Objective: The options for abdominal coverage after damage control laparotomy or abdominal
compartment syndrome vary by institution, surgeon preference, and type of patient. Some …

BACKGROUND Studies regarding protein requirements for patients with critical illness are
inconclusive owing to small sample size and population heterogeneity. The primary …

Nonoperative management of solid organ injuries continues to have high success rates in
the appropriate patient population. Minimally invasive adjuncts have a definite role in …

BACKGROUND Historically, hemorrhage has been attributed as the leading cause (40%) of
early death. However, a rigorous, real-time classification of the cause of death (COD) has …

Acute appendicitis (AA) remains one of the most common surgical emergencies in the United
States with over 250,000 cases diagnosed each year. Lifetime risk of developing AA is 8.6…

Background: Deaths from uncontrolled exsanguinating hemorrhage occur rapidly postinjury.
Any successful resuscitation strategy must also occur early, underscoring the importance of …

BACKGROUND: Occult diaphragmatic injury following penetrating thoracoabdominal
trauma can be difficult to diagnose. Radiographic findings are often non-specific or absent. …

Background: The beneficial effect of decompressive craniectomy (DC) in the treatment of
traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains controversial. In many centers, it is used as a salvage …

BACKGROUND Beta blockers, a class of medications that inhibit endogenous catecholamines
interaction with beta adrenergic receptors, are often administered to patients hospitalized …

Background: Recent publications have dismissed the need for routine repeat computed
tomography (CT) scans in patients with minimal brain injury (MBI)(Glasgow Coma Scale score 13…