Outcomes after single-look trauma laparotomy: A large population-based study

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes Research
• Abdominal Trauma Management

Background:

• Damage control laparotomy outcomes are well-documented.
• Outcomes following single-look trauma laparotomy (SLTL) remain understudied.
• This study evaluates SLTL outcomes in a large population-based dataset.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between single-look trauma laparotomy (SLTL) and short-term and long-term patient outcomes.
• To identify common complications and reasons for readmission after SLTL.
• To analyze outcomes based on the mechanism of injury.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development patient discharge database (2007-2014).
• Identified patients undergoing SLTL using ICD-9-CM procedure codes.
• Analyzed abdominal organ injuries, surgical interventions, perioperative complications, and subsequent readmissions.

Main Results:

• 2113 patients underwent SLTL; 33.7% were readmitted within a median of 110 days.
• Blunt trauma patients had higher Injury Severity Scores and mortality than penetrating trauma.
• Over 30% of readmitted patients experienced surgery-related complications (e.g., bowel obstruction, incisional hernia, infection).

Conclusions:

• Single-look trauma laparotomy (SLTL) is associated with significant postinjury morbidity and mortality.
• Complication rates for SLTL are comparable to emergency general surgery.
• Patient education on common complication signs and symptoms is crucial post-SLTL.