Damage control laparotomy for exsanguinating penetrating abdominal trauma

Damage control, defined as initial control of haemorrhage and contamination with intra-peritoneal packing and rapid closure, allows the resuscitation to normal physiology in the intensive care unit and subsequent definitive re-exploration. A case of penetrating abdominal trauma with extensive hepatic, interior vena cava and pancreatico-duodenal injuries, was managed on the principles of damage control on the first laparotomy and definitive procedure of pancreaticoduodenectomy was delayed and performed after 48 hours.