[Packing and abbreviated laparotomy in the injured--a life-saving procedure]

Packing of abdominal viscera and abbreviated laparotomy are gaining favor among surgeons for cases with multiple injuries. During a 2-year period, 10 patients required abbreviated exploratory laparotomy for abdominal trauma. The 6 records which were complete form the basis of this study. 3 patients were hypotensive at the scene of injury and in the emergency department. Major vascular injury was encountered in 4. The only procedures attempted at the initial operation were packing bleeding solid viscera and controlling bleeding and fecal spillage. Hypothermia, acidosis and need for massive blood transfusion were indications for terminating exploration without attempting definitive surgery.