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Management of Acute, Management of Acute, Severe Severe PancreatitisPancreatitis
Lisa Ferrigno, MD, MPHLisa Ferrigno, MD, MPH
Management of Acute Management of Acute PancreatitisPancreatitis: : OutlineOutline
EpidemiologyEpidemiologySpectrum of DiseaseSpectrum of DiseaseEarly management controversies: Early management controversies:
NutritionNutritionRole of ERCPRole of ERCPAntibioticsAntibiotics
Surgical managementSurgical managementNew techniquesNew techniquesPrognosticationPrognosticationSFGH experienceSFGH experience
Emergency surgery for severe Emergency surgery for severe pancreatitispancreatitis
Pre 80Pre 80--Hour Work WeekHour Work Week
Eat when you canEat when you canSleep when you canSleep when you canDonDon’’t operate on the t operate on the pancreaspancreas
Post 80Post 80--Hour Work Hour Work WeekWeek
Eat three square meals a Eat three square meals a day, high fiber, low fatday, high fiber, low fatSleep 7.5 to 9 hours a Sleep 7.5 to 9 hours a nightnightWhen you can, operate When you can, operate on the pancreason the pancreas
Frey CF, Zhou H, Harvey DJ, White RH. The incidence andcase-fatality rates of acute biliary, alcoholic, and idiopathicpancreatitis in California, 1994–2001. Pancreas 2006; 33: 336–44.
Age Standardized Incidence rates of the 3 principal Age Standardized Incidence rates of the 3 principal types of types of pancreatitispancreatitis, 1994, 1994--2001. 2001.
Frey. The incidence and case-fatality rates of acute biliary, alcoholic, and idiopathic pancreatitis in California, 1994–2001. Pancreas 2006; 33: 336–44.
Incidence rates of firstIncidence rates of first--time acute time acute biliarybiliary, alcoholic, , alcoholic, or idiopathic or idiopathic pancreatitispancreatitis
in year 2000 by age. in year 2000 by age.
Acute Acute PancreatitisPancreatitis: Causes: Causes
Frossard. Acute pancreatitis. Lancet 2008; 371: 143-52.
Frey CF, Zhou H, Harvey DJ, White RH. The incidence andcase-fatality rates of acute biliary, alcoholic, and idiopathicpancreatitis in California, 1994–2001. Pancreas 2006; 33: 336–44.
Percentage of patients with acute Percentage of patients with acute biliarybiliary, alcoholic, , alcoholic, or idiopathic or idiopathic pancreatitispancreatitis
that died 0 to 91 days after that died 0 to 91 days after
admission. admission.
Frey CF, Zhou H, Harvey DJ, White RH. The incidence andcase-fatality rates of acute biliary, alcoholic, and idiopathicpancreatitis in California, 1994–2001. Pancreas 2006; 33: 336–44.
Multivariate Logistic Analysis of Predictors of Death Within Multivariate Logistic Analysis of Predictors of Death Within 14 or 91 Days of Hospitalization for First14 or 91 Days of Hospitalization for First--time Acute time Acute BiliaryBiliary, ,
Alcoholic, or Idiopathic Alcoholic, or Idiopathic PancreatitisPancreatitis
Spectrum of DiseaseSpectrum of Disease
Pancreatitis
Interstitial / Edematous 80%
Mortality=1%
Necrosis20%
Non-infectedMortality=10%
Infected necrosis(1-3 weeks)
Mortality > 25%
Pancreatic abscess(4-8 weeks)
Non-resolving sequestrum, symptomatic(4-12 weeks)
Resolving(1-16 weeks) Phlegmon = resolving necrosis
Hemorrhagic = ischemicPancreatitis---- specify Necrotizing ----includes peripancreaticnecrosis
Infected necrosis(1-3 weeks)
Mortality > 25%
Non-resolving sequestrum, symptomatic(4-12 weeks)
Pancreatic abscess(4-8 weeks)
SequelaeSequelae
/ Complications/ Complications
PseudocystPseudocyst
Pancreatic Pancreatic ascitesascites
Duct disruptionDuct disruption
FistulaFistula
BleedingBleeding
Initial / Early TherapyInitial / Early Therapy
Fluid resuscitationFluid resuscitationMonitoring: prognostic criteria helpful, but early Monitoring: prognostic criteria helpful, but early course most informativecourse most informativeAssess and reassess for ICU admission, transferAssess and reassess for ICU admission, transferNPO**NPO**+/+/-- NGT: emesis, nausea, distensionNGT: emesis, nausea, distensionStress ulcer and DVT prophylaxisStress ulcer and DVT prophylaxisGlycemicGlycemic controlcontrol
