Damage control management in the polytrauma patient

Abstract

Damage control surgery was developed as a management technique for severely injured patients whose immune systems are too weak to mount an adequate response to multiple extended procedures. The common goal of treating life-threatening conditions first, then treating major pelvic and extremity fractures requires cooperation between all major subspecialties involved in the care of polytrauma patients. The editors of this book have focused on approaching damage control surgery logically and systematically by dividing treatment into phases. Other vital topics discussed include patient selection, management of vascular injuries, and the timing of secondary definitive procedures. Damage Control Management in the Polytrauma Patient is an unparalleled resource for any clinician who must weigh life-saving operations against limb-threatening conditions. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010. All rights reserved.