Correlation between the level of the external wound and the internal injury in penetrating neck injury does not favour an initial zonal management approach. Issue 4 (11th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Madsen, A. S.; Bruce, J. L.; Oosthuizen, G. V.; Bekker, W.; Smith, M.; Manchev, V.; Laing, G. L.; Clarke, D. L.
• Is Part Of: BJS open. Volume 4:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 704
• Page End: 713
• Publication Date: 2020-06-11
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1002/bjs5.50282
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2474-9842

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Many current protocols for managing penetrating neck injuries (PNIs) still suggest zonal approaches. This study was undertaken to determine the correlation between the zone of the external wound and the level of the internal injury, and to verify whether a 'no‐zone' approach to PNI is valid. Methods: Patients admitted with a PNI to a tertiary trauma care centre between January 2011 and May 2018 were identified from a trauma database. Those with confirmed injury to the vascular system or an aerodigestive tract injury (ADTI) were included in the study. The medical records of each patient were reviewed with regard to the zone of the external wound and the level of internal injury, and the findings were compared. Results: In the period under review, 1075 patients were treated for a PNI. Of these, 298 (27·7 per cent) had a confirmed vascular injury or ADTI and were included in the cohort. In 176 patients (59·1 per cent) the site of the internal injury was in the same zone as the external wound. In a further 70 patients (23·5 per cent) there was no correlation between the site of the internal injury and the external wound, and in the remaining 52 patients (17·4 per cent) the correlation could not be determined. In this cohort, all clinically assessable patients with significant injuries had either physical signs suggestive of injury or deep surgical emphysema on radiological examination. Conclusion: An approach to PNI based on zones is questionable, and this study supports a no‐zone approach based on imaging guided by clinical examination. Abstract : This large single‐centre review of patients treated for penetrating neck injuries over a 7·5‐year period examined whether the traditional zonal approach to penetrating neck injury still holds relevance in the contemporary era or whether a 'no‐zone' approach is more valid. The correlation between the zone of the external wound and the level of the internal injury in patients with confirmed vascular or aerodigestive tract injuries was determined. It was concluded that the traditional zonal approach to penetrating neck injury is questionable in the current era. Rejecting the zonal approach Abstract : Antecedentes: Muchos protocolos actuales para el manejo de lesiones penetrantes en el cuello ( penetrating neck injury, PNI) aún proponen un enfoque zonal. Este estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar la correlación entre la zona de la herida externa y el nivel de la lesión interna y para comprobar si sería válido un enfoque "sin zonas" para la PNI. Métodos: Los pacientes con PNI ingresados en un centro terciario de traumatología entre enero de 2011 y mayo de 2018 fueron identificados a partir de la base de datos del centro. Se incluyeron pacientes con lesión confirmada vascular o lesión del tracto aero‐digestivo ( aero‐digestive tract injury, ADTI). Se revisaron las historias clínicas de cada paciente con respecto a la zona de la herida externa y el nivel de lesión interna, comparándose dichos hallazgos. Resultados: En el período de estudio, 1.075 pacientes fueron tratados por una PNI. De estos, 298 (27, 7%) tenían una lesión vascular o una ADTI confirmadas y se incluyeron en la cohorte. En 176 pacientes (59, 1%), la lesión interna estaba localizada en la misma zona de la herida externa. En otros 70 pacientes (23, 5%), no hubo correlación entre la localización de la lesión interna y la herida externa y en los 52 pacientes restantes (17, 4%) no se pudo determinar dicha correlación. En esta cohorte, todos los pacientes clínicamente evaluables con lesiones significativas presentaban signos físicos sugestivos de lesión o enfisema profundo con indicación quirúrgica en el examen radiológico. Conclusión: El enfoque de la PNI basado en zonas es cuestionable y este estudio apoya un enfoque de "sin zonas" basado en pruebas de imágen basadas en los hallazgos clíncos.