Initial / Early Therapy: Special Initial / Early Therapy: Special ConsiderationsConsiderations
NutritionNutritionGallstone Gallstone pancreatitispancreatitis: role of ERCP: role of ERCPSurgery: any role early?Surgery: any role early?Use of prophylactic antibioticsUse of prophylactic antibiotics
EnteralEnteral feeds preferential over feeds preferential over parenteralparenteralJejunalJejunal feeds do not stimulate pancreas exocrine feeds do not stimulate pancreas exocrine function (function (NathensNathens AB. AB. CritCrit Care Med Care Med 2004;32(12):25242004;32(12):2524––3636))Early nutrition prudentEarly nutrition prudentTPN is not poison, but not as good as enteric TPN is not poison, but not as good as enteric feedsfeeds
Early NJ feedsEarly NJ feeds
Early Therapy: Nutrition Early Therapy: Nutrition FactsFacts
PN vs Enteral nutrition: Risk of infection, complications other than infection, surgical intervention,and mortality
Marik PE. Meta-analysis of parenteral nutrition versus enteral nutrition in patients with acute pancreatitis. BMJ. 2004 Jun 12;328(7453):1407. Epub 2004 Jun 2
Meta Analysis Random effMeta Analysis Random effects model of risk of ects model of risk of infections associated with infections associated with enteralenteral
versus versus parenteralparenteral
nutritionnutritionSchmetaAnalysis:
Marik PE. Meta-analysis of parenteral nutrition versus enteral nutrition in patients with acute pancreatitis. BMJ. 2004 Jun 12;328(7453):1407. Epub 2004 Jun 2
Early Therapy: Nutrition Early Therapy: Nutrition ConsiderationsConsiderations
Gastric Gastric ileusileus? Nausea, emesis, large, fluid filled ? Nausea, emesis, large, fluid filled stomach on XR, CT.stomach on XR, CT.Abdominal distension?Abdominal distension?Abdominal compartment syndrome / Abdominal compartment syndrome / htnhtn??Respiratory insufficiency?Respiratory insufficiency?Fluid overload?Fluid overload?Degree of SIRS?Degree of SIRS?
PN versus nothingPN versus nothing
SandstromSandstrom et al: randomized TPN et al: randomized TPN vsvs glucose glucose postpost--op; continued until op; continued until popo intake toleratedintake toleratedMortality rate threefold higher (p < 0.15) in Mortality rate threefold higher (p < 0.15) in glucoseglucose--treated patients versus TPNtreated patients versus TPN--treated treated patients (n=2 and 6)patients (n=2 and 6)No differences in other outcomes, including No differences in other outcomes, including infectious complicationsinfectious complications
Sandstrom. Ann Surg, 1993.
ERCP in Acute ERCP in Acute PancreatitisPancreatitis: CBD : CBD ObstructionObstruction
CBD obstruction: urgent ERC (CBD obstruction: urgent ERC (NathensNathens; ; UhlUhl) ) NeoptolemosNeoptolemos: n=11 with : n=11 with cholangitischolangitis
complication rate was significantly lower after ERC complication rate was significantly lower after ERC (15% versus 60%, (15% versus 60%, P P 0.003)0.003)
CBD exploration versus ERCPCBD exploration versus ERCP
ERCP in Non Obstructing Severe ERCP in Non Obstructing Severe Gallstone Gallstone PancreatitisPancreatitis
Fan et al found a reduction in Fan et al found a reduction in biliarybiliary sepsis in patients sepsis in patients with severe with severe biliarybiliary APAPMetaMeta--analysis by Sharma and analysis by Sharma and HowdenHowden, N=4 , N=4 randomized trialsrandomized trials
demonstrated significantly lower morbidity (38.5% versus demonstrated significantly lower morbidity (38.5% versus 25%; 25%; P P 0.001) and mortality (9.1% versus 5.2%; 0.001) and mortality (9.1% versus 5.2%; P P 0.05) rates 0.05) rates following early ERC compared with interval ERC.following early ERC compared with interval ERC.
