✦ GENERAL SURGERY · EMERGENCY

Trauma Surgery

Q: What is damage control surgery?

Damage control surgery is a three-phase approach: Phase 1 — abbreviated laparotomy for haemorrhage control. Phase 2 — ICU resuscitation. Phase 3 — definitive repair at 24–48 hours once physiologically stable.

Q: When is emergency abdominal surgery needed for trauma?

Emergency surgery is needed for haemodynamic instability not responding to resuscitation, evisceration, peritoneal signs after penetrating injury, or significant free fluid on FAST in an unstable patient.

Q: How long does recovery from trauma surgery take?

Minor trauma surgery: 1–2 weeks. Major damage control surgery: 4–8 weeks in hospital, followed by several months of rehabilitation.

Emergency surgical management of life-threatening abdominal and thoracoabdominal injuries.

60–180 Min TREATMENT DURATION

Emergency / ICU CARE SETTING

Open APPROACH

2–6 Weeks RECOVERY TIMELINE

What is Trauma Surgery?

Trauma surgery is the emergency surgical management of life-threatening injuries from blunt or penetrating abdominal and thoracoabdominal trauma. The modern damage control surgery approach — abbreviated initial surgery followed by ICU resuscitation and definitive repair — reduces mortality in major trauma. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi provides emergency trauma surgical care using ATLS-based assessment and damage control principles. A fully equipped surgical team and facility are available for emergency care around the clock.

Suitable for patients with abdominal trauma from road traffic accidents, penetrating injuries, or industrial accidents — requiring emergency surgical assessment and management for haemorrhage, organ injury, or bowel contamination.

How the Procedure Works

ATLS Assessment

Airway, breathing, circulation, disability assessed. FAST ultrasound identifies free peritoneal fluid. CT trauma series when stable.

Damage Control Laparotomy

Emergency midline laparotomy. Active haemorrhage controlled by packing. Bowel perforations temporarily stapled. Abdomen left open if needed.

ICU Resuscitation

Correction of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy in ICU. Massive transfusion protocol. Ventilatory support as required.

Definitive Repair

Return to theatre at 24–48 hours for definitive organ repair and bowel anastomosis once physiologically stabilised.

Rehabilitation

Structured rehabilitation commenced once haemodynamically stable. Stoma care education if stoma formed.

Outcomes

60–180 MinTREATMENT DURATION

Emergency / ICUCARE SETTING

OpenAPPROACH

2–6 WeeksRECOVERY TIMELINE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Damage control corrects lethal triad before definitive repair
→Temporary haemorrhage control saves lives when definitive repair is unsafe
→ICU resuscitation optimises physiology — reducing post-operative complications
→24/7 emergency surgical team availability

In major trauma, the first operation is about saving life — not restoring anatomy. Damage control gives us the time to resuscitate the patient properly before we come back to complete the repair safely.

— Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi, Senior Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is damage control surgery?+

When is emergency abdominal surgery needed for trauma?+

How long does recovery from trauma surgery take?+

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