[Interest in several surgeries for serious abdominal trauma]

Abbreviated laparotomy and planned reoperation(s) is a new concept in severely injured patients with multivisceral failure by hemorrhagic shock, coagulopathy and hypothermia. The aim of an abbreviated laparotomy is to control hemorrhage, prevent digestive contamination and close the abdominal wall without tension. After a delay for reanimation during 24 to 96 hours, discovery of unknown lesions and anatomic reconstruction will be possible through planned reoperation in better conditions. Emergency reoperation for hemorrhage and abdominal hyperpression severely worsens prognosis.