Damage Control Management in the Polytrauma Patient

Book excerpt: This guide to damage control surgery focuses on the decision-making process for managing polytrauma. Orthopedists, trauma surgeons, and emergency medicine physicians will learn how to effectively coordinate efforts. The book presents an overview of the damage control concept and the epidemiology of polytrauma injuries. Immunological changes, cascade reactions, and patient selection are discussed. Indications for life-saving procedures, damage control for truncal injuries, and damage control for extremities and pelvic fractures are outlined as well. The text also covers vascular injuries and secondary definitive procedures.