Level 1 Trauma Center

The same great care, just a little faster

The trauma center at St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital is one of only two state-designated Level I Trauma Centers in Palm Beach County, and one of nine in the state of Florida. This means that our trauma team, composed of award-winning surgeons, specially-trained nurses, anesthesiologists and additional specialists, works with patients through the entire spectrum of a traumatic injury, including prevention education and rehabilitation. Our trauma center works around the clock to deliver prompt, high quality care for patients in critical condition resulting from a serious fall, motor vehicle accident or a violent altercation. For patients that need additional follow-up planning, we also provide more specialized treatment through our trauma clinic.

To earn Level I designation, hospitals must pass certain criteria, including:

24-hour in-house coverage by general surgeons, and prompt availability of care in specialties such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, radiology, plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial, pediatric and critical care.
Referral resource for communities in nearby regions.
Providing leadership in prevention, public education to surrounding communities.
Operating an organized teaching and research effort to help foster new innovations in trauma care.

Education and injury prevention is a vital part of our trauma program. We devote a significant amount of time to promoting public safety and trauma awareness in Palm Beach County through classes and outreach programs regarding fall prevention, distracted and impaired driving, and the importance of being aware of your surroundings as a pedestrian.

Since 1991, our trauma center has been delivering high-quality care to local communities. We have also committed ourselves to ongoing research projects and reporting our annual data to national agencies in order to help provide our community with more effective, evidence-based medical practices.

If you or a loved one have recently experienced a traumatic injury, below are some resources that may help you through your healing process.

https://www.sidran.org/

http://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/

www.brainline.org/

Nine Common Signs of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is the medical term for an infection or inflammation in your appendix. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain requiring surgery in the United States. Appendicitis may occur at any age, but is more likely to develop in teens and adults in their twenties.

Types of Appendicitis

There are two types of appendicitis:

1. Acute appendicitis

With this type of appendicitis, the symptoms are usually more severe and they develop all of a sudden.

2. Chronic appendicitis

Chronic cases usually have milder symptoms which may come and go from a few weeks to several years.

Causes of Appendicitis

This serious condition can be caused by one or a combination of the following:

a blockage in the appendix
an enlarged tissue in the wall of your appendix
an inflammatory bowel disease
abdominal trauma
growths, parasites or stool that can clog the inner part of your appendix

Appendicitis requires immediate medical attention. If you don’t seek immediate treatment, your appendix may burst and spread bacteria or infection into your abdomen, which may lead to more health risks and complications.

Signs of Appendicitis

The signs of appendicitis may vary for each person. But the most common signs include:

Abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling
Constipation
Diarrhea
Inability to pass gas
Loss of Appetite
Mild fever
Nausea
Vomiting

Diagnosis

Doctors usually ask specific questions about the patient’s medical history and symptoms when diagnosing appendicitis. You may also need lab tests, a physical exam, MRI, ultrasound, x-ray or a CT scan.

Treatment Options

Some mild cases of appendicitis may be treated with antibiotics. But usually, if you have appendicitis, your doctor may recommend the immediate removal of your appendix through a surgery to reduce the risk of rupture. The surgeon may perform a:

Laparoscopic surgery

This minimally invasive procedure uses smaller incisions to remove your appendix. Laparoscopic surgery usually leads to shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times and less complications. Your physician may recommend that you limit physical activity for three to five days after the surgery.

Laparotomy

In this type of open surgical procedure, the surgeon removes the appendix through a single incision in the lower part of the abdomen. You may be advised to limit physical activity for 10 to 14 days after the surgery.

Final Thoughts

The appendix can rupture within 48 to 72 hours from the onset of symptoms. So if you are experiencing signs of an appendicitis, please seek care by booking an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. In case of a ruptured appendix, which is considered a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

Sources:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Healthline