temporizing measure
Interim surgical intervention intended to stabilize patient condition before definitive treatment.
Full Definition
A temporizing measure in acute care surgery refers to an interim procedure or intervention designed to stabilize a patient's condition and buy time before definitive surgical treatment can be performed. These measures are employed when patients are too unstable for major surgery or when immediate definitive repair is not feasible. Examples include external fixation for fractures, colostomy creation instead of primary anastomosis, or packing for hemorrhage control. Documentation should clearly indicate the temporary nature of the intervention and plans for subsequent definitive care.
Usage
Usage note: Clearly document plans for subsequent definitive treatment when describing temporizing measures.
In Context
- "A loop ileostomy was performed as a temporizing measure until the patient could tolerate definitive repair." — operative report
- "External fixation served as a temporizing measure pending medical optimization." — orthopedic consultation