Damage control surgery is defined as the termination of surgical procedures after rapid control of life-threatening hemorrhage and contamination, followed by correction of physiologic abnormalities and definitive management later. This str ategy involves a staged approach for severely exsanguinating patients and is designed to prevent or correct the lethal triad of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy. Phases of Damage Control Surgery: First Stage – Hemorrhage is stopped and contamination is controlled using the simplest and most rapid means available. Temporary wound closure methods are employed.
Second Stage – In the ICU, physiologic abnormalities are corrected. Patients are warmed and resuscitated, and coagulation defects are addressed. Final Stage – Definitive operative management is completed in a stable patient. Many problems are encountered in abdominal, pelvic, and trauma…