NonobstructingNonobstructing: controversial, but data supportive of : controversial, but data supportive of early ERCP in severe APearly ERCP in severe APDiagnosis in question: EUS potentially helpfulDiagnosis in question: EUS potentially helpful
ERCP Induced ERCP Induced PancreatitisPancreatitis
Increased risk in SOD, if Increased risk in SOD, if pancreatic duct pancreatic duct cannulatedcannulated (pre(pre--existent existent duct duct htnhtn), small duct or ), small duct or recurrent attempts at recurrent attempts at cannulationcannulationOverall=5.4%; 30Overall=5.4%; 30--45% 45% asymptomatic asymptomatic hyperamylasemiahyperamylasemia
CholecystectomyCholecystectomy
after ERCafter ERC
ERC ES versus ERC ES followed by LC in ERC ES versus ERC ES followed by LC in patients with ASA scores I to III patients with ASA scores I to III If LC was performed within 6 weeks after ES, If LC was performed within 6 weeks after ES, recurrent recurrent biliarybiliary symptoms occurred less often symptoms occurred less often within 2 years (47% versus 2%, within 2 years (47% versus 2%, P P 0.0001)0.0001)Conversion from lap to open Conversion from lap to open cholechole higher in higher in wait and see group (55% wait and see group (55% vsvs 23%)23%)
•Boerma Lancet 2002
Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Study Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Study Designs & OutcomesDesigns & Outcomes
Heinrich. Ann Surg 2006
Antibiotic Prophylaxis: ConclusionsAntibiotic Prophylaxis: Conclusions
Antibiotic prophylaxis for infected necrosis may Antibiotic prophylaxis for infected necrosis may reduce sepsis and mortalityreduce sepsis and mortalityImipenemImipenem may reduce infection of necrosismay reduce infection of necrosisUse of Use of imipenemimipenem for pancreatic necrosis for pancreatic necrosis appropriate and recommendedappropriate and recommended
Outcomes for Outcomes for PancreatitisPancreatitis
by Type: by Type: Rates of Organ FailureRates of Organ Failure
Buchler: Ann Surg, Volume 232(5).November 2000.619-626
death rate was 1.8% (1/56) in patients with sterile necrosis managed without surgery versus 24% (7/29) in patients with infected necrosis (P <.01).
Surgical management of severe Surgical management of severe pancreatitispancreatitis
including sterile necrosisincluding sterile necrosis
HartwigHartwig
W.J W.J HepatobiliaryHepatobiliary
PancreatPancreat
SurgSurg
2002:9:4292002:9:429--3535
Due to improved intensive care treatment, including prophylacticDue to improved intensive care treatment, including prophylactic antibiotics, surgical intervention is usually not indicated in tantibiotics, surgical intervention is usually not indicated in the he
early course of severe acute early course of severe acute pancreatitispancreatitis..Surgery is clearly indicated in patients with proven infected neSurgery is clearly indicated in patients with proven infected necrosis.crosis.Patients with sterile necrosis should undergo surgery when therePatients with sterile necrosis should undergo surgery when there
is is
no clinical improvement within 4 weeks of intensive care no clinical improvement within 4 weeks of intensive care treatment.treatment.
In the majority of patients a single intervention is sufficient.In the majority of patients a single intervention is sufficient.ReRe--operation is rare even in patients with abscess formation operation is rare even in patients with abscess formation
because these can easily be drained because these can easily be drained interventionallyinterventionally
Necrotizing Necrotizing PancreatitisPancreatitis: operative : operative therapy?therapy?
Bradley (1991): Bradley (1991): nonsurgicalnonsurgical management of management of sterile necrosissterile necrosis
n=11; mortality=0%n=11; mortality=0%
AlexandreAlexandre: 60% mortality with : 60% mortality with necrosectomynecrosectomy(World J (World J SurgSurg 1981; 5:3691981; 5:369--77.)77.)TeerenhoviTeerenhovi, n=84 and , n=84 and SmadjaSmadja failed to show failed to show benefit for necrosis (Br J benefit for necrosis (Br J SurgSurg 1986; 73: 4081986; 73: 408--10 10 & Br J & Br J SurgSurg 1988; 75: 7931988; 75: 793--5)5)
Timing of Surgical Intervention in Necrotizing PancreatitisBesselink ARCH SURG/VOL 142 (NO. 12), DEC 2007
Timing of Surgical Intervention: Timing of Surgical Intervention: Mortality by Presence of Organ Mortality by Presence of Organ
FailureFailure
Timing of Surgical InterventionTiming of Surgical Intervention
Randomization to either early (within 48Randomization to either early (within 48––72 hours, n 72 hours, n =25) or late =25) or late necrosectomynecrosectomy (more than 12 days, n =15)(more than 12 days, n =15)Indication = MOF with clinical deterioration despite Indication = MOF with clinical deterioration despite maximal intensive care (NOT proof infection)maximal intensive care (NOT proof infection)Late: 3/15 recoveredLate: 3/15 recoveredTerminated as OR death = 3.4 for early groupTerminated as OR death = 3.4 for early groupMortality: Mortality:
Early: 56%Early: 56%Late: 27%Late: 27%
Mier J Early versus late necrosectomy in severe necrotizing pancreatitis. Am J Surg. 1997;173:71–75.
