Damage control surgery: a review

Objective: To present a monographic review of the damage control surgery. Data collection: Consult and literature review (131 references). Selection of studies: We analyzed these relevant articles in relation to damage control surgery. Data extraction: From each reference we obtain concepts, data and techniques derivates of damage control surgery. Results: Damage control surgery is a surgical technique that attempts to avoid the triad of coagulopathy, hypothermia and acidosis through application of three phases in patients with multiple lesions. These phases are: Initial laparotomy, stabilization in ICU and definitive surgery. During initial laparotomy efforts are made to controlling the surgical and non surgical bleeding (through packing) and avoid peritoneal contamination. During the stabilization phase the hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy are corrected in ICU. In definitive surgery, packing is removed and makes the definitive repair of lesions. Conclusion: For the trauma surgeon is important the knowledge about the concepts related to damage control surgery. This is applicable to multiple trauma patients, and disaster situations like terrorism acts and natural disasters.