second-look surgery
Planned reoperation performed to assess tissue viability or surgical repair integrity after initial surgery.
Full Definition
Second-look surgery is a planned reoperation performed within 24-72 hours of an initial procedure to reassess tissue viability, evaluate surgical repairs, or complete staged procedures. In surgical critical care, this approach is commonly used for mesenteric ischemia cases where bowel viability is uncertain, complex abdominal trauma requiring damage control techniques, or situations where primary anastomosis safety is questionable. The decision for second-look surgery is typically made during the initial operation when the surgeon recognizes the need for interval assessment before definitive repair or reconstruction.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as 'second-look surgery' when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "Second-look surgery was planned due to questionable bowel viability after mesenteric revascularization." — Operative plan
- "The patient returned for second-look surgery 48 hours after initial damage control laparotomy." — Surgical scheduling