Timing and Indications for Timing and Indications for Operative InterventionOperative Intervention
Operate only for infected necrosis confirmed by Operate only for infected necrosis confirmed by FNAFNADo not operate right awayDo not operate right awayExceptions:Exceptions:
Compartment syndromeCompartment syndromeProlonged course pancreatic necrosis without Prolonged course pancreatic necrosis without evidence of infection or improvementevidence of infection or improvement
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome:Abdominal Compartment Syndrome: DefinitionDefinition
Sustained intraSustained intra--abdominal hypertension leading abdominal hypertension leading to to
Local & remote organ failureLocal & remote organ failureHemodynamicHemodynamic compromisecompromiseInability to ventilateInability to ventilateOliguriaOliguriaUsually requires operative decompressionUsually requires operative decompression
Wittmann DH, Iskander GA. The compartment syndrome of the abdominal cavity: a state of the art review. J Intensive Care Med 2000;15:201-220
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome:Abdominal Compartment Syndrome: Grading IAPGrading IAP
Wittmann DH, Iskander GA. The compartment syndrome of the abdominal cavity: astate of the art review. J Intensive Care Med 2000;15:201-220
PancreatitisPancreatitis
may require 8may require 8--10 liters 10 liters of resuscitative fluid (or more) in of resuscitative fluid (or more) in
the first 24 hours!the first 24 hours!
Where does all the Where does all the fluid go?fluid go?
Technique of DebridementTechnique of Debridement
Closed cavity LavageClosed cavity LavageOpen abdomenOpen abdomenSurgical drainageSurgical drainagePancreatic resectionPancreatic resection
Initial Operative ApproachInitial Operative Approach
Midline incision (maintain lateral Midline incision (maintain lateral abdabd wall for drains, wall for drains, stoma)stoma)Full exposure pancreasFull exposure pancreasCheck the gallbladderCheck the gallbladderCholecystectomyCholecystectomy / CBD exploration if necessary/ CBD exploration if necessaryDrainsDrainsExtensive Extensive necrosectomynecrosectomy–– CT is roadmapCT is roadmap
ParacolicParacolic guttersguttersSuprapancreaticSuprapancreatic spacespaceBase of mesenteryBase of mesentery
Operative management of pancreatic Operative management of pancreatic necrosisnecrosis
PastPast
Bilateral Bilateral subcostalsubcostal incisionincisionWide mobilization of Wide mobilization of pancreas in lesser sacpancreas in lesser sacCholecystectomyCholecystectomyCholangiogramCholangiogramTT--Tube PlacementTube PlacementFeeding Feeding jejunostomyjejunostomyMarsupializationMarsupialization or wide or wide drainage of pancreatic beddrainage of pancreatic bed
PresentPresentMidline incisionMidline incisionNecrosectomyNecrosectomy though though transverse transverse mesocolonmesocolon to left to left of middle colic vesselsof middle colic vesselsClosed suction drainage of Closed suction drainage of pancreatic bedpancreatic bed
Surgical ApproachSurgical Approach
Single Single necrosectomynecrosectomy with primary abdominal with primary abdominal wall closure versus 1wall closure versus 1--2 2 takebackstakebacks and sump and sump drains probably preferabledrains probably preferableCater to patient and expertise of surgeonsCater to patient and expertise of surgeons
SFGH: 94SFGH: 94--0202
N=21 to OR for necrosisN=21 to OR for necrosisIndications: 1) evidence of pancreatic infection Indications: 1) evidence of pancreatic infection or sepsis (24%), 2) clinical instability (33%) or 3) or sepsis (24%), 2) clinical instability (33%) or 3) clinical intransigence, +/clinical intransigence, +/-- of infected necrosis of infected necrosis (43%)(43%)
Necrotizing pancreatitis: a surgical approach independent of documented infection. HPB 2004,6 (3):161 -8
SFGH ExperienceSFGH Experience
Necrotizing pancreatitis: a surgical approach independent of documented infection. HPB 2004,6 (3):161 -8
SFGH ExperienceSFGH Experience
