damage control laparotomy
Also written as: DCL
Abbreviated surgical approach focusing on hemorrhage control and contamination management before definitive repair.
Full Definition
A staged surgical strategy used in critically injured patients where initial surgery focuses on controlling life-threatening hemorrhage and gross contamination while deferring complex reconstructive procedures until the patient's physiology has been optimized. The approach involves rapid identification and control of bleeding sources, management of hollow viscus injuries, and temporary abdominal closure. Definitive repairs are completed during subsequent operations once acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy have been corrected.
Usage
Usage note: Clearly distinguish from standard damage control surgery to specify abdominal approach.
In Context
- "Damage control laparotomy was performed with packing of the liver laceration and temporary abdominal closure." — Trauma surgery operative report
- "The patient underwent damage control laparotomy followed by planned return to the operating room in 24 hours." — Trauma ICU progress note