Management of haemothoraces in blunt thoracic trauma: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Haemothorax following blunt thoracic trauma is a common source of morbidity and mortality. The optimal management of moderate to large haemothoraces has yet to be defined. Observational data have suggested that expectant management may be an appropriate strategy in stable patients.

To drain or not to drain? Predictors of tube thoracostomy insertion and outcomes associated with drainage of traumatic hemothoraces.

Introduction: Historical data suggests that many traumatic hemothoraces (HTX) can be managed expectantly without tube thoracostomy (TT) drainage. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of TT, including whether the quantity of pleural blood predicted tube placement, and to evaluate outcomes associated with TT versus expected management (EM) of traumatic HTXs.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all trauma patients with HTXs and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥12 managed at a level I trauma centre between April 1, 2005 and December 31, 2012 was completed.

Outcomes of Acinetobacter baumannii infection in critically ill surgical patients.

Background: Multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms in intensive care units (ICUs) are a growing concern. The emergence of several infections with MDR Acinetobacter baumannii prompted a review of cases and evaluation of the efficacy of intervention.

Objective: To determine the rate of clinical cure, the incidence of drug resistance, and the mortality rate associated with A.

Selective non-operative management of solid organ injury following abdominal gunshot wounds.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients sustaining a torso gunshot wound with documented solid organ injury. Our hypothesis was that the non-operative management of isolated solid organ injuries is a safe management option for a select group of patients.

Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was conducted to identify all patients sustaining a torso gunshot resulting in a solid organ injury undergoing non-operative management over a 5-year period (12/1999-01/2005).