Intermediate
Technical
IVT
operative trauma workup
Systematic evaluation protocol for trauma patients requiring emergency surgical intervention.
Full Definition
A structured approach to assessing trauma patients that combines clinical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to determine surgical priorities and operative approach. The workup is tailored to the mechanism of injury and clinical presentation, often performed simultaneously with resuscitation efforts. Key components include focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST), CT imaging when appropriate, and serial examinations to detect evolving pathology.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'primary survey' which refers specifically to ABCDE assessment.
In Context
- "The operative trauma workup revealed a grade IV splenic laceration requiring splenectomy." — Case presentation
- "Completion of the operative trauma workup was delayed due to patient instability." — Trauma documentation
Also known as
trauma evaluation
surgical assessment
Contrasted with
non-operative assessment
Don't confuse with
primary survey
secondary survey