damage control surgery
A surgical strategy that prioritizes rapid control of hemorrhage and contamination over definitive repair in severely injured patients.
Full Definition
Damage control surgery is a life-saving surgical philosophy used in trauma and emergency surgery where the initial operation focuses on controlling bleeding, preventing contamination, and temporarily closing the abdomen or other body cavities. The approach involves abbreviated initial surgery followed by intensive care unit resuscitation and correction of physiologic derangements (hypothermia, acidosis, coagulopathy), with planned return to the operating room for definitive repair once the patient is stabilized. This strategy is particularly important in surgical critical care for patients who cannot tolerate prolonged operative procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate when used as a noun phrase. Use lowercase unless beginning a sentence.
In Context
- "The patient underwent damage control surgery with packing of the liver laceration and temporary abdominal closure." — Operative report
- "Following damage control surgery, the patient was admitted to the surgical ICU for resuscitation." — Post-operative care plan