title: Damage control surgery.
abstract: The triad of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy during initial operative and resuscitation efforts has been recognized as a significant cause of death in patients with traumatic injuries. A staged surgical approach with a brief initial laparotomy, subsequent intensive care unit resuscitation, and a planned reoperation is an emerging technique used in trauma surgery, with application to a variety of other surgical challenges. Successful damage control therapy requires a coordinated multidisciplinary team effort by a trauma team experienced in the process of damage control operations, intensive care unit priorities, and potential complications of this innovative surgical approach.
authors.affiliation: Denver Health Medical Center, CO 80204, USA.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Zacharias
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Offner
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burch
mesh_terms: D000138:Acidosis / Q000209:etiology*; D000208:Acute Disease; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000209:etiology*; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing