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The Benefit of Multislice CT in the Emergency Room Management of Polytraumatized Patients
M. H. Hessmann*, A. Hofmann*, K.-F. Kreitner**, C. Lott***, P. M. Rommens*
Departments of. Trauma Surgery*, Radiology**, and Anaesthesiology***, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
Keywords. Polytrauma ; computed tomography ; algorithm ; emergency room ; medical decision making.
Abstract. The early treatment of polytraumatized patients needs an effective and standardized approach. Reducing time requirements for the primary diagnostic evaluation is a major concern in the early phase of polytrauma management. Multislice-CT (MSCT) is a quick and reliable method for the initial diagnostic evaluation. Computed tomography provides more detailed and more consistent information than conventional radiography. It has the great advantage of allowing rapid examination of the head, vertebral column, chest, abdomen and pelvis during one single examination. The CT-suite needs to be adequately equipped for resuscitation and reanimation, which is done parallel to the radiological investigations.
Since polytrauma management is based on a multidisciplinary approach characterized by a coordinated interaction between trauma surgeons, anaesthesiologists and radiologists, members of all involved disciplines need adequate teaching. Guidelines and algorithms contribute to optimize the early management.
M. H. Hessmann
Department of Trauma Surgery
Johannes Gutenberg University
Langenbeckstrasse 1
D-55131 Mainz, Germany
Tel. : +49 6131/17 28 45
Fax : +49 6131/17 66 87
E-mail : Hessmann@unfall.klinik.uni-mainz.de
