BACKGROUND
To assess the effect of different lengths and placements of median laparotomy incision on wound dehiscence in the rat.
METHODS
Eighty female Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups of 10 rats each. Groups underwent median laparotomy with different incision lengths (2, 3, 4, 6 cm) at two sites (upper and lower abdomen). Pneumoperitoneum was established in all rats using an insufflator on postoperative day 3. When gas leakage through the wound with an instantaneous decrease in intraabdominal pressure was noticed, these values were recorded as dehiscence pressure. In addition, the time until wound breakage was recorded. The different incision groups were compared.
RESULTS
After excluding 4 rats for various causes, statistical analysis was performed on the remaining 76 rats. When the different incisional lengths were compared, there were no significant differences in dehiscence pressures and time (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences between the incision groups according to upper or lower abdominal wall site of incision (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Midline abdominal wall incisions of different lengths and placements (upper or lower abdomen) have similar dehiscence pressures against the pneumoperitoneum in the early postoperative period (p>0.05).

BACKGROUND
Triage, consultations, and radiological and laboratory test processes have different effects on the total waiting time in the emergency department (ED). Under these circumstances, the importance of the consultation system process and effectiveness of consultation becomes very clear. Our aim in this study was to verify the process of the consultation system.
METHODS
This prospective and defining study was performed with 276 patients admitted to the ED. A total of 342 consultations were requested. These patients were classified as very urgent, urgent and non-urgent according to their problems, and a survey form was completed by the ED resident.
RESULTS
The most frequently requested consultation was to the Department of Internal Medicine (72%). Mean time for reply to the consultation was 29±43 minutes. The earliest reply to the consultation was from Cardiology while the latest responders were the general surgeons. Timeline for replying to the consultation was shorter depending on the urgency of the case.
CONCLUSION
In our study, we determined that the most important factor for the effectiveness of consultation was the definition of the urgency of the patients by the residents in the ED. Since the number of patients admitting to the ED will continue to increase in the future, more detailed prospective studies are needed about the efficiency of consultation in the ED.

BACKGROUND
Acute mesenteric obstruction (AMO) is usually fatal. This study was designed to demonstrate the demographic characteristics and prognostic factors of affected patients.
METHODS
The patients admitted to our emergency department and diagnosed as having AMO between January 2000 and December 2004 were investigated retrospectively. Their demographic characteristics, laboratory results, per-operative findings and mortality were investigated retrospectively.
RESULTS
Thirty patients (18 males, 12 females; mean age: 67 [26-92]) were evaluated. 43.3% of patients survived. Surviving patients had statistically significantly lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) but also higher pH and creatinine levels (p=0.0027, 0.0004, 0.02). Colonic involvement also increased mortality (p<0.001). Papaverine infusion, embolectomy and second-look operations had no effect on outcome.
CONCLUSION
Preoperatively increased liver enzymes, acidosis, and colonic involvement indicated poor prognosis. Papaverine infusion, embolectomy and second-look operations showed no advantages with respect to survival.

BACKGROUND
Esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) represent an urgent clinical condition that can be seen in all ages, especially in children, and sometimes cause important morbidity and mortality. Rigid endoscopy is the most important diagnostic and treatment tool in EFBs, although there are some risks.
METHODS
Between 1996-2006, the records of 188 inpatient cases (111 males [59%], 77 females [41%]; mean age 19±22.63; range 4 months to 96 years) who underwent rigid endoscopy were evaluated retrospectively.
RESULTS
There was a history of foreign body in 158 cases (84%), and foreign body was shown by chest X-ray in 145 cases (77.1%). Of the foreign bodies, 137 (79.2%) were located in the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. While the most commonly detected foreign bodies were coins (72 cases) and bones (42 cases), no foreign body was detected in 15 cases (8%) in rigid esophagoscopy. Foreign body was removed via surgery in 5 cases. Esophageal rupture as a complication during esophagoscopy occurred in 2 cases (1.06%). Mean hospital stay was 1.82±1.60 days. Mortality occurred in 1 case (.53%).
CONCLUSION
Complications may be prevented with early diagnosis and accurate treatment. Rigid endoscopy is an effective and safe procedure for foreign body removal.

