In the damage control surgery (DCS) paradigm, which physiological triad constitutes the 'lethal triad' that DCS aims to interrupt?
- A Hypovolaemia, hyponatraemia, and hypothermia
- B Acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy ✓
- C Hypoxia, hypotension, and anaemia
- D Hyperchloraemia, acidosis, and thrombocytopaenia
Correct answer: B. Acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy
Explanation
The 'lethal triad' (or 'bloody vicious cycle') in major trauma consists of metabolic acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy — each worsening the others in a self-reinforcing cycle leading to death. Damage control surgery interrupts definitive repair to limit operative time and physiological insult, followed by ICU resuscitation to correct the triad, then planned re-look for definitive repair. Haemostatic resuscitation with 1:1:1 (PRBC:FFP:platelets) addresses the coagulopathy component.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.