Damage Control Surgery

Abstract

Damage control surgery is a widely accepted surgical approach in patients with lifethreatening severe trauma. It is also an alternative management strategy for some nontraumatic acute abdominal emergencies. The aim of damage control surgery is to interrupt the vicious cycle of hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy, which is called the death triad of trauma. It can be applied not only in abdominal injuries, but also in injuries related to orthopedic, vascular and thoracic surgery. In this chapter, the historical perspective and current situation of damage control surgery will be examined.