Outcomes of Transfusion With Whole Blood, Component Therapy, or Both in Adult Civilian Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare outcomes, including transfusion volume, complications, intensive care unit length of stay, and mortality for adult civilian trauma patients transfused with whole blood (WB), components (COMP), or both (WB + COMP).

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using studies that evaluated outcomes of transfusion of WB, COMP, or WB + COMP for adult civilian trauma patients. A search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane from database inception to March 3, 2022 was conducted.

Assessment of Outcomes in Laparotomy vs Laparoscopy: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis of Patients Sustaining Single Penetrating Left Upper Quadrant Injury.

Background: We aim to compare outcomes between laparotomy and laparoscopy in trauma patients with single penetrating left upper quadrant injuries.

Methods: Using a 1:1 propensity score match, a retrospective study was conducted utilizing data from the ACS-TQP-PUF between 2016 and 2019. Adults sustaining a single penetrating left upper quadrant injury who received either a laparotomy or laparoscopy were included for analysis.

Analysis of Bicyclist Injuries and Fatalities in The United States: The Need for Effective & Sustainable Prevention Policies.

We aim to investigate nationwide and state trends of bicyclist injuries, fatalities, and associated costs amongst adult and pediatric populations to assess the need for effective and strategic interventions. An epidemiologic study was performed investigating the injury and fatality rate of bicyclists from 2010 to 2020. The fatality rate was higher in adults compared to pediatric bicyclists (0.

Analysis of Biomechanics of Motor Vehicle Collisions for Passenger Cars: Implications for Passenger Vehicle Safety and Future Car Design Innovations.

Introduction: Investigating biomechanics of injury patterns from motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) informs improvements in vehicle safety. This study aims to investigate two-vehicle MVCs involving a passenger car and specific injury patterns associated with sources of injury, collision biomechanics, vehicle properties, and patient outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study conducted to evaluate the biomechanics of specific injury patterns seen in MVCs involving passenger cars using the Crash Injury Research Engineering Network database between the years 2005 and 2015.

Nationwide analysis of proximity of American College of Surgeons-verified and state-designated trauma centers to the nearest highway exit and associated prehospital motor vehicle collision fatalities.

Background: Motor vehicle collisions remain a leading cause of trauma-related deaths. We aim to investigate the relationship between the proximity of trauma centers to the nearest highway exit and prehospital motor vehicle collision fatalities at the county level nationwide.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study evaluating the association between the distance of trauma centers to the nearest highway exit and prehospital motor vehicle collision fatalities between the years 2014 and 2019.

Gender Distribution & Rank of Authorship in Surgical Literature.

Background: Authorship of surgical literature is important for the career advancement of surgeons, and gender disparities in authorship may hinder the representation and leadership of women within academic surgery. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the gender distribution of first, senior, and overall authorship in peer-reviewed surgical journal studies across all surgical specialties to determine if disparities exist.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies investigating the gender distribution of authorship of surgical literature published before December 10th, 2021.

A Closer Look at the Rising Epidemic of Mass Shootings in the United States and Its Association With Gun Legislation, Laws, and Sales.

Introduction: Mass shootings pose a considerable threat to public safety and significantly cost the United States in terms of lives and expenses. The following are the specific aims of this study: (1) to assess US mass shootings, firearm-related sales, laws, and regional differences from 2015 to 2021 and (2) to investigate changes in mass shootings and firearm sales before and during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of mass shootings, gun sales, and laws regarding the minimum age required to purchase a firearm within the United States from 2015 to 2021.

Comparing Outcomes of Appendectomy Versus Non-operative Antibiotic Therapy for Acute Appendicitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common etiologies of an acute abdomen in the emergency department and first-line standard surgical care for the condition has recently been reconsidered. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of surgical intervention versus non-operative antibiotic therapy in the treatment of acute appendicitis in adult and pediatric patients.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE.

Timing of tracheostomy in patients with severe traumatic brain injuries: The need for tailored practice management guidelines.

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of fatal trauma, and patients often require prolonged ventilation and tracheostomy. There are currently no standardized guidelines regarding the optimal timing of tracheostomy placement for mechanically ventilated patients with severe TBI. This review aims to investigate the impact of tracheostomy timing on the clinical outcomes in patients with severe TBI.

Nationwide Analysis of Biomechanics of Motor Vehicle Collisions Involving Passenger Vehicle and Associated Outcomes: Towards Improving Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations.

Background: Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) pose significant mortality and economic burden on the United States. Biomechanics research may guide future vehicle innovation. The objective of this study is to investigate the biomechanics of two-vehicle MVCs involving passenger vehicle (PV) to evaluate associated injury patterns and outcomes including mortality.