Midline approachMidline approachFlank Flank laparostomylaparostomy with large Penrose drains: with large Penrose drains: used as subsequent accessused as subsequent accessMortality = 14%Mortality = 14%
Necrotizing pancreatitis: a surgical approach independent of documented infection. HPB 2004,6 (3):161 -8
Necrotizing pancreatitis: a surgical approach independent of documented infection. HPB 2004,6 (3):161 -8
SFGH Experience: ComplicationsSFGH Experience: Complications
Necrotizing pancreatitis: a surgical approach independent of documented infection. HPB 2004,6 (3):161 -8
SFGH Experience: ComparisonSFGH Experience: Comparison
Necrotizing pancreatitis: a surgical approach independent of documented infection. HPB 2004,6 (3):161 -8
Minimally Invasive ApproachesMinimally Invasive Approaches
Laparoscopic assistedLaparoscopic assistedPeroralPeroral / / endoscopicendoscopic
A technique for laparoscopicA technique for laparoscopic--assisted assisted percutaneouspercutaneous drainage of infected pancreatic necrosis and drainage of infected pancreatic necrosis and
pancreatic abscesspancreatic abscess Horvath. Horvath. SurgSurg
EndoscEndosc
2001;15:12212001;15:1221--55
Infection documented by fine needle aspirationInfection documented by fine needle aspirationPercutaneousPercutaneous drains placeddrains placedIf further drainage needed If further drainage needed retroperitoneoscopicretroperitoneoscopicdebridementdebridement of of necrosectumnecrosectum is performed under is performed under direct visualizationdirect visualization
A technique for laparoscopicA technique for laparoscopic--assisted assisted percutaneouspercutaneous drainage of infected pancreatic necrosis and drainage of infected pancreatic necrosis and
pancreatic abscesspancreatic abscess Horvath. Horvath. SurgSurg
EndoscEndosc
2001;15:12212001;15:1221--55
Using combination of Using combination of percutaniouspercutanious drains and drains and postpost--drain CT scan, ports are placed and drain CT scan, ports are placed and retroperitoneoscopicretroperitoneoscopic debridementdebridement of the of the necrosectumnecrosectum is performed under direct is performed under direct visualization.visualization.A postoperative A postoperative lavagelavage system is created.system is created.
A technique for laparoscopicA technique for laparoscopic--assisted assisted percutaneouspercutaneous drainage of infected pancreatic necrosis and drainage of infected pancreatic necrosis and
pancreatic abscesspancreatic abscess Horvath. Horvath. SurgSurg
EndoscEndosc
2001;15:12212001;15:1221--55
6 patients, worked in 46 patients, worked in 4No deathsNo deathsOne fistula, selfOne fistula, self--limitedlimitedOne flank herniaOne flank herniaFeasible Feasible
CaseCase--matched comparison of the retroperitoneal matched comparison of the retroperitoneal approach with approach with laparotomylaparotomy
for necrotizing for necrotizing
pancreatitispancreatitis.. Dutch Acute Dutch Acute PancreatitisPancreatitis
Study Group.Study Group. World J World J SurgSurg. 2007;31:1635. 2007;31:1635--4242
CaseCase--controlled cohort study of 15 patientscontrolled cohort study of 15 patientsReinterventionReintervention in 6 patients in both groupsin 6 patients in both groupsMOF in 10 in lap group and 2 in MIS p=.008MOF in 10 in lap group and 2 in MIS p=.0086 deaths in lap vs. 1 in MIS p=.0806 deaths in lap vs. 1 in MIS p=.080
PANTER TrialPANTER Trial
Minimally invasive 'stepMinimally invasive 'step--up approach' up approach' versus maximal versus maximal necrosectomynecrosectomy in patients in patients with acute with acute necrotisingnecrotising pancreatitispancreatitis
group A) minimally invasive 'stepgroup A) minimally invasive 'step--up approach' up approach' starting with drainage followed, if necessary, by starting with drainage followed, if necessary, by videoscopicvideoscopic assisted retroperitoneal assisted retroperitoneal debridementdebridement(VARD) or group B) maximal (VARD) or group B) maximal necrosectomynecrosectomy by by laparotomylaparotomy. .
