Damage control surgery (DCS) is a staged approach for severely injured patients. Phase I of DCS involves which surgical priorities?

• A Definitive repair of all injuries with primary anastomosis
• B Haemorrhage control, ICU resuscitation, and delayed closure
• C Haemorrhage control, contamination control, and temporary abdominal closure only ✓
• D Complete bowel anastomosis, fasciotomies, and wound closure

Explanation

Damage control surgery Phase I (laparotomy) is abbreviated to: (1) haemorrhage control (packing, vessel ligation, temporary shunts), (2) contamination control (stapling bowel ends without anastomosis, controlling biliary/urinary leaks), and (3) temporary abdominal closure (Bogota bag, VAC). Phase II = ICU resuscitation correcting the lethal triad (hypothermia, acidosis, coagulopathy). Phase III = re-look and definitive repair after physiological restoration.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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