Paracentesis and diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) constitute the two primary intraperitoneal procedures. They are fundamentally similar in purpose and design; however, the former is generally reserved for medical concerns and the latter for evaluation of traumatic pathology. DPL Root and…
Introduction In 2014, the National Poison Data System of the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported 2,165,142 human toxic exposures and 1408 resultant fatalities. Of these total exposures, 28.3% were managed in a health care facility. Massive exposure to…
Introduction Managing patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding from gastroesophageal varices can be one of the most challenging scenarios in emergency medicine. These patients often have advanced liver disease and can arrive at the emergency department (ED) with massive hematemesis, airway…
Nasogastric (NG) intubation ( Videos 40.1 – 40.5 ) is commonly used to evaluate or treat bowel obstruction, ileus, or gastric hemorrhage, preoperatively or postoperatively, or to administer food or medication into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Patients with long-term feeding…
Patients with foreign bodies (FBs) lodged in the esophagus commonly present to the emergency department (ED) for evaluation and treatment. Though most commonly accidental, FBs may sometimes be swallowed purposefully. Patients may have a sensation of a recently passed FB,…
Two million people suffer a burn-related injury every year in the United States. The American Burn Association (ABA) estimates that almost 500,000 of these patients received medical evaluation and treatment in 2014 and approximately 40,000 required hospitalization. According to the…
Incision and drainage (I&D) procedures ( Videos 37.1 – 37.5 ) in the emergency department (ED) are most commonly performed for soft tissue abscesses ( Fig. 37.1 ). The total number of ED visits increased from 90 million to 115…
Evaluation and Diagnosis A foreign body (FB) is any substance that is not naturally part of the body. These cases are common in the clinical setting. An FB should be suspected whenever the skin is broken. A thorough history and…
Wound Tape Surgical tape strips are now routinely used to close simple wounds. Tape strips can be applied by health care personnel in many settings, including emergency departments (EDs), operating rooms, clinics, and first aid stations. Advantages include ease of…
Management of acute traumatic wounds is one of the most common procedures in emergency medicine. Although many aspects of traumatic wound management remain controversial, the clinician can follow some basic principles to maximize the chance for successful healing. The purpose…