BACKGROUND
Extracranial caroticovenous fistulae, if left untreated, may cause stroke, cerebral edema, and high output cardiac failure and may present with oculofacial signs. In this study, 5 cases with extracranial arteriovenous fistulae who were diagnosed and surgically treated promptly after trauma are presented.
METHODS
Five patients with extracranial traumatic caroti-cojuguler fistulation underwent urgent surgery in our department. Their mean age was 32.4 (range: 27-38). Mean door to operating room time was 2.4 hours. One patient underwent arcus aortography due to a large hematoma in the mediastinum. One patient underwent arterial Doppler ultrasound examination. The remaining three patients were diagnosed via physical examination.
RESULTS
There were three gunshot and two stab wounds. The right common carotid artery was injured in three cases and left common carotid artery in two. There was no early or late mortality. Cross-clamp time was 14.3±4.7 minutes. There was no major bleeding. One patient developed ischemic stroke secondary to hypotension due to massive bleeding before surgery and was transferred to the Department of Neurology on the 5th postoperative day.
CONCLUSION
We suggest that as soon as the diagnosis of traumatic caroti-cojuguler fistula is made, a surgical approach is effective and safe and may prevent possible complications due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND
The present study explored the factors effective on colon-related morbidity in patients with penetrating injury of the colon.
METHODS
The medical records of 196 patients were reviewed for variables including age, gender, factor of trauma, time between injury and operation, shock, duration of operation, Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index (PATI), Injury Severity Score (ISS), site of colon injury, Colon Injury Score, fecal contamination, number of associated intra- and extraabdominal organ injuries, units of transfused blood within the first 24 hours, and type of surgery. In order to determine the independent risk factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Gunshot wounds, interval between injury and operation ≥6 hours, shock, duration of the operation ≥6 hours, PATI ≥25, ISS ≥20, Colon Injury Score ≥ grade 3, major fecal contamination, number of associated intraabdominal organ injuries >2, number of associated extraabdominal organ injuries >2, multiple blood transfusions, and diversion were significantly associated with morbidity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed diversion and transfusion of ≥4 units in the first 24 hours as independent risk factors affecting colon-related morbidity.
CONCLUSION
Diversion and transfusion of ≥4 units in the first 24 hours were determined to be independent risk factors for colon-related morbidity.

BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of aggression, threat and physical violence directed towards the staff in emergency departments.
METHODS
A questionnaire was completed by the emergency staff. The individualized data collected included the pattern and incidence of violence, sex, age, profession, and years of experience of the emergency staff, and the behavioral characteristics of the assailants, together with outcome of incidents. Data regarding incidences occurring between May 1-31, 2006 were abstracted.
RESULTS
A total of 109 staff were evaluated. There was a statistically significant relationship between aggression and profession (p=0.000), but no relation was determined with sex, age or years of experience (p values 0.464, 0.692, and 0.298, respectively). The relationship of incidences of threat with sex, age, profession, and experience was insignificant (p values 0.311, 0.278, 0.326, 0.994, respectively). On the other hand, significant relationships were identified between physical assault and sex, age, profession, and experience (p values 0.042, 0.000, 0.000, 0.011).
CONCLUSION
Violence directed towards the emergency staff is common. Aggression occurs towards the emergency physician distinctively. Otherwise, there is no significant relationship between aggression or threat and personal characteristics. However, male sex, ≥31 years of age, being an emergency physician, and having worked for longer than five years in the emergency department are the risk factors for physical violence.

BACKGROUND
In this retrospective study, our purpose was to compare two treatment alternatives clinically.
METHODS
Forty-five patients who had grade I or II open tibia fractures were included. Twenty-five of them, treated via minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), comprised group I. The latter 20 cases, treated via partial reamed intramedullary nailing (PR-IMN), comprised group II. Clinical evaluation was made on the basis of modified Ketenjian’s criteria.
RESULTS
Full weight-bearing periods in groups I and II were 21 and 22.4 weeks, respectively. Non-union in one case of group I was revised with circular fixator. In another case, implant removal was needed due to chronic osteomyelitis. Mal-union was detected in another. In group II, two cases needed implant revision with intramedullary nail in one and circular fixator in another for non-union. Mal-union in one case and chronic osteomyelitis in another were the late complications in group II. At the last follow-up, satisfaction rates were: 21/25 in group I and 18/20 in group II. There was no significant difference between groups (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
The clinical results of both groups were similar. Although intramedullary nailing is the first choice, MIPO is an alternative method for open tibia fractures.

