Principles of war surgery: current concepts and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Military medicine
• Surgical sciences
• Trauma surgery

Background:

• War surgery aims to return injured personnel to combat and preserve life, limb, and eyesight.
• Hemorrhage and airway compromise are leading causes of death in military trauma.
• Modern warfare necessitates adaptations in military medical support and surgical practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the principles and priorities of war surgery.
• To highlight the differences between war surgery and civilian traumatology.
• To discuss the impact of modern military operations on surgical support and education.

Main Methods:

• Focus on immediate hemorrhage control and airway management.
• Emphasis on wound excision (debridement) to prevent infection.
• Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis.
• Standard practice of delayed wound closure (4-5 days post-excision).

Main Results:

• Effective control of bleeding and airway preservation are paramount.
• Wound debridement is critical for preventing infection in war injuries.
• Delayed wound closure is the standard after debridement.
• Modern military operations are shifting towards mobile, forward surgical facilities.

Conclusions:

• War surgery requires distinct priorities and techniques compared to civilian trauma care.
• Advancements in military operations demand adaptable and forward-deployed surgical capabilities.
• Continuous education and training are essential for military surgeons to meet evolving battlefield challenges.