title: Difficult decisions in the surgical care of military casualties with major torso trauma.
abstract: Testing and difficult decision-making is a sine qua non of surgical practice on military operations. Better pre-hospital care protocols, reduced evacuation timelines and increased scrutiny of outcome have rightfully emphasised the requirement of surgeons to "get it right, first time and every time" when treating patients. This article addresses five contentious areas concerning severe torso trauma, with relevant literature summarised by a subject matter expert, in order to produce practical guidance that will assist the newly deployed surgeon in delivering optimal clinical outcomes.
authors: Academic Department of Military Surgery and Trauma, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine.
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Bowley
authors: J O
authors: JO
authors: Jansen
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Nott
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Sapsford
authors: C G
authors: CG
authors: Streets
authors: N R M
authors: NR
authors: Tai
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D003106:Colon / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D003657:Decision Making; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000293:injuries; D012769:Shock; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D060726:Torso / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014857:Warfare