Comprehensive Assessment of Burnout Among Surgical Trainees and Practicing Surgeons: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Surgeon burnout has received increasing attention due to evidence of high prevalence across specialties. We aimed to (1) systematically characterize existing definitions of burnout, (2) evaluate tools to measure burnout, and (3) determine risk factors of surgical burnout.

Design: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase databases were searched to identify burnout rates and tools used to measure the quality of life (QoL) published from January 2000-December 2021.

Laparoscopic Versus Laparotomy Surgical Interventions for Trauma Patients With Single Upper Left Quadrant Penetrating Injuries: Analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program Dataset.

Background: We aim to identify patient cohorts where laparoscopy can be safely utilized with comparable or better outcomes to laparotomy among patients with single penetrating LUQ injuries with a hypothesis that compared to laparotomy, laparoscopy may be associated with equal or improved outcomes of low injury severity patients.

Methods: Retrospective review of the ACS-TQP-Participant Use File 2016-2019 dataset. Patients with single LUQ penetrating injuries were included.

Preoperative and Postoperative Cognitive Assessment in Geriatric Patients Following Acute Traumatic Injuries: Towards Improving Geriatric Trauma Outcomes.

Introduction: A growing percentage of the US population is over the age of 65, and geriatrics account for a large portion of trauma admissions, expected to reach nearly 40% by 2050. Cognitive status is important for operative management, especially in elderly populations. This study aims to investigate preoperative and postoperative cognitive function assessment tools in geriatric patients following acute trauma and associated outcomes, including functional status, postdischarge disposition, mortality, and hospital length of stay (H-LOS).

Gender Distribution of First and Senior Authorship Across Most Cited Studies Within the Top Ten Surgical Journals From 2015-2020: Cementing Women Academic Surgery Representation.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the gender distribution of first and senior authors in the most highly cited original research studies published in the top 10 surgical journals from 2015 to 2020 to identify disparities and changes over time.

Methods: A retrospective study analyzing the gender distribution of first and senior authors in the top 10 most cited studies from the top 10 surgical journals from 2015 to 2020. The genders of the first and senior authors of each study were assessed using National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers or pronouns from institutional biographies or news articles.

Trends of Cancer Screenings, Diagnoses, and Mortalities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications and Future Recommendations.

Introduction: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screenings and care has yet to be determined. This study aims to investigate the screening, diagnosis, and mortality rates of the top five leading causes of cancer mortality in the United States from 2019 to 2021 to determine the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on screening, diagnoses, and mortality rates of the top five leading causes of cancer death (lung/bronchus, colon/rectum, pancreas, breast, and prostate), as determined by the National Institute of Health (NIH) utilizing The United States Healthcare Cost Institute and American Cancer Society databases from 2019 to 2021.

The Role of Pericardial Window Techniques in the Management of Penetrating Cardiac Injuries in the Hemodynamically Stable Patient: Where Does It Fit in the Current Trauma Algorithm?

Introduction: Penetrating cardiac injuries (PCIs) have high in-hospital mortality rates. Guidelines regarding the use of pericardial window (PW) for diagnosis and treatment of suspected PCIs are not universally established. The objective of this review was to provide a critical appraisal of the current literature to determine the effectiveness and safety of PW as both a diagnostic and therapeutic technique for suspected PCIs in patients with hemodynamic stability.

Hypopituitarism After Traumatic Brain Injury.

Acquired hypopituitarism is associated with traumatic brain injury. This neuroendocrine dysfunction can cause both short-term and long-term morbidity resulting in a cognitive, physiological, and behavioral decline, which increases the burden of the disease and the cost of care. Data in the trauma literature is derisory on this subject.

A Serious Complication of Illicit Silicone Injections: Latent Silicone Embolization Syndrome after Incision and Drainage of Local Injection Site.

Background: Silicone embolization syndrome, a serious adverse effect of illicit silicone injections by laypersons, occurs when silicone particles enter the circulation and shower the lungs and other vital organs.

Methods: We review the literature on silicone embolization syndrome and describe a unique case of the syndrome that developed after a latent period of several months, upon surgical debridement of an injection site abscess.

Results: In the scientific literature, silicone embolization syndrome has been well described and multiple presentations have been delineated.

The concept of damage control: extending the paradigm to emergency general surgery.

Objective: A damage control (DC) approach was developed to improve survival in severely injured trauma patients. The role of DC in acute surgery (AS) patients who are critically ill, as a result of sepsis or overwhelming haemorrhage continues to evolve. The goal of this study was to assess morbidity and mortality of AS patients who underwent DC, and to compare observed and predicted morbidity and mortality as calculated from APACHE II and physiological and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) scores.

Battlefield casualties treated at Camp Rhino, Afghanistan: lessons learned.

Background: Operation Enduring Freedom is an effort to combat terrorism after an attack on the United States. The first large-scale troop movement (> 1,300) was made by the U.S.