BACKGROUND
We evaluated the radiologic and functional outcomes of patients with radial head fractures managed with open reduction and internal fixation.
METHODS
Between 1998-2003, 15 patients (7 males, 8 females; mean age 34.1; range 18 to 49 years) with radial head fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Follow-up time was 54.6 months (42-78). Three fractures were Mason type II, 8 were III and 4 were IV. They were evaluated by anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and functionally by Broberg and Morrey criteria.
RESULTS
All the fractures except in 1 patient with Mason type III had united. The mean range of motion of the elbow was 20° to 145° with 71.9° of pronation and 83.2° of supination. According to Broberg and Morrey criteria, the outcome was excellent in 8, good in 4, fair in 1 and bad in 2. Excision and prosthetic replacement were performed in 1 patient because of implant failure.
CONCLUSION
We suggest open reduction and internal fixation even in comminuted cases because it gives satisfactory elbow function and avoids radial shortening, loss of motion and wrist joint dysfunction as a result of radial head excision. When it fails, excision and prosthetic replacement can be done later.

BACKGROUND
To evaluate the leg length discrepancy (LLD) retrospectively in adult femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing (IMN).
METHODS
Sixty-three patients (58 male, 5 female; mean age 29.9±12.4; range 15 to 77 years) were included in the study. Fractures were identified according to the Winquist-Hansen (W) system and AO classification. 16 W0, 18 WI, 16 WII, 7 WIII, and 6 WIV fractures and 35 type A, 22 type B, and 6 type C fractures were repaired. Thirty-one (49.2%) patients had multiple injuries. Fourteen patients sustained an open fracture. LLDs were measured on physical examination and using orthoroentgenography.
RESULTS
The mean follow-up was 90.2±29.9 (39-193) months. The mean LLD was 12.3±15.2 [12-(-60)] mm using orthoroentgenography and 12.9±13.7 [10-(-60)] mm according to manual measurement. In seven cases, no LLD was observed. Twenty-seven shortenings and one lengthening were observed in the 28 femurs with a discrepancy greater than 10 mm (44.4%). There was no statistical correlation between LLD and open or closed fracture (r=0.02, p=0.86), polytrauma (r=-0.09, p=0.47), or delayed surgery (p=0.31), but there was a tendency to a greater discrepancy in comminuted fractures (WIII, IV) (r=0.33, p=0.007).
CONCLUSION
LLD may be seen in high rates in adult femoral shaft fracture cases treated with IMN. Static IMN following absolute restoration of the length may prevent this problem in femoral diaphysis fractures, especially comminuted WIII and IV types.

BACKGROUND
Maxillofacial injuries constitute a substantial proportion of cases of trauma. This descriptive analytical study assesses the cause, type, incidence, and demographic and treatment data of maxillofacial fractures.
METHODS
A retrospective study on maxillofacial traumas was carried out in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Şişli Etfal Hospital (Istanbul, Turkey) between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2005. The study included 216 patients with a mean age of 29.8 years. Sex and age distribution of patients, etiology of trauma, localization of the fractures, treatment modalities, time to treatment after the trauma, and postoperative complications were recorded.
RESULTS
The male predilection was 75.5%. Road traffic accident was the most common causative factor (67.1%), followed by interpersonal violence (19.4%), falls (12.5%), and work- and sport-related accidents (0.9%). A total of 50% of the patients suffered isolated mandibular fractures, 23.6% had isolated midface fractures, and 26.3% had combined midface and mandibular fractures. Regarding distribution of mandibular fractures, the majority (26.8%) occurred in the parasymphysis, 14.8% in the angulus, and 11.1% each in the symphysis and corpus. Complications occurred in 6% of patients, and the most common was malocclusion followed by infection and nonunion.
CONCLUSION
The causes and pattern of maxillofacial fractures reflect trauma patterns within the community and, as such, can provide a guide for the design of programs geared toward prevention and treatment.

