Kratom, a drug that produces similar adverse effects like those produced by opioids in patients who have overdosed or are going through withdrawal, has grown in popularity and availability.