Damage-control laparotomy

Sample contentAn illustrative outline. It has not been clinically reviewed.

Trauma · Advanced · 6 steps · Outline

Photo: TSgt Matthew Smith · Public domain · Illustrative, not from this case
Written outline

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6 steps

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Stop bleeding, stop contamination, get out. Definitive repair waits for physiology.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Prep chin to knees

    Massive transfusion protocol active; warm room.

  2. 02

    Midline laparotomy

    Xiphoid to pubis, fast entry.

  3. 03

    Four-quadrant packing

    Pack all quadrants, then remove sequentially.

  4. 04

    Control haemorrhage

    Ligate, shunt or pack; Pringle for liver bleeding.

  5. 05

    Control contamination

    Staple off injured bowel; leave in discontinuity.

  6. 06

    Temporary closure

    Negative pressure dressing; to ICU for resuscitation.

An educational outline, not a substitute for supervised clinical training or local protocols.

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