BACKGROUND
Because fractures of the capitellum are rare in childhood and the young adolescent period, their treatment is still debatable and there appears to be no established treatment protocol. In the present study, we evaluated the results obtained in adolescents with type 1 capitellar fractures who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a 3.5 mm lag screw, directed from posterior to anterior.
METHODS
Twelve type I capitellar fractures in adolescents were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a single 3.5 mm cortical lag screw directed from the posterior to the anterior and the results were evaluated by an objective evaluation score (Broberg and Morrey’s functional rating index). Mean age of the patients was 13.5.
RESULTS
At final examination (24 to 90 months follow-up), mean Broberg and Morrey’s functional rating index was 96.7 points (91 to 100 points). All fractures had healed in anatomic position and no avascular necrosis or heterotrophic ossification was observed.
CONCLUSION
Since it is essential to obtain the full range of motion at the elbow, accurate open reduction and stable internal fixation are best to manage displaced type I capitellar fracture in children and adolescents. Single cortical lag screw directed from posterior to the anterior without penetrating the joint surface is suitable for this purpose.

BACKGROUND
To determine the prognostic indicators of functional outcome in eyes with severe posterior segment trauma managed with pars plana vitrectomy.
METHODS
One hundred and six eyes of 101 patients were retrospectively reviewed to determine the accuracy of a number of factors in predicting functional outcome after surgery. These potential prognostic indicators included initial visual acuity (VA), retinal detachment (RD), type of trauma, presence of intraocular foreign body (IOFB), type of IOFB, posttraumatic endophthalmitis, hyphema, choroidal detachment, initial hypotonia, accompanying lens subluxation/dislocation, and severe vitreous hemorrhage. In our study, functional success was defined as VA ≥5/200. Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
The mean follow-up time was 12.8±0.52 (8-18) months. Thirty-three eyes (31.13%) had functional success. Forty-four (68.7%) of 64 eyes with preoperative RD had anatomical success (total retinal reattachment). Predictors of poor visual outcome (VA ≤5/200) were found to be poor initial VA (p<0.0001), presence of RD (p<0.001), and presence of endophthalmitis (p<0.05). No statistically significant correlation was found between the other predictors surveyed and visual outcome (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Vitreoretinal surgery can improve anatomical and functional success in eyes with severe posterior segment trauma. Poor initial VA, RD, and posttraumatic endophthalmitis are poor predictors of visual outcome.

BACKGROUND
In Diyarbakır, the rate of falls from height increases during summer months since people sleep on the unprotected balconies and roofs of their houses. We aimed to determine the frequency of falls from height and the related risk factors.
METHODS
We used questionnaire method and clinical data in this study. The questionnaire was administered in 1445 residences. Clinical data were obtained from files of patients hospitalized due to trauma in the Neurosurgery Clinic of Dicle University over the last six years.
RESULTS
In this questionnaire study, it was determined that 246 people had fallen, their average age was 15.4 years, 98% of them had fallen accidentally (mostly from 3.6 m height in summer months), mortality was 6.9%, and the prevalence of falls from height over the previous six years was 472/100,000. Of 464 patients who were hospitalized during the last six years, 326 were cases of fall from height and 59% of these patients were falls from a roof. The average age of these patients was 8.9 years, and average height of the fall was 4.2 m.
CONCLUSION
Falls from height, particularly from roofs in Diyarbakır, remain a serious problem in terms of public health.

BACKGROUND
The Turkish Penalty Law has recently been changed. The novel law asks the practitioner to report if there is any ‘Situation Placing a Life in Danger ’. Herein, we evaluate the anatomic (ISS, TRISS) and physiologic (RTS) trauma scores assessing mortality.
METHODS
Study data were obtained from a retrospective chart screening of cases who were accepted to the emergency department in GATA Faculty of Medicine in 2007 and from archived forensic reports. Demographic features and the time period of admittance were recorded. Trauma scores were calculated. All parameters were evaluated with the reported condition of “life threat” and mortality.
RESULTS
Forensic reports were completed for 373 patients and 6.16% of them were noted as being in a life-threatening condition. Mortality rate was 1.34%. A significant rate of trauma patients suffered from firearm injury and stab wounds (p<0.001). There was no statistical difference between ISS, TRISS and RTS with respect to predictive value of a ‘life-threatening condition’ (Area under curve [AUC] in the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve analysis: ISS: 0.968, TRISS: 0.922, RTS: 0.196). There was also no statistical difference between ISS, TRISS and RTS scores regarding mortality prediction (AUC in the ROC analysis: ISS: 0.992, TRISS: 0.0995, RTS: 0.005).
CONCLUSION
We assume that there is no difference between physiologic and anatomic scoring systems to predict mortality for deciding a life-threatening condition.

