Current status of plastic surgery department interaction from interhospital transfer in a regional trauma center

Abstract

Abstract Background The incidence of multiple trauma has been on a rise recently, and there is a consensus on the importance of initial treatment to prevent death. Notably, the government has initiated a well-organized trauma system in South Korea. Thus, depending on the treatment purpose, there exists an active interhospital transfer. In the present study, we analyzed the clinical outcome of patients who transferred to a regional trauma center and the plastic surgeon’s interaction in their treatment. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of major trauma patients transferred to Ajou regional trauma center from January 2020 to February 2022. We evaluated injury severity score (ISS), initial resuscitation, post-transfer treatment, and plastic surgery-related procedure. Results In total, 92 patients were evaluated; of these, 41.1% were from certified tertiary hospitals, 16.30% were pre-transfer resuscitation cases, 18.47% were in the intensive care unit, and 17.39% were admitted for an emergency operation. At transfer, 63.04% (58 patients) had an initial open wound and 34.78% were referred to a plastic surgery department. In addition, 20.65% of patients with initially detected wounds underwent plastic surgery operation and required an average 1.76 ± 0.46 of debridement and 12.75 ± 3.45 of aseptic dressing. Conclusion Increasing the current status of interhospital transfers to regional trauma centers required an active interaction with the plastic surgery department. Most major trauma patients have multiple wounds that needs specialized reconstruction. Therefore, a dynamic consultation system is one of the essential facilities in a trauma center.