A Successful Damage Control Surgery in a 20-Years-old Male with Penetrating Abdominal Trauma: A Case Report

Damage Control Laparotomy (DCL) is an appropriate technique in approaching patients with critical injuries.

We report a case of road traffic injury in a 20-years-old male presented with penetrating abdominal trauma caused by a metal tube. The DCL was performed and the patient was stabilized. Re-exploration was carried out and the patient was discharged on the33rd day with peroneal nerve palsy and no other associated complications.

Three main causes of mortality in severely injured patients are coagulopathy, hypothermia, and metabolic acidosis. These factors make a vicious cycle that leads to metabolic status disruptions and a high rate of mortality. The DCL consists of an initial laparotomy that is limited to the control of hemorrhage and contamination, followed by intra-abdominal packing. Minimizing the first operation to vital tasks can save lives that may be lost otherwise.