Diverticular disease affects more than 50% of the population over the age of 60 years in the west and becomes even more common as the population ages. Diverticulitis is one of the complications of diverticular disease and can culminate into colonic perforation. Though perforated diverticular disease is not uncommon, synchronous colonic perforations in diverticulitis is rare. Our patient was admitted with acute abdomen and exploratory laparotomy revealed two side-by-side perforations of the sigmoid colon. A Hartmann’s procedure was performed. Macro- and microscopic evaluation confirmed the presence of two perforated sigmoid diverticula due to diverticulitis. Simultaneous perforation of two abreast sigmoid diverticula is uncommon; thus, a cautious surgeon should always take into account such a probable diagnosis.

A 14-year-old boy presented with a penetrating injury to the abdomen after trying to light a firecracker. A piece of metal from the tin box in which he had ignited the firecracker had penetrated his abdomen. The patient, who was in a state of shock, underwent ultrasonography (USG) and radiography of the abdomen. USG revealed free fluid in the abdomen, while abdominal radiographs demonstrated free gas and a radiopaque object. Exploration revealed gastric and gallbladder perforations for which repair and cholecystectomy were done, respectively. Visceral injury following a firecracker explosion has not been reported previously. We would like to stress the importance of parental supervision to prevent irresponsible use of firecrackers, which can cause potentially life-threatening visceral injuries.

The migration of various internal fixation devices, especially Kirshner (K) wires, is well established. The wires usually follow a retrograde path, protruding near the entry point. When they migrate in the other direction, serious problems may occur. Migration of K-wires to the lung, heart, spleen, subclavian artery, pulmonary artery and aorta have been reported in a few cases. A 26-year-old male with chest pain was seen in our clinic. The patient had been operated for left distal clavicle fracture two years before. No abnormality was noted on the physical examination. Radiographs showed migration of the wire outside the clavicle across the sternum to the opposite hemithorax. The pin was removed through the incision over the sternum under direct vision with thoracoscope. The pin was extrapleurally located. There was no additional morbidity attributed to thoracoscopy or chest tube. In conclusion, K-wires can easily migrate, resulting in serious complications. Close follow-up should be done after internal fixation.

Ascaris lumbricoides is the largest and most prevalent of the human helminths. Ascariasis causes a unique type of intestinal obstruction with specific problems, having high morbidity and mortality. There is no management algorithm available in the literature to treat such cases. We aimed in this study to develop an algorithm for the management of intestinal obstruction due to ascariasis. A medline search of the English literature on the management of intestinal obstruction due to ascariasis was performed. Management of one of our patients with intestinal obstruction due to ascariasis is presented herein as an example of such cases. Intestinal obstruction due to ascariasis is a serious disease with a high morbidity and mortality, especially postoperatively. A management algorithm for the treatment was developed. The management of intestinal obstruction due to ascariasis was challenging and required difficult decisions. We think that this algorithm will be of great assistance in facilitating a rapid and successful treatment. This algorithm may prove to be of a great value for physicians treating such cases.

Total ear amputation is common, and management can necessitate different procedures, especially microsurgical anastomosis. Partial ear amputations supplied by narrow pedicles, however, have been reported rarely. In a subtotally amputated auricle, the chance of survival depends on the vascularization within the pedicle. In our case, the right ear of a 36-year-old male patient was subtotally amputated following a traffic accident, leaving only a 6-mm skin pedicle on the cranial side. The subtotally amputated segment was bleeding from the wound margins. The ear was reattached with primary suture without using microsurgical techniques after optimal debridement. Postoperatively, we administrated dextran 40 for 5 days to improve the microcirculation and increase blood volume and antibiotic to control the infection. No signs of edema, venous congestion or arterial insufficiency were observed immediately after the operation or subsequently. The replanted auricle healed completely with 100% survival, resulting in an essentially normal contour and appearance. This successful result without microvascular anastomoses also points out the anatomical features of the auricular vascular networks.