title: [The abdominal catastrophe].
abstract: Patients with an abdominal catastrophe are in urgent need of early, interdisciplinary medical help. The treatment plan should be based on medical priorities and clear leadership. First priority should be given to achieve optimal oxygenation of blood and stabilization of circulation during all treatment-phases. The sicker the patient, the less invasive the (surgical) treatment should to be, which means "damage control only". This short article describes 7 important, pragmatic rules that will help to increase the survival of a patient with an abdominal catastrophe. Preexisting morbidity and risk factors must be included in the overall risk-evaluation for every therapeutic intervention. The challenge in patients with an abdominal catastrophe is to carefully balance the therapeutic stress and the existing resistance of the individual patient. The best way to avoid abdominal disaster, however, is its prevention.
authors.affiliation: Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin, Inselspital, Bern. christian.a.seiler@insel.ch
authors.forename: Christian A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Seiler
mesh_terms: D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003422:Critical Care; D016638:Critical Illness; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007857:Leadership; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011379:Prognosis; D012151:Resuscitation
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen