Nontherapeutic laparotomy in American combat casualties: a 10-year review.

Background: The civilian literature has expanded the indications for selective nonoperative management (SNOM) for abdominal trauma to minimize morbidity from nontherapeutic laparotomies (NTLs); however, this treatment modality remains controversial and rare in austere settings. This study aimed to quantify the percentage of NTL and incidence of failed SNOM performed in theater and to define each of their respective intra-abdominal-related morbidities.

Methods: A retrospective evaluation of all patients who underwent a laparotomy from 2002 to 2011 during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) was performed for patients who survived a minimum of 24 hours.

Venous thromboembolism during combat operations: a 10-y review.

Background: This article examines the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in combat wounded, identifies risk factors for pulmonary embolism (PE), and compares the rate of PE in combat with previously reported civilian data.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all U.S.