Backed into a corner: damage control surgery in the rural or austere setting

Area of Science:

• Surgical techniques
• Trauma care systems

Background:

• Damage control surgery has evolved over 40 years.
• Initial procedures were at Level 1 trauma centers; now common in smaller hospitals.
• It provides a temporary measure before definitive treatment at higher-level facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution and current role of damage control surgery.
• To highlight its applicability in community trauma and general surgery settings.
• To emphasize requirements for successful implementation.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical development and current practices in damage control surgery.
• Analysis of its application in community hospitals and trauma centers.
• Discussion of necessary planning and resource considerations.

Main Results:

• Damage control surgery is now widely adopted in community hospitals.
• It serves as a crucial temporizing measure for critically ill patients.
• Effective use necessitates careful planning and understanding of resource limitations.

Conclusions:

• Damage control surgery is a valuable strategy in community settings.
• Successful application requires preparedness, resource management, and potentially specialized training.
• A systems-based approach, including postoperative transfer, is effective and accepted.