Damage control in trauma: laparotomy wound management acute to chronic.
Damage control surgery is fundamental to operative trauma care. Prophylactic application of open abdomen techniques has led to avoidance of a great deal of the organ dysfunction associated with abdominal compartment syndrome. Surgeons are learning about management of large open abdominal wounds. There seems to be a general consensus regarding acute management of these wounds. Institutions are using staged techniques of management. Getting open wounds closed as soon as possible leads to fewer complications. The acute use of vacuum wound may provide for early secondary closure. There is less study focused on optimal definitive reconstructive techniques. Further study in all of these areas will lead to improved outcomes.
Fabian
Timothy C
TC
Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 956 Court Avenue, Suite G228, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. tfabian@utmem.edu
D000005:Abdomen; D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000601:surgery; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000503:physiopathology; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy
D001672:Biocompatible Materials