PeroralPeroral
EndoscopicEndoscopic
Drainage/Drainage/DebridementDebridement
of of WalledWalled--off Pancreatic Necrosisoff Pancreatic Necrosis
N=53 N=53 Sterile=51%, Sterile=51%, nonrespondersnonrespondersIntervention performed a median of 49 days (range, 20Intervention performed a median of 49 days (range, 20––300 days) after onset 300 days) after onset median of 3 median of 3 endoscopicendoscopic procedures/ patient (range, 1procedures/ patient (range, 1––12) 12) TwentyTwenty--one patients (40%) required concurrent one patients (40%) required concurrent radiologicradiologic--guided catheter guided catheter drainage of associated or subsequent areas of drainage of associated or subsequent areas of peripancreaticperipancreatic fluid and/or fluid and/or WOPN.WOPN.Twelve patients (23%) required open operative intervention a medTwelve patients (23%) required open operative intervention a median of 47 ian of 47 days (range, 5days (range, 5––540) after initial 540) after initial endoscopicendoscopic drainage/ drainage/ debridementdebridement(persistence of WOPN (n 3), recurrence of a fluid collection (n(persistence of WOPN (n 3), recurrence of a fluid collection (n 2), 2), cutaneouscutaneousfistula formation (n 2), or technical failure, persistence of pfistula formation (n 2), or technical failure, persistence of pancreatic pain, ancreatic pain, colonic obstruction, perforation, and flank abscess (n 1 each))colonic obstruction, perforation, and flank abscess (n 1 each))Successful Successful endoscopicendoscopic therapy in 43 (81%) and persistence of WOPN in 10 therapy in 43 (81%) and persistence of WOPN in 10 (19%). (median, 178 days) (19%). (median, 178 days)
Papachristou. Ann Surg 2007 Jun;245(6):943-51
Prognosis Scales: Comparison of Prognosis Scales: Comparison of Baseline EvaluationsBaseline Evaluations
Papachristou. Gastroenterol Clin N Am, 2004.
Prognosis Scales: Comparison of Prognosis Scales: Comparison of Evaluations at 48 HoursEvaluations at 48 Hours
Papachristou. Gastroenterol Clin N Am, 2004.
Ongoing APACHE AssessmentOngoing APACHE Assessment
Mean daily APACHE II scores by outcome in 119 patients with an uncomplicated course (- . - . -), 26 patients with a complicated course (----) and 12 patients with a fatal outcome (-).
Wilson. Br J Surg, 1990.
Incidence of death and morbidity from acute Incidence of death and morbidity from acute pancreatitispancreatitis
in relation to the peak APACHE II in relation to the peak APACHE II
score recordedscore recorded
Wilson. Br J Surg, 1990.
EdemetousEdemetous
versus Necrotizing versus Necrotizing PredictorsPredictors
Buchler: Ann Surg, Volume 232(5).November 2000.619-626
Sterile versus Infected Necrosis Sterile versus Infected Necrosis PredictorsPredictors
Buchler: Ann Surg, Volume 232(5).November 2000.619-626
Prognostication based on CT Prognostication based on CT findingsfindings
Buchler: Ann Surg, Volume 232(5).November 2000.619-626
Maximum Extent of Necrosis According to CT Findings
Multidisciplinary ApproachMultidisciplinary Approach The repeat CT: coordinated careThe repeat CT: coordinated care
Field Surgery in Total WarField Surgery in Total War Douglas W. Jolly, 1939Douglas W. Jolly, 1939
The recovery rate in abdominal injuries depends less The recovery rate in abdominal injuries depends less on the individual ability of the surgeon than on any on the individual ability of the surgeon than on any other single factor in the forward system. In fact, other single factor in the forward system. In fact, young, comparatively inexperienced surgeons young, comparatively inexperienced surgeons working well within the fiveworking well within the five--hour period can usually hour period can usually show far better figures than more practiced show far better figures than more practiced surgeons who are condemned to operate on similar surgeons who are condemned to operate on similar injuries further back. injuries further back. An all important factor is An all important factor is the system, not the surgeon.the system, not the surgeon.